Neilson Sardinia in Spring
Neilson have a beautiful beachclub set on the northeast coast of Sardinia and as a member of the Travel Club Elite team, I was recently fortunate enough to visit the Baia Dei Mori resort in spring. A wonderful time of year to visit as I soon discovered.
The Baia dei Mori beachclub rested in a cool pine grove next to the beautiful beach of Porto Ainu and neighbouring Sant’ Anna beach. White sandy shores met a transparent, turquoise sea and mid-May, the dunes that run alongside were abundant with fresh, flora and fauna, flourishing in a pleasant 21 degrees. As it happens, also perfect conditions for guests participating in the array of activities made available (see activity planner below) in our Welcome Meeting, hosted by ‘Frosty’, a bubbly Neilson veteran of 25 years, who worked both summer and winter seasons.
Neilson Activity Planner. Activities are graded with a colour system: green beginner, blue intermediate, red high intermediate and black advanced.
Biking in Sardinia
Neilson have a variety of high specification bikes including premium road bikes and equipment to discover an unspoiled Sardinia. Guided routes varied between gentle road adventures to more mountainous rides to test the real enthusiast (and I would imagine when spring weather would be appreciated). Routes visited the Brunella Hills & Porto Ottiolu with its seaside cafes and bars. Free riding was also available at the bike centre where the helpful team fits you out.
Tennis
A lot of my fellow guests were tennis players and given the tennis facilities available it was easy to see why some holidayed 2 or 3 times a year at Neilson Sardinia. The tennis programs have been designed by Andy Murrays former coach, Mark Petchey and for one to ones, the coaches have even been trained by him. Again, the tennis catered from the beginner to advanced and there was free tennis and social tennis also available. The Booze and Balls session seemed very popular! as did the Superdrills session for those who enjoyed hitting 150-200 balls a session.
Fitness
Fitness was another popular activity I noted. With all sessions taking place on the wooden deck, shaded by the fragrant pine trees, and being well attended throughout the day.
There would be a gentle start to mornings with Yoga, Pilates and Stretching and something a bit more upbeat like Boxercise or Zumba in the afternoons.
There was also a guided morning walk and early social runs.
On the Water
And from on shore sports to water sports in the crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea… Any of which could only begin once you had attended the Beach Safety meeting. Once on the water, the watchful beach team kept an eye on you from their tower and boats. All buoyancy aids, helmets and harnesses being provided.
Tip: Being May, some guests also wore their own wetsuit shorties for added warmth.
Sailing & Windsurfing
Neilson Sardinia is a RYA training centre and regardless of ability group tuition is included.
For those starting to sail or windsurf, for a period of 4 days, mornings started with learning the basics. To progress further there would then be drop-in clinics: blue and red windsurf clinics and basic / advanced dinghy clinics.
Lasers and Catamarans were also available for some ‘friendly’ racing and an open regatta. Neilson also have a Floating Coach at Baia Dei Mori for supervised sailing & windsurfing.
Kayaks & Paddle Boarding
Available for use every day with enthusiastic staff providing pointers or you can sign up for an introductory session. Kayak Safaris are regular and whilst I was there a group went to nearby Sant’ Anna Beach with its striking mountain back drop.
Swimming Pool & Bar
The pool area at Neilson Sardinia is serene in spring. Sunbeds with parasols surround 25 meters of swimming delight and there’s a separate small pool for younger guests.
Nearby there was the pool bar with covered terrace, playing host to comfy sofas for socialising, table tennis and a tiny little sparrow’s nest just above the bar window, complete with brood!
A Taste of Sardinia
Neilson Sardinia has a club board menu consisting of breakfast and lunch daily, plus 4 evening meals.
Breakfast being my favourite meal with such a wide variety of choices: fruit, yoghurts, cereals, freshly made bread and pastries, local meats, and cheeses, plus tempting hot offerings of omelettes, pancakes, or full English. All accompanied with delicious coffees and teas.
At lunch there would be fresh Italian pizza, grilled meats, salads, pasta, and vegetarian fare. On the inclusive evenings delicious dishes from around the Mediterranean. Sumptuous deserts also supplemented lunch and evening meals (thank goodness for all those activities!).
Tip: Try the large and very social table for a bit more fun.
Neilson’s non-inclusive nights allowed us to try local restaurants within walking distance, helping to support the local community. One evening we went to Pizzeria da Paolo and had a very reasonable and tasty pizza for 10 Euro each. Another evening we went to Pedra Niedda and enjoyed pasta dishes, Tiramisu, and a drink for approx. 40 Euros in total. I would recommend both.
Further, we also enjoyed an onsite Sardinian night (extra cost) which included traditional local dishes and entertainment and I again would happily recommend.
You can also remain on site and dine in the main restaurant at additional cost on non-inclusive nights and additionally an option to take a Thursday evening excursion to Porto Ottiolu to enjoy a meal (extra) and a bit of shopping.
Children’s Clubs at Baia Dei Mori
Being outside of the school holidays the children’s clubs were quiet with most families having children under 5 years. Many families were also holidaying with grandparents as well, adding to their memory treasure chest.
Each evening a board outside of the Club Room was updated to detail the next day’s activities.
Inclusive of costs is Sea Turtles for 2-year-olds, Sea Urchins for 3 year olds and Sea Badgers for 4 & 5 years olds. At extra cost, the Starfish creche is for those aged 4 -23 months.
Tip: There was also a 24-hour baby room equipped with microwave sterilizer and changing facilities. Also, a Sleep Club for under 5’s included*.
Wellness
Whilst on holiday I enjoyed a spa manicure and during this I learnt from Neve (qualified therapist) that all care products are from the TEMPLESPA brand and are rich in botanicals and anti-aging formulas. They are perfect for pampering as well as for muscle-easing Sports treatments.
Neve also kindly gave me a complementary moisture from TEMPLESPA to try.
Conclusion
True to their moto you really can Relax as hard as you like at Neilson Sardinia. I thoroughly enjoyed my relaxing spring holiday and from the take up of activities by others (and smiles), they were clearly enjoying their active holiday too.
Further, being mid-May, prices are good and the weather idyllic for all.
To learn more and to book Baia Dei Mori, Sardinia with Extra Savings call Travel Club Elite free 0800 707 6229 or Enquire. ABTA 35+ Years | Rated 5* Trust Pilot.