TRAVELLERS' TALES - A family trip to Sardinia
Just married, Lara and Dan took off to sunny Sardinia for a honeymoon treat. However, they just couldn't bear to leave behind their 22-month-old son, Fin. Find out how they all got on, on this beautiful Italian island…
Organising our holidayWe knew we wanted to go somewhere special for our honeymoon but we also knew that we couldn't spend a week of fun in the sun without our 22 month old son, Fin. Hence, 12 hour flights to Mauritius were out but a short plane ride to the Italian island of Sardinia fitted the bill perfectly. On recommendation from a friend, we logged onto www.justsardinia.co.uk and promptly booked a week at the 4 star Sofitel Thalassa Timi Ama spa resort in Villasimius, Sardinia. Our journeyWe flew from Luton to Sardinia with Easy Jet as they offered tickets at a really good price. Despite a few initial hold-ups we were boarded and ready to embark on the 2 and a half journey to Cagliari which lies in the southern part of the island. Our transfer to the resort had been organised by Just Sardinia and we were met at the airport by a holiday representative, driver and a grand-looking Mercedes set to drive us the 50-minute journey to our resort! We'd pre-arranged a child car seat for the journey so Fin was able to catch up on some much-needed shut-eye whilst we enjoyed the beautiful sea views. The drive up to the resort requires careful navigation around some very high mountains so if you have a tendency for car sickness (like I do) travel sickness tablets are a must! The Timi Ama ResortThe Timi Ama is situated in a picturesque coastal spot in Villasimius offering magnificent views of the bay, lagoons and surrounding mountains. To say we were happy with our accommodation is an understatement - the Timi Ama is a dream come true for seasoned travellers like us who are more accustomed to slumming it in a tent or beach hut in order to save a few pounds for the next days noodles. The air-conditioned rooms are generously sized and pristinely clean with huge bathrooms, wardrobes and sun terraces; the fresh water pool is immaculate with palm trees, rocks and mini fountains and the complimentary (and rather luxury) sunbeds and towels are available from morning till night. To top it all off, the resort has its very own private beach which is served by a land train which runs from the hotel to the beach every ten minutes. This was an absolute delight for Fin who insisted on several trips a day, chanting 'choo choo' at the top of his voice. A healthy appetiteWe booked a room on a half board basis which meant we were entitled to breakfast and dinner each day. There are 3 restaurants at the hotel, but we stuck to 'La Veranda', a themed restaurant which offered a huge spread of the most delicious cuisine imaginable. Fresh fish, beautifully cooked meat, pastas, pizza, salads and risotto were just some of the treats on offer and I can honestly say that we ate that week like we've never eaten before - devouring every last delicious crumb until we could stomach no more! To Fin's delight, there was also plenty of fresh fruit, anchovies and 'gog-gogs' (otherwise known as yoghurt) so he was happy. The restaurant is open for lunch every day and you can also reserve a table at the beach side restaurant, I Ginepri at which you get a 25 euro supplement per person. Activities & EntertainmentThere are plenty of activities to keep your family entertained including tennis, archery, beach aerobics, volleyball, bowls, table tennis and horse riding. You also have access to a fitness studio if you fancy a proper work-out. I had packed my trainers and trackies with the intention of having a 'week of healthy eating and fitness' but the pool, gelatos and cocktail bar proved to be much more fun. The resort is staffed by a busy team of young Italians who are committed to ensuring you have a great holiday. Not only do they go out of their way to ensure your offspring is entertained, but there are nightly shows, dance lessons and sporting competitions all at your disposal. Baboo ClubChildren simply adore this place. There wasn't a miserable little face in sight and the resort is full of the sound of kiddie laughter and fun. To help keep them entertained (and give you extra tanning time) the Baboo Club is available for 4-12 year olds and offers a comprehensive list of activities for the young and adventurous. The club is headed up by trained child carers who spend the day entertaining your child in their own space complete with swimming pool and park. Fin was too young to join the club but we were still able to use the facilities and there is a babysitting service (with English speaking nannies) if you fancy a night out on the tiles. The club also has its very own Baboo mascot who comes along at 9pm every night to entertain the children. Fin adored Mr. Baboo and spent the majority of the week trying to find him and hold his hand. He even invented his very own 'Baboo jig' which he'd do every time he saw him. Pure entertainment. Thalassotherapy CentreThe Timi Ama is known for its spa treatments and there is a separate thalassotherapy centre where you can have a treatment or simply relax in one of the fresh water spa pools. The centre specialises in water treatments including affusion showers, hydro massage and seaweed therapy and there is a list of perfect treatments for busy mums and dads. ExcursionsIf you fancy an adventure outside of the Timi Ama, you can hire a car and visit the surrounding areas. We hired one through our Just Sardinia rep who organised everything by phone with the car arriving at 9am the next morning. We decided to drive to Cagliari and spent a few hours strolling through the old town and checking out the shops and gelataria's. The next day we stayed closer to home, visiting the coastal beach resorts of Costa Rei and Seillinius with a stop-off in Villasimius town en route back to the resort. You can walk it in around half an hour from the Timi Ama and its well worth a visit - the shops, bars and restaurants are fantastic and you can pick up some great gifts for relatives back home. Overall VerdictA week at the Timi Ama doesn't come cheap - particularly if you're a family of four or more. However, if you fancy treating your family to a first class holiday, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. The experience of life in such a welcoming, luxurious and fun resort is one that you'll cherish forever and in my opinion, is worth every penny. N.B. If you don't speak Italian, make sure you take a phrase book with you. If you know the basics it makes life so much easier - especially if you happen to get lost in the middle of Cagliari like we did! Where to next?
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