Baia di Chia review: Private villas, picturesque beaches and pink flamingos in Sardinia

Baia di Chia is a resort where each room is like a private villa, set in the rugged hills of southwestern Sardinia.

Tucked into the hills overlooking the bay of Chia in Sardinia is a Hilton resort that’s home to two hotels: Conrad Chia Laguna and Baia di Chia. I visited both this past September, just as the area was basking in glorious end-of-summer temperatures and the sea shimmered under golden sunlight.

Baia di Chia, part of Hilton's Curio Collection, is a resort designed to immerse you in nature – somewhere you can feel totally tucked away in peace and quiet (but in the best possible way). The open-plan layout of the resort stretches across a lush landscape beside a peaceful lagoon that's home to flamingos (yes, really), all with sweeping views of the stunning coastline.

At the heart of the resort, nestled on lower ground, you’ll find the reception and lobby area, a main restaurant, and a laid-back poolside bar and eatery. The centrepiece is a picturesque semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, framed by black-and-white striped parasols and surrounded by greenery.

For those who like to stay active on holiday, Baia di Chia has no shortage of options. There are four tennis courts (with private lessons available if you’re keen to sharpen your swing) and two Padel courts. In fact, the resort is a haven for sports lovers. Throughout the summer, it regularly hosts a variety of events and camps, with everything from football to yoga on the agenda, so there’s always something going on.

If you’d rather get your fitness fix in the water, he guest experience team can arrange a whole menu of activities, including paddle-boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkelling.

The area is also full of hiking trails, including a scenic route up to the Torre di Chia, a historic 16th-century coastal tower with panoramic views. If you aren't sure where to start, the staff are happy to recommend the best walks in the area. You can also rent a bike or book an excursion.

Of course, if your main goal on holiday is to relax, you can head across the road to the Conrad spa. Whether you’re booking in for a full treatment or just want to unwind in the facilities, you’ll find hammams, steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, and even a sensory shower. You can read more about the spa and everything it offers in our full review here.

Rating: 4/5

The rooms at Baia di Chia are dotted across the hillside, feeling more like your own private villa than a standard hotel setup, which is part of the charm. Technically, all rooms fall under the King Deluxe category unless you’re staying in one of the suites, but the main difference between them really comes down to the view.

Arguably, the best views are from the hillside villas that gaze out over the sea, but we stayed in a Lagoon Villa and were treated to the pink flutters of flamingo wings across the water, which was a real highlight for me. Each villa comes with its own private terrace, perfect for soaking up the scenery. We especially loved sitting out there at sunset, watching the sky melt into shades of pink and tangerine while the lagoon turned a dreamy cerise, mirroring the colours above.

Style-wise, the rooms have a sophisticated boho look: lots of wood, wicker, and warm tones. They're a great size too, with a vast king-size bed at the centre that’s so cloud-like you might not want to get out of it. My partner and I had loads of space to stretch out without even brushing toes in the night, and the pillows were every bit as soft and comfy as the mattress.

The centrepiece of the resort is a picturesque swimming pool, framed by black-and-white striped parasols and surrounded by greenery

Rating: 4/5

Breakfast and dinner are both served at the hotel’s main restaurant, Il Ginepro, where the focus is on Mediterranean flavours, with plenty of traditional Sardinian dishes. Breakfast is a sprawling buffet-style spread with all the continental classics you’d expect: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cold cuts, yoghurts, cereals, crackers, pastries, jams and spreads.

There’s also a hot selection, where you’ll find sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, eggs (yes, more than one kind), and freshly made pancakes. Of course, there's a selection of juices to choose from, but if you're celebrating something special (or just want to add some sparkle to your morning on vacation), there's also Prosecco on offer.

Come dinner time, Il Ginepro leans into its Sardinian roots, with a menu packed with local pasta dishes, fresh fish, meats, and plenty of vegetables. Every meal kicks off with a complimentary basket of rustic local bread, served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. (I usually try to steer clear of bread, but the thin, crispy Sardinian version is so tasty it’s honestly impossible to pass up.)

As a vegetarian, the fish and meat options weren’t quite my thing, but the restaurant offers a small but considered vegan menu. The team let us know it changes daily depending on what’s fresh in the kitchen. Unsurprisingly, the pasta steals the show.

If you feel like switching things up, just head across the road to the resort village, shared with the sister property Conrad. Guests from both hotels have access to the restaurants here, just stop by reception and they’ll help you book depending on availability.

One of our favourites was the charming little pizzeria, perfect for a relaxed evening. The vibe is casual, the staff are friendly, and the pizza menu ticks all the boxes. The village is also home to Sa Mesa, the resort’s buffet restaurant, and Osteria La Torre, which is open during the summer months and specialises in seafood.

Lunch at Baia di Chia is a laid-back affair, served at the poolside bar, Il Canneto. The menu includes fresh salads, pasta, and sandwiches ( and we could never resist a side of chips). There’s also a cocktail list if you're in the mood for a mid-afternoon spritz. Thanks to its poolside location, you can either hide from the midday sun on the terrace or go full holiday mode and enjoy your drink on a lounger, soaking up the rays.

Rating: 4/5

If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is the perfect destination to truly immerse yourself in nature. The hotel is set in a rugged hillside, with nothing but the occasional honk of flamingos and the distant sound of waves to accompany your days.

There's plenty to do around the resort, especially if you enjoy staying active, as previously mentioned. But the real star of the show is the beach.

Monte Cogoni Beach lies just below the hillside on which the resort is perched. While the hill almost shades it from view, follow the bend of the lagoon or meander through the resort and you'll eventually arrive at the stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water. The beach has sun loungers and parasols reserved exclusively for Baia di Chia guests, along with a small beach bar where you can order drinks. Food can also be ordered for delivery from the pool bar. We visited in September, and even then, the sea was perfectly warm, ideal for swimming or paddling. It's truly one of the most picturesque beaches I’ve ever seen.

If you're someone who likes to get out and explore beyond the beach and resort, or if you're staying for more than a few days, you’ll likely want to rent a car.

There aren’t any other restaurants within walking distance, so unless you’re content with the resort’s dining options, having a car offers more flexibility. That said, the hotel can help with organising day trips, including excursions to nearby Pula, which is about a 22-minute drive away.

Cagliari city and the airport are roughly a 54-minute drive from the resort.

Prices can fluctuate depending on your dates and how far in advance you book. Though as a guideline, rooms in peak August can be around £479.81 (€553) a night with breakfast. In September, the rate can be approximately £327.97 (€378) for one night with breakfast.

Find rooms and book direct on the Baia di Chia website. Or, compare deals and prices for a stay at Baia di Chia, Curio Collection, with Booking.com or Hotels.com.