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. 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 three or 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.
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 personalised 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 with the first two days the same as above and the last day of riding will be either Day 3 or Day 4 of the longer trail. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| 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: | 2021: dates available to suit between the 6th March - 31st October. |
| Pricing: |
2021: Price for the trail is £628 per person in addition to the accommodation you have chosen at the hotel It is possible to book a Three Day Trail - £460 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: | 2021: Dates available to suit between 6 March - 31 October |
| Pricing: |
Prices are for half or full board with 10 or 15 hours riding based on double occupancy in hotel accommodation. There is a price variation for each holiday season. We can supply an accurate quote depending on your choice of accommodation and hours of riding. 2021: Early Booking Promotions on Standard, Superior Rooms & Suites 25% discount on bookings made before 31 January 2021 15% discount on bookings made between 1 February and 30 April 2021 (min 3 nights) SEASON A: 6th MARCH - 7th MAY & 25th SEPTEMBER - 31st OCTOBER Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £625 full board £713 15 hours riding half board £711 full board £800 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £673 full board £761 15 hours riding half board £760 full board £848 Suite/Junior Suite 10 hours riding half board £802 full board £890 15 hours riding half board £889 full board £977 Single Supplement in Standard & Superior Room £121 SEASON B: 8th MAY - 11th JUNE, 11th - 24th SEPTEMBER Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £634 full board £729 15 hours riding half board £721 full board £807 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £681 full board £780 15 hours riding half board £767 full board £866 Suite/Junior Suite 10 hours riding half board £816 full board £915 15 hours riding half board £903 full board £1001 Single Supplement in Standard & Superior Room £161 SEASON C: 12th - 125th JUNE, 28th AUGUST - 10th SEPTEMBER Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £681 full board £761 15 hours riding half board £767 full board £848 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £762 full board £866 15 hours riding half board £849 full board £953 Suite/Junior Suite 10 hours riding half board £890 full board £996 15 hours riding half board £977 full board £1083 Single Supplement in Standard & Superior Room £161 SEASON D: 26th JUNE - 6th AUGUST, 21st-27th AUGUST Hotel Accommodation Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £762 full board £875 15 hours riding half board £849 full board £962 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £842 full board £867 15 hours riding half board £929 full board £954 Suite/Junior Suite 10 hours riding half board £996 full board £1107 15 hours riding half board £1083 full board £1194 Single Supplement in Standard & Superior Room £202 SEASON E: 7th-20th AUGUST Standard Room 10 hours riding half board £810 full board £939 15 hours riding half board £897 full board £1026 Superior Room 10 hours riding half board £910 full board £1061 15 hours riding half board £996 full board £1148 Suite/Junior Suite 10 hours riding half board £1085 full board £1214 15 hours riding half board £1171 full board £1300 Single Supplement in Standard & Superior Room £322 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. |
Family Horse Camp
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This hugely fun and versatile horse camp option is available for adults and/or children. If you are a riding family, then you can all take part (in different groups according to age and ability). However, if you have pony-mad children but don't ride yourself, then you can simply relax in the hotel or by the pool, knowing that your children are having lots of fun with the ponies in a safe environment. Day One: Arrive and settle into the hotel. Day Two: After splitting into groups according to ability and age, you're given a general introduction to the course and allocated a grooming kit. You'll be shown how to groom your pony including combing the mane and tail. You'll then be taught how to place the saddle and bridle, and learn about the bit and reins. At the end of the lesson, you'll remove your pony's tack and lead him to the drinking trough. Days Three - Seven: Children: On well-trained and patient ponies you'll gain confidence and trust in tailor-made lessons which are fun but safe. You'll learn the basics of stable life including nutrition and care for your pony, as well as riding the ponies in fun games, onto the beach and through the sea. At the end of the week a show is held where each child will participate with their pony and win a prize. More experienced children joining the Advanced programme, will walk, trot and canter as well as participate in gymkhana games. Adults: Riders will learn to build a relationship with their horse and gain confidence both in and out of the saddle. Explore the surrounding area including the pine forest, lagoon, beach and sea on horseback. At the end of the week there is a show suitable for all, with prizes. Experienced riders will ride further afield and at a faster pace. Teenagers from 16 years can join the adult weeks with their parents authorisation and after assessment by the qualified staff. Day Eight: Depart after breakfast. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | All abilities can be accommodated, with beginners being in separate groups to more experienced riders. Children and adults are also separate. Minimum age is 5 years. |
| Type of ride: | Centre based with trails and tuition |
| Total riding time: | 18 hours of tuition, split between riding and handling/care and spread over six days. |
| Departure dates: | 2021: TBC |
| Pricing: |
2021: Riding Child one week: £722 per person sharing Riding Child two weeks: £1256 per person sharing Riding Adult one week: £790 per person sharing Riding Adult two weeks: £1386 per person sharing Non-Riding: please contact us for a tailor-made quote, as prices vary according to season and room type. 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. |