Escape to Sardinia: Is Molas Golf Resort

Is Molas Golf Resort, located 30km from Cagliari on the beautiful south-west coast of Sardinia, combines a stunning hotel in a tranquil location with one of Italy‘s best golf courses. 

Nestled between the mountains of Sulcis and the beaches and crystal clear waters of the Sardinian coast, the resort is set within a unique micro-climate enabling visitors to play golf in this enchanting landscape all year round. It’s an idyllic place for those who love golf and unspoiled nature – the perfect place for a memorable golf vacation. 

The Golf Course

The par-72, 6,980-yard 18-hole Championship course is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 golf courses in Italy and one of the best in Europe. Located next to the hotel, it undulates down from the hills to the sea with panoramic views over the ocean, surrounding mountains and the Tower of Nora, which stands on the archeological site of an ancient Roman city. Designed in the 70s by the prestigious Cotton, Pennink & Partners studio, it has hosted the Italian Open four times and the Volvo Masters in 1989, won Vijay Singh.

The layout blends well into the untamed natural landscape making its way through native brush and grasses. There’s a nice variety of challenges, including water hazards on six of the holes and several two-tiered greens. The Yellow course, the work of Gary Player Design, was added more recently. This 9-hole, par-36 course measures 3,450 yards and provides an entertaining challenge. 

The Clubhouse

The recently upgraded clubhouse offers every service you would expect for golfers and non-golfers, including a bar and restaurant, swimming pool, banquet hall and four meeting rooms, all with a view of the ocean and golf course. There’s a pro shop and buggies and clubs can be rented. Guests can also have lessons and use the latest video swing technology at the Dan Williamson Academy. There’s a practice range which reproduces the conditions of the Championship course, along with putting and pitching greens. 

Exclusive Real Estate 

The resort has been a benchmark in Sardinia and the Mediterranean for exclusive tourism and international golf for over 40 years. As well as first-class accommodation and a 27-hole championship-level golf course, it is currently being upgraded with a new boutique hotel with 39 suites and a piazza with restaurants, shops, spa and beach club. 

The upgrades, designed by renowned architect Massimiliano Fuksas, includes an exclusive residential villa complex with swimming pools. The complex will be made up of nine ‘islands’ dotted around the resort, each with its own villas. The villas that make up the first island to be completed are already on sale. Built to bio-architectural standards, they are designed to merge into the indigenous landscape with views over the sea, the mountains and the golf course.

Hotel, Facilities & Food

This wonderful 4-star Italian golf hideaway has 80 well-sized bedrooms and two suites with either a balcony or terrace, of which a number provide views of the golf course and glistening sea beyond. The rooms have a bath & shower, free wi-fi, air conditioning, walk-in closet, telephone, TV, hair dryer, safe and mini-bar. 

Facilities include transfer to and from the airport in Cagliari, to Pula and other areas of interest, water sports with equipment hire and boat rental, cooking lessons with resident chef Ivano Congiu, horse-riding, trekking, mountain biking and excursions in a 4×4 jeep. There are tennis courts, two swimming pools and a solarium. There’s a private beach just 15 minutes away which the hotel provides a shuttle bus to between June and September.

There are two restaurants onsite that offer a mix of Italian and Sardinian cuisine, including some superb local seafood. Guests can enjoy high-level Mediterranean dishes from chef Congiu in the spacious Is Molas restaurant which has both outdoor and indoor tables, and is located in the clubhouse, overlooking the golf course. A relaxing breakfast or dinner is assured at Le Ginestre Restaurant, an informal dining room overlooking the swimming pool. There’s are also two bars in the complex, including a relaxing piano bar.