Costa Smeralda's Renaissance: Luxury Hotels, Ancient Grains, and Blue Zones
Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, established by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in the late 1950s, is undergoing a revival while maintaining its unique charm. The area's original hotels are undergoing transformations, with Romazzino becoming part of the Belmond brand and Pitrizza transitioning to Cheval Blanc. A new direct flight from JFK in New York to Olbia has lengthened the tourist season to seven months. Arzachena has been designated a Blue Zone, emphasizing wellness and local cuisine. Tourists can visit archaeological sites and wineries such as Capichera. Key accommodations include Hotel Pitrizza and Hotel Romazzino, while dining options feature Michelin-starred venues like Confusion and Zuma. The Consorzio Costa Smeralda is dedicated to preserving the region's natural allure, steering clear of mass tourism.
Key facts
- Costa Smeralda is Sardinia's northeastern tip, known as the 'Emerald Coast'.
- Prince Karim Aga Khan IV developed the area in the late 1950s.
- Architects involved: Luigi Vietti, Jacques Couëlle, Michele Busiri Vici, Antonio Simon Mossa.
- Hotel Romazzino is now a Belmond property; Hotel Pitrizza is converting to Cheval Blanc.
- First nonstop flight from New York's JFK to Olbia debuted this season.
- Tourist season extended to seven months, the longest in the region's history.
- Arzachena is recognized as one of the world's newest Blue Zones.
- Capichera winery pioneered Sardinian Vermentino and has archaeological sites.
- Tenuta Coda di Lupo is a 45-acre organic farm growing ancient grains like tricu cossu.
- Hotel Cala di Volpe featured in James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me'.
- New dining options include Langosteria and African Queen Beach Club & Restaurant.
- Dolce & Gabbana prints adorn pool cabanas at Hotel Cala di Volpe.
Entities
Artists
- Luigi Vietti
- Jacques Couëlle
- Michele Busiri Vici
- Antonio Simon Mossa
- Prince Karim Aga Khan IV
- Simone Amorico
- Marco Amorico
Institutions
- Consorzio Costa Smeralda
- Belmond
- Cheval Blanc
- Enjoyacht
- Mema Bike Tours
- Access Italy
- Capichera
- Tenuta Coda di Lupo
- Nikki Beach
- Langosteria
- Zuma
- Confusion
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Etro
- Harrods
- African Queen Beach Club & Restaurant
- Beefbar
- Matsuhisa
- Hotel Pitrizza
- Hotel Romazzino
- Cervo Hotel
- Hotel Cala di Volpe
- Arzachena Archeological Park
- La Maddalena Archipelago
- Pevero Health Trail
Locations
- Sardinia
- Italy
- Costa Smeralda
- Porto Cervo
- Arzachena
- Olbia
- New York City
- United States
- La Maddalena Archipelago
- Corsica
- France
- Milan
- Monaco
- French Riviera