Sea & Pine Forest, Sardinia
Overview
Reviews
“Beautiful horses and great riding tailored to what I wanted to do. Gorgeous, quiet location (in June) with a mix of mountains, forest, beach rides/walks. Riding very flexible so good for my non riding partner as well. Room was comfortable and clean and food was great. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
Anglo Arab /Sardinian and ponies
Nature of horses:
Kind temperament, well schooled, responsive
Height of horses:
9.0 - 16hh
Weight limit:
90kg
Tack type:
English & Western
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride Description
A fantastic and diverse resort with something to offer to everyone including a walk around the Western village. Imagine riding in an immense pinewood, on the dunes that border the beach and the sea and looking up to admire the flight of rose flamingo. In the heart of Sardinia, directly on the beach, sits this beautiful resort. The beaches are still wild and uncontaminated. Ecosystems are populated by pink flamingos and rare species, this is a part of the island which remains still widely unknown and therefore still to discover, what better way than to do it by horseback? This natural and pure environment is with no doubt the best place for long walks, excursions and trekking led by experienced guides. The resort also hosts important equestrian competitions and horse shows.
The resort has a choice of comfortable accommodation in the hotel or cottages which are set in the grounds, this allows you to immerse yourself in the freedom and tranquility of the extensive wooded grounds. The accommodation and stables are surrounded by four hundred hectares of pine forest. The rooms all have en-suite facilities, with air conditioning.
We can arrange a horse riding programme to suit you and allow time for you to enjoy all the other activities this wonderful resort has to offer. Lessons can be arranged for you in the indoor school or a day ride to explore the countryside with lunch at local fishing villages. We can offer a four day trek with riders returning to the hotel each night. The horse riding facilities are now the largest in all Italy with a large indoor school and also separate facilities for those interested in Western riding.
There is much to do here for all the family so non riders (including those difficult teenagers) are guaranteed to have a wonderful holiday. A versatile destination for children and grown ups. Adults can enjoy the wellness centre, relax and unwind or simply soak up the sun.
All of this comes with the guaranteed, continuous support of F.I.S.E (Italian Federation of Equestrian Sport) certified federal instructors, A.N.T.E (National Association of Equestrian Tourism) certified guides and staff with twenty years of experience. There is a wonderful instructor Rachael who qualified in the UK who will take care of your horse riding programme.
It is important to bear in mind that this complex is large and busy and many guests do not take up the horse riding but are here just to rest, relax and enjoy the other facilities. Therefore in summer it can be very busy and noisy. The horse riding facilities are two minutes walk through the complex and are quite peaceful however!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is nestled in a beautiful pine forest near Oristano. The hotel complex has three separate buildings. The comfortable rooms are air conditioned. They have private bathroom and shower, hairdryer, telephone facilities, television and mini-bar.
Superior rooms have either a balcony or patio, and a swimming pool or park view. For those wanting more luxury then you can opt for a Suite; two connected rooms that are elegantly furnished. If you would like a suite then please ask for a quote upon enquiry.
Alternatively you can stay in a one or two roomed cottage. The cottages are situated in the pine forest next to the beach. They offer peace, privacy and a small garden. All cottages have a private bathroom, direct telephone, safe, air conditioning and mini bar. A brilliant choice for couples wanting privacy or families with children so they can play in the garden area.
The resort is also furnished with an outdoor grass arena of more than 11.000 square meters. Other highlights include two swimming pools, sports courts and of course the wellness centre. The Poseidonya SPA specialises in thalassotherapy and Seaweed, is equipped with all modern facilities and equipment to offer personalized services and treatments including hydro massage, mud baths, massage therapy, reflexology, lymphatic drainage and relaxation techniques. There is free wi fi internet in the hall.
The food here is served mainly buffet style with plenty of choice and variety. Local seafood, fruit and vegetables, local cheeses and, of course, Sardinian pasta feature in the menu.
House wine and mineral water are included during lunch and dinner in the main restaurant. During the summer months, there are alternative restaurants for those who are happy to pay a supplement locally for a change of venue. There is also a barbecue, snack bar. Tex Mex restaurant and pizzeria on site. The pizzeria is situated on a beautiful terrace overlooking the gardens and the swimming pool.
There are several bars where guests can meet after lunch or dinner including a saloon in the Western Village which offers Tex Mex cuisine.
Activities
This is a resort geared up for all the family. During the summer months, the beach offers all sporting facilities including beach volleyball, banana ride, windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, pedalos and you can also hire a boat. There are also canoes, wind surfs, sailing ships and kite surfs.
