Su Gologone Sardinia in Sunday Times Best 100 Holidays

"Most of the time, A-listers such as Madonna and Stella McCartney stay at A-list places, with A-list prices.  But those very two - along with Richard Gere, Antonio Carluccio and other - have stayed at the Su Gologone, a simple if rather bohemian, country inn on Sardinia's mountainous east coast.  (Madge stayed for weeks.  Couldn't get her out of the place.)  Why?  Could be the evocative setting, in the heart of the Supramonte countryside; or maybe the Sardinian cooking (try the signature fire-roasted sucking pig); or perhaps the trad-with-a-twist art, the excellent walking or the chilled-out rustic vibe.  It certainly wasn't the prices."

Just Sardinia www.justsardinia.co.uk 01202 4848458 has prices at the Su Gologone Country Resort from £651pp for 7 nights half board in a classic room in April-June and October. Flights and car hire extra cost.

Sunday Times 'Knights on the town in Sardinia'

These are the Componidori, or knights, of the Sardinian town of Oristano - and, if the commercialised extravaganzas of Venice and Rio have lost their appear, perhaps you should see how these gentlemen celebrate carnival.

It's called Sa Sartiglia (sartiglia.info), it takes place from February 10-12, and the principle is simple:  if a demigod can pierce with his sword a palm-sized silver star suspended in the street while at full gallop, evil will wither, disease will desist, crops will thrive and children will be born.  It's therefore important to choose the right demigod, known as Su Componidori - a local lad who knows his way around a horse and is pure of heart and mind.  Many are called, but only two are chosen:  one for each of the participating gremios, or guilds, and both in utter secrecy.

On the big day, he is laid on an altar and dressed by virgins in reverential silence.  Mounting his horse without touching the ground - to do so would compromise his purity - he emerges into the packed streets dressed in a top hat, a lace-edged mantilla and that disturbing, expressionless, androgynous mask.  No longer human, he is the incarnation of an old god, carrying a bouquet of periwinkles and violets (representing fertility and spring), and bearing the fate of the city on his shoulders.

The star is suspended on Via del Duomo.  He will pass three times under it, then he will charge, sword extended to pierce - or miss - the tin star.  If he succeeds, he will turn the horse, lie flat on its back and gallop back down the street, and if you're impressed by that, you've seen nothing yet.

Now it's the Componidori's turn to impress and your turn to give thanks.  They have to gallop down Via Mazzini, standing upright on their horses;  you have to thank whatever god you like that you don't have to take part.

Watch with Just Sardinia 01202 484858 justsardinia.co.uk which have three nights at the boutique Maison Tresnuraghes from £299pp B&B including flights and car hire.

Chia Laguna Resort - Book before the end of January for 25% Discount!

This popular resort situated close to the beautiful bay of Chia on the south coast of Sardinia, approximately 57km from Cagliari airport, offers the choice of family accommodation in Chia Village or sophisticated and stylish hotel accommodation in an idyllic location, with complimentary Children's Clubs, 3 pools, 8 restaurants and a host of activities and entertainments.

Chia Laguna Resort Chia Village 2013 Early Booking Offer:
Book with Just Sardinia 01202 484858 www.justsardinia.co.uk before the 31st January 2013 to travel between the 4th May & 27th September and receive a 25% Discount on the accommodation price!


Price on 4th May WAS £612.50pp NOW £459.50 SAVE £153pp
Repeat Guests to Chia Laguna Resort receive a further 5% Discount
Saving based on 2 sharing a Cottage Classic Room on Half Board

PLUS
Repeat Guests to Chia Laguna Resort receive a further 5% Discount!

Sunday Times: 52 Weekends

LAZY Weekend:

Springtime, Sardinia

Empty beaches, sunny skies and the smell of rosemary make spring the best time to visit Sardinia.  With few visitors around, it’s a perfect opportunity to explore the back roads, seeking out home-made percorino sardo and agriturismi serving up pork and beans, and egg and tomato on toast.  Stay at the lovely Hotel Rocce Sarde, in the north east of the island with Just Sardinia (01202 484858, justsardinia.co.uk) which has two nights in May from £266pp, B&B, including flights and transfers.