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.
Sardinia is a destination that moves to its own heartbeat – a rhythm measured in the sway of wild grasses, the curl of waves against hidden coves, the slow drift of clouds over sun-bleached stone. Here, time bends gently: mornings stretch like golden silk across empty beaches, afternoons linger in the dappled shade of cork and pine poolside, evenings turn raucous over glasses of Vermentino. Life is a mosaic of smells – salt, thyme, sun-baked earth – and sounds: the distant bleat of goats, the rucking of deer, the gentle lap of sea, the wind threading through the hills. Every village, every cliff, every quiet lane invites you to wander, pause, notice the slow choreography of nature and human life entwined.
So, it is no wonder something magical happened the moment we arrived at Is Molas Resort – in many ways, it felt like the very embodiment of that Sardinian rhythm. Set within 500 hectares of pine forests and Mediterranean scrub, the resort fully aligns with the island, translating Sardinia’s laid-back, sun-drenched pace into thoughtfully designed spaces to stay and play.
The silence hit first – the kind of peace that made us exhale deeply, feel recalibrated. Here, the rugged beauty and unhurried charm of the island weren’t just outside our windows; they were woven into the layout of the pools, the paths between villas, even the golf course, inviting us over and over to step into Sardinia’s tempo.
We’d heard about the resort’s makeover – Massimiliano Fuksas (the Italian architect known for his bold, sculptural and futuristic designs like Fiera Milano’s Congress Centre in Milan and the Zenith Music Hall in Strasbourg) had redesigned five of its villas, calling them “sculptures to live in”. True to his work, the villas play with light and space, adding sensitivity to context and blending modern design with organic, almost poetic shapes. Each villa, with a private pool and garden, beautifully merges indoor and outdoor spaces. But what we liked most was that the villa design, while rooted in artistry and design, still felt incredibly homely. They embraced the terrain around Is Molas Resort rather than fighting it – hills, greenery, and natural light dictated the layout, and every corner offered a view of the surrounding flora, hills, or distant sea. The result was a quiet theatre – spaces built to host human life without pretending it was the only life that mattered.
The rest of the property has been refurbished along similar principles – bio-architecture, energy efficiency and environmental comfort. In practice, this meant clean lines, muted tones, and cleverly considered spaces that ensure we always felt like we were on island time, yet were sympathetic to the environment, minimising operational impact wherever possible.
Our room in the curved, mid-century-style main building overlooked the resort’s outdoor pool – a swathe of turquoise shimmering in the sun so unreal it looked like our window had an Instagram filter. It was irresistible – we spent many afternoons walking barefoot to and from the pool, over the lawn, dipping in and out between sunbathing and reading, retreating occasionally to our terrace.
Our accommodation was the perfect mix of minimalist comfort and Sardinian warmth: local craftsmanship on display, patterned tiles that looked handmade, subtle flourishes that made us feel as if we were in someone’s delightfully curated home. Our bed was absurdly comfortable – one of those mattresses that contour perfectly to the body for the best night’s sleep. All the luxurious practicalities were there, too: Wi-Fi in case we felt the need to reconnect with the outside world (we didn’t), a walk-in wardrobe spacious enough for our week-long luggage haul, and an ample bathroom with a rainfall shower, twin sinks, plush towels and thoughtfully curated toiletries that made morning and evening routines feel indulgent.
The resort’s new Beach Club at Porto d’Agumu was a highlight: white sand, emerald sea, loungers spread far enough apart for the utmost privacy, unlike elsewhere on the island or the Med. We caught the complimentary shuttle from the resort for the five-minute drive to claim our umbrellas, and did very little else besides read, swim, and marvel at how perfect the sea looked and at how the sunlight dappled on the sand. Lunch at the seafront restaurant was a triumph: fresh grilled fish and seafood, local produce and plenty of chilled wine.
Golfers – or those like us who pretend to know what they’re doing – must play a round or two at the 27-hole Is Molas Golf course. Established in 1975, it’s Sardinia’s oldest and still one of its most respected. There’s an 18-hole course designed by Cotton and Pennink & Partners, plus the additional 9-hole Franco Piras course. They’re all tucked between hills and sea, the mistral winds kept at bay in winter, a cooling sea breeze in summer, each hole giving the impression that the course had grown up with the land rather than imposed itself on it. We spent hours laughing at errant balls while marvelling at the vistas. Golf at Is Molas isn’t just sport – it’s a meditation in motion. For anyone who doesn’t golf, the walk itself is spectacular enough.
Having played our round, we sampled other experiences at Is Molas Resort. The full-day archaeological tour of Cagliari and Nora offered cultural grounding to Sardinia, balancing our lazy days. Walking through ancient Roman mosaics, forum ruins and Phoenician-Punic foundations, we were struck by the layers of history underfoot – our guide weaving stories that felt scholarly yet delightfully gossipy.
A wine-tasting excursion introduced us to Cannonau and Vermentino, Sardinian varietals that deserve more respect than most Mediterranean wines. We paired each sip with local cheeses and charcuterie, discovering our palates could indeed be trained in a single afternoon. For a final flourish, we joined a Sardinian cooking class with a local chef. Rolling culurgiones and making seadas by hand felt less like a lesson and more like a time-travel into the heart of the island.
Is Molas Resort is the sort of getaway those in the know like to keep to themselves. Part luxury resort, part sanctuary, part adventure playground, it urges you to slow down, notice the smell of pine, the curve of hills, the play of light on the pool. And perhaps, the real luxury isn’t just the pool, the villas, or even the golf – it’s the space to breathe, wander, simply be.
We left Is Molas with a collection of tangible memories: the soft warmth of a poolside towel, our duffer laughter echoing across the golf course, the taste of wine fresh from the barrel, the quiet, constant hum of Mediterranean life. If you’re after spectacle, Is Molas isn’t a fireworks show – it’s something far more special. If you’re after beauty that grows on you day by day, hole by hole, meal by meal, this is the true Sardinian holiday.
Photography courtesy of Is Molas Resort
Perfect for
The Escapist
Fly into
OLB / CAG /AHO
Right on time
GMT +1
While you’re OutThere
If it’s your first time in Sardinia, you must visit the charming coastal village of Masua before making your way to the iconic Porto Flavia, a UNESCO-recognised site steeped in history. Along the way, marvel at the dramatic western coastline, once a hub for ancient traders drawn to the region’s rich mines. Explore the intriguing Henry Gallery, take in sweeping views from La Marmora Station and step into the historic old port of Porto Flavia, where sky and sea meet in a breathtaking panorama.
If you’ve returned and want to do it by sea instead, then a yacht trip to take in the majestic Pan di Zucchero sea stack, which rises 133 meters above the sparkling waters, is just the ticket. Cruise along the coast, keeping the striking silhouette of Pan di Zucchero in view and pause for refreshing swims or moments of relaxation on pristine beaches and at some stylish beach clubs.