The 10 km of long sandy beach is lovely for relaxing walks. The beach is equipped with sunchairs and a shaded area, showers, toilets and cabins. There is a wooden jetty into the sea.
As well as two swimming pools (one with a special area for children), you can enjoy tennis, football, bowls, ping pong, billiards, video games room and archery.
From the hotel you can rent a car, scooters and bicycles. The staff will arrange games, tournaments, sports, parties and evening shows. For the children there is an ampitheatre where in the summer there are organised games, shows, dancing and activities.
You can hire a bicycle and or just walk through the beautiful countryside. There are local lakes full of flamingos and sultan fowls - a dream for birdwatchers.
Sardinia has many interesting archeological sites to visit and excursions to different towns can be arranged. However, car hire is highly recommended.
Further Details
Languages: English, Sardinian & Italian
Health requirements: None
Age limit: None
Tuition: Yes
Included: En-suite accommodation, meals including wine, riding as agreed, accommodation rates now includes the club card that is valid in seasons C/D/E, this allows the use of the beach service, entertainment activities and non equestrian sport lessons.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance and transfers.
Travel Information
EasyJet and Ryanair fly into Sardinia to Alghero and Cagliari and Olbia. British Airways fly into Cagliari.The resort is 50 minutes by car from Cagliari airport and 1 hour 30 minutes from Alghero. From Olbia the transfer is 1 hour 50 minutes.
Check in: 15:00 and check out: 10:00 in high season.
Unfortunately the travel infra structure in Sardinia is not good. Train services and buses are erratic and transfers tend to be very expensive. The best option is definitely to hire a car.
CAGLIARI AEROPORTO / PORTO
1/3 persons € 110
4/8 persons € 150 Minibus
OLBIA AEROPORTO / PORTO
1/3 persons € 200
4/8 persons € 300 Minibus
ALGHERO - PORTO TORRES AEROPORTO / PORTO
1/3 persons € 180
4/8 persons € 250 Minibus
These prices are per vehicle one way. There is a 20% supplement for night service (22:00-08:00).
Airport: Alghero (AHO)
Alternative Airport: Cagliari (CAG)
Programmes
West Coast Trekking (add-on)
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This is a programme which you can include in your stay in Sardinia. You will start your trail at the stables of the hotel and make your way to Marceddi. Each night you will return the hotel for dinner and overnight and return to your horse in the morning. Day One: You will enjoy a breakfast at the hotel and take your horse from the stables here and ride towards Agriturismo Casa Casti . You will pass through the ancient village of Marceddi riding through sandy roads and wetlands. You will have lunch in Marceddi and ride on towards the Agriturismo. You will return to the hotel by minibus. Approx 5 hours riding Day Two: After breakfast in the hotel, you will take a minibus to the Agriturismo Casa Casti. You will be introduced to your horse and begin your trail riding through the countryside of Guspini "Gentilis". The territory is mainly characterised by forests of oaks and cork oaks and Mediterranean woodlands. The trail crosses mountainous terrain climbing to the summit of "Punta Fonnesu" from where it is possible to admire the coast from the so called "sheep cape" and the Gulf of Oristano and the mountain range of Mount Arcentu. You will enjoy a delicious picnic in this wonderful countryside and then continue your ride until you reach the Casa Casti farmhouse. You will leave the horses at the farmhouse and depart by minibus back to the Hotel. Approx 5 hours riding Day Three: After breakfast in the hotel, you will depart by minibus to meet your horse again at the stables of Agriturismo Casa Casta. You will get your horse ready and today you will centre into the mountain paths through the countryside of Arburese to reach the coastal areas. Today you will enjoy another picnic in this lovely countryside. You will arrive at the spectacular cove or Rio Murtas and then continue onto the fascinating dunes of Torre dei Corsara and Pistis. You will make your way back to the Agriturismo. Your horse will be left here and you will return by minibus to enjoy the facilities of the hotel. Approx 5 hours riding Day Four: Once again breakfast at the hotel and return by minibus to Agriturismo Casa Casta. You will make you way back to the lovely village of Marceddi where you will enjoy lunch. After lunch, it is the final leg of the trail, and you will return by horseback to the hotel. Approx 5 hours riding It is possible to book a Three Day trail |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and fit for long hours in the saddle |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5/6 hours a day |
| Departure dates: | 24th March - 2nd November. |
| Pricing: |
2019: Price for the trail is £585 per person in addition to the accommodation you have chosen at the hotel It is possible to book a Three Day Trail - £429 per person in addition to the accommodation you have chosen at the hotel Please contact the office to confirm a price inclusive of accommodation. The programme is confirmed with a minimum of two riders and includes return transfer by minibus from the stables, a picnic lunch, 5-6 hours riding a day and qualified guides. Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience. |
