Marriott’s W Brand has planted its flag in Sardinia, and is shaking up the hotel scene with its Balearic spirit, youthful pizzazz, and cosmopolitan know-how
Location
The new W Sardinia is just a minute away from Poltu Quatu (meaning Hidden Port), a resort town in Costa Smerelda, Northern Sardinia. The area puts La Dolce Vita on your doorstep with its craggy cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. And the hotel is ideally located for proximity to eateries, gift shops, bars, and hiking routes.
You’ll need a rental car to explore this stunning island further – taxis are also readily available, but extremely pricey (I paid £43 for a 15 minute journey). Olbia airport is roughly 40 minutes away by car.
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The vibe
The W Sardinia has been interior designed by Meyer Davis, who describe the hotel as “a curated passage through land, sea, and story”. This translates to a hotel which feels as if it’s been carved out of the local rock, and is inspired by the island’s rich Mediterranean, Moorish, and Greek heritage, with whitewashed walls and curves everywhere you look.
There’s a sweeping, quirky, colourful lobby festooned with local art, which sets the scene for a hotel that feels both authentic to island life, while setting out its cool-luxury MO as soon as you cross the threshold.
Service
As with the entire W brand, the service is diligent, knowledgeable and thorough, but without any of the stuffiness of more traditional hotels. The playful uniforms strike you first – such as the Roger Moore-esque safari-style blue jackets the male reception staff wear (The Spy Who Loved Me was filmed down the road).
As this is a seasonal hotel (open May to October) many of the staff are seconded from W Rome, so there is a very stylish, metropolitan air to proceedings.
You are treated as a friend here, and nothing seems to be too much trouble. The bar staff can readily recommend wines and cocktails, and the concierge will arrange a day trip or a luxury car to the airport.
Bed and bath
Split into two sections, the accessible “2000 block” and the labyrinthine “4000 block” (the corridors reminded me of the Dutch artist MC Escher’s “Relativity”), this is modern, sophisticated Balearic-style accommodation with a Sardinian twist – whitewashed walls and cedar joinery, with interior touches that reflect the island through sea blues, local arts and crafts, textures and warm tones.
Rooms range from “Cosy”, to the sprawling “W Suites”. The “Standard” rooms feature beach tones, which makes them feel very luxurious and sunkissed, though they could do with a touch more personality. They come with a mini bar and a coffee maker, as well as a balcony or garden view. They have king beds, and your music needs are met by an excellent Marshall Bluetooth speaker.
The sleek bathrooms retain the accents of the cedar from the bedrooms, but contrasted with light and dark Italian marble. The toilet and an excellent shower are in private cubicles, with blushes saved by frosted glass.
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Food and drink
The pastries (both for dessert and breakfast) here cannot be recommended highly enough, especially if you have a sweet tooth in the morning like the Italians do.
The restaurant TANIT (which is also where breakfast is served), stakes its reputation on seafood and thankfully comes up trumps. Be sure to order the squid “tagliatelle” – served as fresh mollusk sliced and presented like the broad Italian noodle – it’s a delicious dish that both messes with your mind and satisfies your stomach That, paired with the evening views over the picture-perfect Poltu Quatu bay, make for quite the dining moment.
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A more casual dining experience can be found at the pool-adjacent W Lounge – with a Soho House feel – which has the same menu as the poolside “Wet Deck” and the room service. The offering isn’t extensive though I was very pleasantly surprised by the fries, which were served with lime zest.
There are options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free guests. Staff encourage guests to inform them of any dietary needs before arrival so they can customise the experience.
Facilities
The AWAY Spa wasn’t yet open during my visit, but is scheduled to welcome guests from April 2026, along with a beach club. The 24-hour FIT fitness centre is anything but the afterthought you sometimes find in hotels – it’s incredibly spacious and considered, with the most up-to-date Technogym equipment, and overlooking the pretty, tranquil “Secret Garden” of the resort.
The pool area is the place to chill and be seen. It features a bridge from the 4000 Block that almost doubles as a catwalk. Chin up, shades on. You can swim underneath the bridge to the shallow end of the 10m pool, where a waterfall cascades over a grotto. Daybeds, loungers and poolside tables are all served by attentive staff.
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Accessibility
The hotel’s communal areas are on one floor in the 2000 block. There are ramps to the pool area, as well as elevators to reach higher floors. Accessible rooms come with wider doors and adapted bathrooms.
Pet policy
Pets are welcome for £130 per stay (cats and dogs with a max weight of 10kg). Guests can bring one pet per room.
Check-in/check-out?
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is 12 noon.
Family-friendly?
A family could feasibly stay at W Sardinia, though it is geared towards more of an adult crowd. The hotel offers connecting rooms upon request, baby cots, rollaway beds, and a kids’ menu.
At a glance
Best thing: The pool is the centrepiece, where the beautiful people gather.
Perfect for: Boujee couple’s breaks or classy girls’ weekends away.
Not right for: Guests who prefer a peaceful break, as there are poolside DJs.
Instagram from: By the pool facing the bridge, to take in all of the impressive architecture.
Address: Poltu Quatu, Porto Cervo, Sassari, Italy, 07021
Phone: +39-800932403
Website: marriott.com
Matt was a guest of W Sardinia
