Sardinia - Why the 'heart of the Med’ is perfect for honeymooners

With an exclusive reputation, Sardinia is the perfect honeymoon destination. Locals claim that God created the island by stepping on it with his sandal - hence why 'Sandalyon' was the ancient name given to it by the Greeks and Phoenicians.

Sardinia's picture-book coastline, with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear emerald water, is some of the best the Mediterranean has to offer. Inland the countryside view includes wild macchia, vineyards and olive groves. Mountain ranges possess their own distinct character.

Specialist Sardinian Places offers many self-catering properties and hotels within its portfolio, which are perfect for honeymooners. Regardless of accommodation choice, all honeymoon clients receive a bottle of sparkling wine with compliments.

Properties proposed include the two-bedroom villa in the south of the island, Casa Querce.

Exuding space and all on one level, Casa Querce delights with the sheer size of its lawns and gardens, which include a private swimming pool. The general atmosphere of Casa Querce is overwhelmingly rural, despite the vibrant town of Pula being only a couple of kilometres away.

Miles away from the glitterati of the North East, the south boasts some of the best beaches on the island, including Chia, an award-winning arc of sandy dunes, complete with small lagoon, Spanish tower, red cliffs and green hills. This season, 7-nights accommodation-only at Casa Querce starts from £1163 (property price for the week).

For those who want to indulge in something more luxurious, Sardinian Places offers Lu Triuzzu - a new addition to their Premium Collection located in Santa Teresina on the outskirts of the Costa Smeralda. This three-bedroom house was built around an existing rock, which now forms the centrepiece to this unique hideaway retreat, whose additional character features include a juniper tree left in its original position inside the main doorway. The house has an elevated position, meaning that the pool terrace in particular takes in the panoramic views of the rural surroundings.

Hotel options offered by Sardinian Places include the 5* Hotel Capo d'Orso Thalasso & Spa, tucked away in the bay of Cala Capra, a completely unspoilt corner of North East Sardinia. The hotel is located on the waterfront within just a few hundred metres of two white-sand beaches.

Panoramic views stretch across the Archipelago della Maddalena and facilities include a Thalasso & Spa Centre, two seawater swimming pools and solariums positioned directly on the ocean. Please note that the hotel offers Sardinian Places' clients a complimentary 'Honeymoon Package'. Please call for more details. This season, 7-nights bed & breakfast at Hotel Capo d'Orso Thalasso & Spa starts from £490 per person.

Also in the North East, Sardinian Places would recommend the 4* Petra Segreta Resort & Spa for honeymooners. Positioned high above the village of San Pantaleo, the hotel enjoys panoramic views across the Galluran countryside and the Costa Smeralda beyond. Set amongst seven hectares of land filled with granite rocks and olive and juniper trees, Petra Segreta Resort & Spa offers exclusive, luxury accommodation in the style of a modern stazzu (Sardinian farmhouse). Two natural wind-sculpted granite grottoes house a Health & Spa centre, which includes a Turkish bath, Roman sauna, Jacuzzi, and heated marble table for massages.

For more information, visit sardinianplaces.co.uk. Flights & car hire can be quoted.