Tailor Made Programme
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The facilities here are fantastic and possibly the best in Europe with a large indoor arena. There is a large outdoor grass arena (11,000 sq.m) and a smaller sand area 100 x 90m suitable for lessons. The large indoor arena is 80m x 54m. This arena is used for competitions as it has seating for 1150 spectators. We can arrange a programme to suit everyone from total beginners to experienced riders. It is possible to book a package which includes 10 or 15 hours of riding and it is possible to book extra at the stables, if you do feel you would like more riding. These hours can be used in trail rides or instruction and a programme will be put in place with Rachael when you are there. We can organise instruction in all disciplines including Western riding. The Western Village on site is complete with Saloon, Tex-Mex restaurant and Drug Store. Of course, there will be horses and saddles for the cowboys! The trekking can vary between beach and pinewood trails. There are shorter trails available to the flamingo lake and longer trails to the fishing village of Marceddi, along the golden dunes of Torre dei Corsari, to Monte Arci and up country to Campidano. The programme can include: - Outdoor or indoor lessons in the arena - A hack in the pinewood or on the beach - Riding to the Pink Flamingos pond (two hours) - Riding to the ancient fisherman's village of Marceddi (five hours) It is possible to book the Trekking trail at an additional cost. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Beginners to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trails, tuition and pony games for children |
| Total riding time: | Riding time to suit |
| Departure dates: | 2019: 24 March - 2 November 2019 |
| Pricing: |
Prices are for half or full board with 10 or 15 hours riding based on double occupancy in hotel or bungalow accommodation. There is a price variation for each holiday season. 2019 Early Booking Promotions on Standard & Superior Rooms Book between 1/02/2019-30/04/2019 we can offer a 10% discount 2019: Season A: 24March-10 May & 21 September-2 November Hotel Accommodation Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £649 full board £727 15 hours riding half board £756 full board £835 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £697 full board £775 15 hours riding half board £805 full board £883 Single supplement £108 per week in standard/superior rooms Bungalow (2 persons one room or 3 persons two room) 10 hours riding half board £757 full board £835 15 hours riding half board £865 full board £942 Season B: 11 May-7June & 7-20 September Hotel Accommodation Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £661 full board £747 15 hours riding half board £768 full board £853 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £707 full board £793 15 hours riding half board £815 full board £901 Single supplement £151 per week standard/superior rooms Bungalow (2 persons one room or 3 persons two room) 10 hours riding half board £775 full board £860 15 hours riding half board £883 full board £964 Season C: 8 June-28 June & 24 August-6 September Hotel Accommodation Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £703 full board £811 15 hours riding half board £811 full board £919 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £775 full board £884 15 hours riding half board £882 full board £991 Single supplement £151 per week standard/superior rooms Bungalow (2 persons one room or 3 persons two room) 10 hours riding half board £823 full board £932 15 hours riding half board £931 full board £1039 Season D: 29 June-2 August & 17-23 August Hotel Accommodation Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £775 full board £890 15 hours riding half board £882 full board £997 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £848 full board £956 15 hours riding half board £955 full board £1065 Single supplement £187 per week standard/superior rooms Bungalow (2 persons one room or 3 persons two room) 10 hours riding half board £902 full board £1016 15 hours riding half board £1009 full board £1124 Season E: 3-16 August (Minimum 7 night stay) Hotel Accommodation Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £823 full board £944 15 hours riding half board £931 full board £1052 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £920 full board £1040 15 hours riding half board £1027 full board £1148 Single supplement £301 per week standard/superior rooms Bungalow (2 persons one room or 3 persons two room) 10 hours riding half board £998 full board £1119 15 hours riding half board £1106 full board £1226 There are reductions for children sharing bedrooms. 0-5 years accommodation is free 6-11 years 40% discount on accommodation only (not riding) Adult 20% discount on 3rd bed in accommodation Adults over 60 years discount of 10% (in standard or superior rooms) Honeymoon 10% discount for week long bookings (in standard or superior rooms) Superior rooms have a balcony or patio We can supply an accurate quote depending on your choice of accommodation and hours of riding. Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience. |