Two very different flavours of Sardinian luxury, one shared philosophy: Delphina's resort duo of Capo D'Orso and Valle dell'Erica combine nature, play and understated elegance on the island's glorious northern coast, writes Olivia Palamountain

HOTELS

Tucked within the protected Cala Capra headland, Capo d'Orso feels like a well-kept secret: private, perfumed with wild herbs and designed to melt seamlessly into the Mediterranean macchia. This is barefoot luxury done the Sardinian way - unhurried, sensory and effortlessly sustainable.

Valle dell'Erica tells a different story entirely. Delphina's flagship resort sprawls like a seaside village, complete with four pools, multiple restaurants, an expansive thalasso spa, and rooms scattered between two connected properties (Erica and La Licciola).

Where Capo d'Orso whispers, Valle dell'Erica positively sings. Both deliver five-star service, but the energy couldn't be more different.

LOCATION

You'll find Capo d'Orso discreetly positioned on a headland near Palau, where private beaches meet a jetty that welcomes sleek yachts for lunch. There's something almost meditative about the gentle hush here - birdsong and cicadas providing the soundtrack.

The much larger Valle dell'Erica feels altogether more dramatic. Built across a vast coastal estate, it commands white-sand beaches, wild granite formations, and sea views that genuinely take your breath away. The scale is impressive, yet cleverly designed to maintain intimacy.

PHILOSOPHY

"Five-star freedom" is how Delphina describes their approach, and both resorts live this philosophy deeply. Everything stems from respect for nature, Sardinian tradition, and sustainable design. Properties run on green energy, amenities are biodegradable and native vegetation remains undisturbed wherever possible.

At Capo d'Orso, this manifests as a minimal footprint and profound calm. At Valle dell'Erica, it's about scale that showcases rather than dominates the landscape – you can wander for hours discovering new vistas.

WHO STAYS HERE

Capo d'Orso draws discerning couples, honeymooners and solo travellers craving peace. Think early morning yoga, afternoons with a book beneath pine trees, and evenings of live harp music over dinner.

Valle dell'Erica attracts a more spirited crowd: stylish families, multi-generational groups, active couples. With kids' clubs, sport zones, and a gentle buzz of excitement, it suits travellers wanting more energy and options.

DESIGN

Capo d'Orso champions understated coastal elegance: weathered wood, local stone, hand-painted tiles and hammocks strung beneath shady terraces. Nature provides the décor, which feels exactly right.

Valle dell'Erica turns up the volume with contemporary Sardinian chic - sculptural furniture, flashes of turquoise and terracotta. Rooms range from traditional suites with verandas to sprawling sea-view family villas, all maintaining an earthy, island-inspired palette.

ACCOMMODATION

My suite at Capo d'Orso felt like a secret retreat, with sea glimpses through olive branches and the constant scent of salt and wildflowers. Calming, minimalist, thoroughly relaxing – more sanctuary than hotel room, with a hammock strung on the terrace for all-out chilling.

Valle dell'Erica comprises a huge range of accommodations, all spacious, with luxury touches such as outdoor showers, private gardens and strategically positioned bathtubs for sunset soaking. For those wanting sleek comfort and space - particularly families - Valle dell'Erica has the advantage.

DINING

Food across both resorts is sublime. Il Paguro at Capo d'Orso captures the essence of a sophisticated yacht club - watch boats glide past whilst enjoying local catch, handmade pasta and crisp Vermentino.

Valle dell'Erica offers culinary abundance across seven restaurants, each with distinct character. Li Zini lets you dine on fresh seafood practically on the sand, whilst Grecale presents refined regional tasting menus. Both properties excel at breakfast, though Capo D'Orso edges ahead with live harp or piano music gently setting the day's rhythm.

WELLNESS

Both resorts feature Delphina's signature Thalasso & Spa concept, but with different intensities. Capo d'Orso's spa feels intimate and serene – open-air saltwater pools beneath trees, deeply relaxing treatments and quiet reading nooks.

Valle dell'Erica's Le Thermae spa is a destination itself: sprawling, multi-zoned, offering everything from hydro-massage circuits to detox treatments and couples' hammams. However, where the resort excels is sports. Guests can enjoy beach volleyball and five-a-side football tournaments, tennis with expert coaching and a scenic nine-hole pitch and putt golf course overlooking the sea. Snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and various wind sports are on tap, plus the resort also features archery, padel courts, a well-equipped gym and complimentary Pilates sessions.

WORKING AWAY

Capo d'Orso simply isn't designed for digital nomads - and that's precisely its charm. Wifi works adequately, but  laptops just aren't really the vibe,

Valle dell'Erica, with larger indoor spaces and secluded corners, could accommodate remote working if necessary - productivity might suffer once you glimpse the sea. As it happens, my room was in a wifi deadzone, but the front desk are prepared and lent me a hotspot for the duration of my stay.

SPECIAL TOUCHES

Delphina's commitment to local producers feels genuine across both properties. Their "Heroes Local" initiative champions regional artisans, serving their wines, oils, cheeses and honey throughout (all of which are available for purchase to take home too). The Blue Zone longevity culture (Sardinia being among the world's longest-lived regions) influences healthy menus and wellness programming, reflected in the local toast: "A cent'anni" - to 100 years.

Capo d'Orso surprises with thoughtful musical programming (breakfast is always serenaded - whether that's by a harpist or pianist), whilst Valle dell'Erica delights kids at every turn. The ultimate adventure awaits older children with the Robinson Crusoe overnight camping experience - an exclusive island expedition on a nearby isle where kids camp under the stars with qualified staff, and parents aren't allowed!

SUSTAINABILITY

Both resorts run green energy, use biodegradable amenities and work actively to preserve their surrounding landscapes. Delphina also funds local conservation projects, establishing itself as a regional leader in sustainable luxury.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

At Capo d'Orso, request a room near the spa for the most peaceful mornings, and book dinner at Il Paguro arriving by boat. At Valle dell'Erica, secure a table at Li Zini for barefoot dining in the sand, and seek out the secret path beyond La Licciola leading to an untouched beach.

SERVICE STYLE

Delphina's approach feels refreshingly genuine and warm. At Capo d'Orso, expect soft-spoken, anticipatory service - gentle greetings and staff who genuinely seem pleased to see you. Valle dell'Erica maintains a faster pace whilst remaining personal - polished without being pushy.

THE VERDICT

Whether craving tranquillity or stimulation, Delphina offers a Sardinian sanctuary to match. Capo d'Orso suits dreamers, readers and slow-living romantics; Valle dell'Erica appeals to explorers, families and those wanting everything - space, excitement and seafront drama. Choose your rhythm.

RATES

Capo d'Orso starts around €260 nightly, with premiums for superior rooms or spa access. Valle dell'Erica begins around €290, reflecting its scale and broader offerings. Both represent excellent value for five-star sustainability with genuine soul.

British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 5* Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & SPA, from £1839pp + €35pp Tourism Tax (payable locally), travelling on selected dates between October 1 - 12 October 2025 inclusive. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport, one checked bag per person and accommodation on a Half Board basis. Book by 30 September 2025. For reservations click here.

British Airways Holidays is one of the UK’s leading and most trusted tour operators, providing holiday packages, hotels, car hire, and experiences on ba.com and through British Airways contact centres. From their selection of more than 10,500 carefully selected hotels to a dedicated 24-hour support line, British Airways Holidays take every element of their customers’ holidays seriously.