A feature from the IAGTO Directory 2013

Oristano

Oristano

OristanoEnjoy nature, history and golf in Sardinia’s smallest provinceOristano is the smallest Sardinian province and offers a rich heritage away from the crowds, together with interesting shopping, cafés and the friendly social life of its capital city, also called Oristano, where locals meet at night in the Piazza Eleonora.

Ancient civilisations were drawn to this south-west area of Sardinia with its diverse landscape of pine forests, lagoons, sheltered sandy beaches, mountains and precipitous cliffs; the first settlements on the Sinis peninsula date back over two thousand years.

In medieval times, Oristano vied for power over Sardinia, waging wars against the other Sardinian kingdoms which culminated in the attempt to conquer the whole island in the late 14th century. Reminders of its turbulent history include the 19-metre-high Tower of St Christophoros, built in 1290 and the most striking remaining evidence of the old walls.

Today, this still untouched and unknown area provides a welcome escape from the crowds for visitors, who can also discover its culture, traditions, history and excellent Sardinian cuisine and local wines.

Around the city, the lagoons and the ponds are a natural habitat for pink flamingos while offshore island Mal di Ventre is home to thousands of sea birds and its underwater life is a haven for divers.

Not far from Oristano city lies Is Arenas, which means sand in the local language, an appropriate name for this long, pristine beach which offers breathtaking sunsets over the sea.

Is Arenas Golf Course

64

Oristano

Is Arenas Golf Course

But Is Arenas is not only beach and sea. Here, in the heart of Sardinia’s west coast, you will find one of Europe’s most spectacular golf courses, both from a technical and a location perspective. An 18 hole, par 71 championship golf course designed by acclaimed American architects Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril, it is set in a 750 hectare (1,850 acre) private pine forest, not far from the beach, and measures over 6,300 metres (6,890 yards).

The course was conceived to blend in with the surrounding environment, with its natural dunes, lush forest and four lakes. Each hole is framed by pine and juniper trees, while the course design provides challenges for every golfer. The signature 17th hole offers an extraordinary view over a 6km (3.7 mile) stretch of uncontaminated sandy beach. The pine forest is an oasis which is home to birds, turtles and foxes; indeed, the turtle is the symbol of the club.

Practice facilities comprise a three-hole executive course, a driving range with 40 covered bays, pitching and chipping greens with bunkers and two putting greens. Instruction is also available in group or individual clinics, with lessons available in Italian, French, English, Spanish and German.

“If you play golf there is nothing better than to treat yourself to a lovely experience at Golf Is Arenas”, according to Robert Von Hagge, Smelek & Baril head architect Richard Baril. “All the natural elements that it offers – sand dunes, forest, water and an exceptional climate – are a perfect combination for a unique experience of golf playing. Is Arenas is an unlimited carpet of colours, fragrances and vital energies.”

Golf Hotel Is Arenas

Adjacent to the course and surrounded by Is Arenas’ lush pine forest lies the five-star Golf Hotel Is Arenas. Guests enjoy exclusive green fee discounts and stay metres from the course. Set near a natural reserve, the resort complex incorporates the highest technology and energy-efficiency standards, its design inspired by the surrounding nature; buildings never rise above the vegetation and blend in with the forest. Architect and designer Lorenzo Bellini personally chose the natural interiors and building materials, which include Sardinian marble and ceiling chestnut beams.

Most of the 58 rooms and suites feature an open space, a veranda, a private garden, a patio or a balcony. The elegant interiors are minimalist-style, with touches of purple. Golf family suites are villas set in the pine forest that can accommodate up to five people, perfect for families or groups of golfers.

The hotel offers several restaurants and bars, serving food including traditional Sardinian dishes. Guests can also dedicate time to their wellbeing and “rediscover their inner selves” at the hotel’s Boutique Spa. Set in a natural location, it offers an innovative and holistic approach with its massages and treatments.

Sardinia is a perfect location for families and children with its clean beaches and crystal-clear sea. Golf Hotel Is Arenas offers dedicated children’s activities in summer.

Is Arenas is within easy reach of Sardinia’s main airports, with a driving time of between 75 and 110 minutes.

65

Other area hotels

Foresteria Is Arenas: a small but comfortable four-room lodge which has been blended into the natural pine forest. Staying in the lodge allows guests to savour being in a paradise of relaxation, immersed in green and where total silence reigns.

Agriturismo Archelao: a farmhouse offering five mini-suites 5km (3 miles) from Oristano, with all dishes made using farm produce and combining Sardinian tradition with innovation.

Corte Fiorita: a small, historic hotel in the heart of the old town of Bosa. The hotel is an “albergo diffuso” with different units spread along the centre of Bosa facing the Temo river. The bedrooms and the mini suites have TV, air conditioning, internet, minibar and private bathroom.

Hotel La Baja: located in the seaside resort of Santa Caterina di Pittinuri near the Sinis Peninsula, the hotel overlooks a beautiful natural bay and offers guests breathtaking sea views, a swimming pool with bar service and a restaurant with a panoramic veranda that offers a large choice of dishes inspired by Sardinian gastronomy traditions.

Hotel Villa Asfodeli: open all year round, it is set within a restored “liberty villa” and a traditional Sardinian house alongside the twin bell towers of Saint George in the town of Tresnuraghes and has a charming garden, swimming pool and fitness centre. The eight-room hotel overlooks the sea.

Villa delle Rose: a three-star hotel located two minutes from Oristano town centre in the peaceful Piazza Italia. All rooms are equipped with en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and heater. Its strategic position allows guests to easily reach local beaches and archaeological sites.

B&B Sa Cotilla: this bed and breakfast establishment is set within a villa in a quiet area in the centre of the town of Cabras just a few metres from the seas, with an enclosed garden and patio which is overlooked by the rooms.

Sardinia Way: a villa with one double-bed bedroom and another bedroom with bunk beds, it also offers a bathroom, living room with sofa bed, fireplace and kitchenette, veranda, terrace, washing machine, TV, BBQ and a swimming pool.

Country Resort & Spa Capo Nieddu: a wine-making farm in the Sardinia countryside, 7km (4.3 miles) from Santa Caterina di Pittinuri beach. The elegant suites offer views of the sea in the distance. All junior suites and suites feature a rustic Sardinian style, with terracotta floors and a patio. It includes two outdoor swimming pools and a wellness centre with Jacuzzi, salt cave and hammam.

Copy supplied by Consorzio Golf OristanoInformation & bookings:

Luna Lughente Viaggi & TurismoVia Mazzini 8, 09170 Oristano

Tel: 0783 779085Fax: 0783 768779

info@lunalughenteviaggi.it

www.gooristano.com/westsardinia/en

Oristano

66

Cover Photo: Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort***** • www.terre-blanche.com

1 Trafalgar House, Grenville Place, London, NW7 3SA, United KingdomTel: +44 (0) 20 8906 3377 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8906 8181 Email: info@iagto.com Website: www.iagto.com

IAGTO Ltd. is registered in England as a professional membership organisation No. 3507678. SIC 9112. VAT 710 1940 78. Directors: P Walton, C Carugati, G Greenwood.

For more info visit www.iagto.com