About this property
Unleash your inner bohemian in the refreshingly nonchalant Villa Mannena – a bright and modern abode overlooking the sea just a short drive from the city of Olbia, located on the northeastern side of the island.
Superbly proportioned to enjoy communal fun and have your own space, this inviting villa is spread across two levels which are not internally connected, allowing large groups and families to enjoy privacy when they need it.
As soon as you step into the main villa, you’ll be flooded with light thanks to the large windows connecting the open-plan living room with the terrace – a lovely spot for al-fresco breakfast, lunch or dinner on warm summer evenings. The terrace overlooking the pool and gardens below is also shared with the master bedroom.
The ground floor carries the same amount of charm, with a sun-soaked living area and kitchen leading to the outdoor patio, as well as two double bedrooms sophisticatedly decorated with wooden furniture, ornate frames and rattan and bamboo accents.
Step outside to soak up the Italian sunshine in the villa’s expansive grounds set in the hillside overlooking the beach. A stone pathway leads to the large swimming pool which offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Cannigione below – a scene that could be taken from a glossy travel magazine. Whether cooking your own meal from ingredients sourced in the local village or ordering in, the property is filled with an array of cosy, outdoor dining spots that will turn every simple dinner into an unforgettable experience.
Less than a 30-minute walk away, the local village is filled with charming trattorias, gelaterias and cafés made for people watching, as well as a couple of supermarkets and traditional delis selling local produce. The closest restaurant is also only a 5-minute walk away, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings of pasta, pizza and wine.
For a bit more hustle and bustle, a 30-minute drive will bring you to Sardinia’s fourth largest city, Olbia. Steeped in rich history and culture, the coastal city is known for its many museums and churches, such as the San Simplicio Basilica and Museo Archeologico di Olbia. Dotted with cafés, trendy restaurants and chic boutiques decorating the tree-lined street leading to the waterfront, it’s great for experiencing the island’s atmosphere.
Fantastically positioned for getting to know both the island’s rustic beauty and jet-setting character, Villa Mannena is the ideal whitewashed base from which to explore everything the Sardinian coastline is so famous for.
Villa Mannena is only a 5-minute drive away from Cannigione, a former fishing village and one of the best seaside resorts for snorkelling and scuba diving. Featuring a long strip of honey-hued sand that slopes gently into the ocean, the beach is lined with a long promenade full of palm trees swaying in the warm breeze. When it’s time to escape the heat – whether during lunch hours or during summer’s peak months – find a spot in one of the family-owned cafés and watch the fishermen unload their daily catch from the boats at the port. Spend afternoons strolling through the historic town centre with a cone of gelato in one hand and Aperol Spritz in the other.
Although the area is bursting at its seams with picturesque bathing spots, you’ll definitely want to visit the famed Costa Smeralda – a rugged stretch of azure waters and powder-soft white sand located between the gulfs of Arzachena and Cugnana, only a 30-minute drive away. Known as the billionaire’s playground, it’s home to a myriad of mysterious coves, beaches with crystal-clear water, high-class hotels and world-renowned beach clubs. The main centre of Costa Smeralda is Porto Cervo – a hotspot for all yacht owners housing some of the most expensive hotels in the world.
But it’s not all glitz and glamour; the mountainous hinterland is full of pretty villages and archaeological sites built by the ancient Nuragic people, while the attractive villages of Arzachena and San Pantaleo showcase the truly authentic, rugged and stripped-back feel of the island.
For a day trip that combines history with typical holiday must-haves, head to the nearest big city, Olbia. Only a 30-minute drive away, this bustling hotspot of culture invites travellers to wander around its ancient architecture such as the Giants’ Tomb of Su Monte ‘e s’Abe and the Sa Testa Sacred Well, as well as its Instagram-worthy palm-tree lined avenues and plazzas. During the day, take a stroll through the famous main street Corso Umberto filled with chic boutiques and patisseries, and in the evening head to Piazza Regina Margherita buzzing with bars and hip foodie places to discover Sardinia’s thriving food and drink scene.
When you don’t mind spending some time on the water, drive for 20 minutes to reach the port in Palau and hop on a boat to Maddalena Archipelago. Many tours to the group of protected islands leave daily from the main docks, offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to take in sights such as the mesmerising pink beach or snorkel in tiny coves only reachable by a small boat.
Accommodation
Villa Interior (180m2)
Ground Floor
- Living room with an open plan dining area and kitchenette with a fridge, freezer and sink
- Double bedroom with en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Double bedroom with a guest bathroom with WC and shower head
First Floor
- Living room with sofas and dining area
- Kitchen with a fridge, freezer, hob, oven, kettle, toaster, microwave, blender, dishwasher and coffee machine
- Double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC
- Two bedrooms with twin beds (can be converted into double beds) and en-suite bathrooms
- Bedroom with double bed
- Bedroom with single bed
- Bathroom
Outside Grounds (3000m2)
- Swimming pool with Roman steps (6m x 12m, max depth: 1.80m). Open approximately between beginning-May and end-October
- Garden
- Pool terrace with sun loungers
- Outdoor lounge furniture
- Outdoor dining table and chairs
- Dining table and chairs at the terrace
- Balcony with chairs
- Outdoor shower
- Parking spot for 2 cars
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Satellite TV
- Walk-in closet
- Desk
- Utility room
- Laundry room
- Iron and ironing board