Why life’s a breeze in sunny Sardinia
THE wind had dropped in an unsporting way. I was barely moving on my windsurfing board off the north-east coast of Sardinia, while all around me people were zipping along, their sails inflated by mysterious gusts I had yet to capture.
I’d clearly not come to the newest beach club from activity holiday company Neilson for my knowledge of the sea – rather, reliable sunshine and endorphins on tap. Baia dei Mori, which opened earlier this year, is the company’s first foray into Sardinia and a bit of a coup as the island is a tough nut to crack: there is high demand for tourism, but relatively low levels of infrastructure to serve it.
The resort has 150 rooms filled with those lured by the firm’s winning formula of activities, kids’ clubs and an all-inclusive element that doesn’t feel as if you are quarantined from your surroundings.
It’s the watersports that draw the crowds – learn the basics and you can take a dinghy, windsurf, paddleboard or kayak out into the bay at Porto Ainu at will, and the clear water is warm enough to fall into without shrieking.
If you’re a landlubber, you can take bikes out along beautifully maintained roads. If you’ve got the legs for it, you can even do part of the Giro d’Italia route.
Filling your day here is almost too easy. In addition to windsurfing, I signed up for swimming lessons, tennis, boxercise and even a highintensity training class.
Thankfully the food buffets for refuelling are copious and you can get a massage on weary legs in the spa.
Just as I was about to give up my attempts at windsurfing, the breeze at last began to fill my sail. Call it beginner’s luck, but the thrill of moving slowly over the waves was sweet like the sunshine on my face.
Neilson (neilson.co.uk) offers seven nights at Baia dei Mori Beachclub from £805pp, including return flights from Heathrow departing May 19, transfers, breakfast and lunch daily, four evening meals and activities.