Forte Village is a legendary luxury resort in southern Sardinia, offering a range of activities unique in Europe. Pascal Languillon, director of Luxe Wellness Club, had the pleasure of spending a few nights there. Verdict: this is an ideal place for family wellness, with both a Kid’s Club and an extraordinary spa. Here’s the story of a truly relaxing vacation.
A luxury vacation village on a crystal-clear beach
Forte Village is a luxury resort located on the south coast of Sardinia, near Cagliari. With its eight hotels, twenty or so restaurants, ten swimming pools, open-air thalasso center and ten tennis courts, it has no equivalent in Europe . Forte Village thus resembles a village with a central square, bars and boutiques.
The resort is famous for its sports facilities, which attract stars from the world of football and tennis… There are 20 unique sports academies coached by international champions, including soccer, tennis and synchronized swimming. For example, in 2022 some Real Madrid players were on hand to coach the youngsters!
A true destination in its own right, the Forte Village resort offers so many activities that it’s hard to leave, especially since it’s bordered by a white sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
I was lucky enough to stay there for 4 days during a holiday with my wife and two children. Before arriving, I must admit I was a little apprehensive about the size of the resort, which on paper seemed almost too big for us. However, once we were there, we realized that everything can be done on foot or by bike in 5 minutes or less, and that the real luxury of this unusual place is that it offers such a wide range of services and activities for a truly car-free vacation.
Parents can enjoy their vacation while the kids have fun in a crazy Kid’s Club, called “Children’s wonderland”, certainly one of the best in Europe. This space offers a wide range of creative workshops, as well as a Barbie house that little girls love. As for the boys, they can take to the go-kart track or the waterslides! The resort even has its own mini-train. Our girls loved the Kid’s Club so much that they’re still talking about it months after our stay!
For our part, we did get out of the resort for a while, and have particularly fond memories of our ride on a state-of-the-art electric mountain bike to the beaches of Chia . The scenery is magnificent, and we were surprised by how little construction there was. It’s really wild!
These mountain bike rides allow you to discover an unspoilt coastline dotted with heavenly little coves. South Sardinia has a real charm all of its own, especially in the off-season when the beaches are deserted.
A wide choice of rooms and villas
The resort has eight 4- and 5-star hotels, so it goes without saying that there’s something for everyone. We stayed in a beautiful villa in the 5-star Le Dune hotel. In my opinion, this is the best hotel in the resort, because each villa has its own little garden, and access to the sea and the Kid’s Club is the easiest. What’s more, Le Dune ‘s beachside restaurant is one of the best in the resort.
We actually had two connecting suites, creating a truly spacious interior. Among other things, I appreciated the comfort of the bed, the size of the bathroom, and the fact that I could enjoy a small garden, which was practical with children.
I was able to visit the resort’s other hotels. While some of them were built a few decades ago, which is a bit noticeable in terms of architecture, all of them are frequently renovated. In the end, there’s no wrong choice, as all resort residents can enjoy the full range of activities on offer.
L’Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa: a truly unique thalasso circuit
The main purpose of my stay was obviously to try out Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa. Given that Forte Village belongs to the same group as Palazzo Fiuggi, our favorite Italian medi-spa, I was eager to discover Forte Village’s thalasso circuit, which I’d heard so much about. It’s so unique that I’d like to start by introducing it to you in the video below:
The thalassotherapy circuit is in the open air, surrounded by tropical plants. It’s really beautiful, but more importantly, effective! In fact, the circuit was designed by Dr. Angelo Cerina, a leading thalassotherapy specialist who has created a water here that is unique in the world, with proven benefits for bones. Treatments at Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa take full advantage of the regenerating properties of seawater, drawn more than a hundred meters from the shore and ten meters deep, to which magnesium is added.
The circuit comprises six seawater basins, each with a different temperature and salt density. All in all, you need to allow at least an hour and a half to enjoy the whole tour, following the recommendations. And of course, it’s a good idea to repeat the circuit every day!
It’s an experience that my wife and I really enjoyed. It’s exotic, soothing and fun all at the same time. Some pools allow you to float as if by magic, thanks to the high salt density. Waterfalls enhance the experience.
It is possible to organize stays that combine this thalassotherapy course with a multitude of treatments and physical exercises. Between marine oil baths, signature salt and hot honey treatments, marine mud treatments and saltwater massages, your body will be as relaxed as ever.
I found the treatments to be of excellent quality, including a massage by Patricia, a spa veteran with fingers like a fairy. She’s well aware that she has a special gift, and she’s not wrong! My wife Virginie tried a warm honey treatment that she found absolutely divine .
Another treatment that stood out for me was the facial with cosmetics from DR. Barbara Sturm. I loved the quality of the therapist and the natural products, on the one hand, but also the pretty treatment room, which transported me into a tropical atmosphere.
Forte Village is a temple to sport, so it’s not surprising to find a large fitness room and various yoga and pilates areas.
A shower of Michelin-starred chefs!
By default, the Forte Village Resort offers all its guests a package with half-board included for dinner. Lunches are extra. In summer, the resort boasts 21 top-class restaurants, including a restaurant by 3-star chef Heinz Beck (also the chef at Palazzo Fiuggi), a Japanese fusion restaurant, a restaurant dedicated to fresh fish, among many others. A record number of chefs are also expected to attend the “Nuits des grands chefs”, the largest annual gathering of Michelin-starred chefs in the world!
Don’t let that frighten you, small appetites and those who want to look after their figure are not forgotten! During our stay, we were able to sample many healthy and delicious options. Of course, we also ate pizza! What’s not to like in Italy? In any case, with so many restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find something you like!
Forte Village official video
Our feeling
Forte Village is unique in Europe for its ambition. With a host of activities and restaurants, and an extraordinary Kid’s Club, there’s something for everyone. Special mention must be made of the beautiful outdoor hydrothermal course and the quality of treatments offered in the attractive spa. A place we warmly recommend for wellness breaks for couples or families.
Luxe Wellness Club
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Rates : From around 600 euros per night in low season, or around 800 euros per night in high season.
Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
