In the wild, sun-drenched landscapes of southern Sardinia, architecture meets art in a truly special way. The five redesigned villas at Is Molas Resort, conceived by the legendary architect Massimiliano Fuksas, are more than holiday accommodations – they are “sculptures to live in” – so says the great man himself. More than that, they are places to stay paired with immersive experiences where contemporary living, nature and design converge.
Massimiliano Fuksas, born in Rome in 1944, is one of Italy’s most influential contemporary architects. Known for balancing poetic forms with functional innovation, his work spans cultural institutions, airports, hotels and urban interventions worldwide. His architecture is defined by a fluid interplay between space, light and material, often evoking organic forms that feel as though they have grown from their environment rather than been imposed upon it. Moreover, Fuksas’ designs consistently embody a humanist vision – architecture created for people, not merely for display.
His link to Sardinia is both professional and emotional. The island’s rugged terrain, Mediterranean light and ancient history provide an almost tactile source of inspiration. For Is Molas, located near the village of Pula and a short drive from Cagliari, he translated this connection into five villas that are at once modern and deeply rooted in the local landscape. His concept reflects a profound respect for Sardinia’s natural orography, preserving the contours of the land while embedding human life seamlessly within it.
Each villa at Is Molas is conceived as a small, self-sufficient settlement – an “island in a green sea” where inhabitants can reconnect, enjoy privacy and share the rhythms of daily life in a setting of extraordinary beauty. Spanning the 500-hectare estate of the resort, the villas occupy spaces that feel intimately connected to their surroundings.
Externally, the villas echo the textures and shapes of the earth itself. Smooth, curved walls rise like natural formations, while terraces and outdoor living spaces extend the interiors into the landscape. The influence of Sardinia’s ancestral architecture, particularly the nuraghe – ancient stone towers – is subtly apparent in the geometric solidity and sculptural form of each building. Yet the interiors, masterminded by his partner in life and creativity, Doriana Fuksas, are a deliberate contrast: vibrant fabrics, bespoke furniture and striking designer pieces create a dialogue between the elemental exterior and a lively, contemporary interior world.
Every detail has been meticulously curated. Lighting by Slamp, Murano glass by Venini and furnishings by Moroso contribute to a sense of sophistication without overwhelming the natural setting. Open-plan living areas and expansive windows ensure that the panorama of the natural park, the nearby hills and the sea beyond are always in view, integrating the environment into daily life. Each villa at Is Molas includes its own swimming pool, allowing for private relaxation while remaining visually connected to the surrounding greenery.
Functionality is as important as beauty. Spaces are designed to accommodate different daily rhythms – a quiet morning coffee on a shaded terrace, a family gathering by the pool, a luxurious dinner prepared by the at-home chef service.
Beyond the villas themselves, Is Molas Resort offers access to a host of experiences that make a holiday in southern Sardinia multidimensional. The resort’s 27-hole golf course is celebrated as one of the most captivating in the Mediterranean, while the Pool Club “La 19” and onsite restaurants – including gourmet offerings by Chef Ivano Congiu – allow guests to enjoy moments of indulgence without leaving the estate.
The surrounding territory is equally compelling. Archaeological treasures, like the Nora ruins and the church of Sant’Efisio, lie just minutes away, while the pristine beaches stretching from Pula to Teulada offer sun, sea and serenity. Inland, excursions into the holm oak forests, visits to the caves of Is Zuddas, or a journey on the historic green train through Campidano and Barbagia allow guests to experience Sardinia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
In every aspect of the design, Fuksas’ vision is clear – these villas are not just buildings; they are living, breathing entities existing in harmony with the land and the people who inhabit them. They encapsulate the genius of an architect who has spent decades exploring how structures can enhance human experience, and the timeless allure of an island that continues to inspire creativity, reflection and joy. Choosing one of the villas at Is Molas is more than selecting a luxury stay – it is an invitation to inhabit a work of art, live among sculptures and experience Sardinia in a way that lingers long after the holiday ends.
Is Molas Resort, Sardinia, Italy
Is Molas Resort is Sardinia distilled – part sanctuary, part playground, entirely of the island. From private villas that blend art and homeliness to sunlit pools, pristine beaches, world-class golf and authentic local experiences, it offers a rare kind of escape where every detail, from architecture to cuisine, is designed to slow time and reconnect you with place.
Read the full review of Is Molas Resort >
Luxury villas in Sardinia
The luxurious Fuksas Villas at Is Molas Resort are immersive experiences set within Sardinia’s wild, sun-drenched landscapes. Merging contemporary design with forms inspired by the island’s ancestral nuraghi, the villas rise from the earth like sculptures, while interiors of vibrant fabrics, bespoke furniture and designer details bring warmth and life. Open, flowing spaces invite you to shape each day of your holiday anew, whether savouring quiet moments by a private pool, entertaining friends and family, or simply taking in the hills and Mediterranean Sea.
www.ismolasresort.com
Photography courtesy of Is Molas Resort
