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Yacht Club Costa Smeralda

A season full of great returns and novelties: the entire regatta calendar for summer 2024.

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s intense sporting season for 2024 with regattas scheduled from May to October has been unveiled , along with the announcement of an important event, the 40th anniversary of the partnership between one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world and its historical partner Rolex. Save these dates in your calendar until July.

The season opens in Porto Cervo with the traditional Vela & Golf (24-26 May) . It will then be the moment of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta on 4-8 June , which sees, for the third year running, an Italian excellence in the world of fashion join the YCCS as Title Sponsor of the event. Following the success of past editions, the Southern Wind RendezVous and Trophy will take place as part of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta , an opportunity for a sailing trip to Porto Cervo enhanced by a family-like atmosphere and sportsmanship offered to Southern Wind yachts. An intense June continues with three regattas starting with the eagerly awaited J/24 European Championship on 10-16 June , dedicated to the J/24 Class, one of the most popular keelboats, which has significantly contributed to spreading sailing as a sport.

The final event dedicated to the J/24 monotype was held in Porto Cervo in 1996. Another eagerly awaited return is the Grand Soleil Cup , sailed in partnership with Cantiere del Pardo. A fleet of some forty boats is expected for the event. The month closes with the Invitational Smeralda 888 on 28-30 June , followed by the Smeralda 888 European Cup on 12-14 July , on board Smeralda 888 yachts designed by renowned yacht designer German Frers especially for the YCCS. The fourth edition of the YCCS J/70 Sailing Clinic takes place on 19-21 July.

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Costa Smeralda Yacht Club Sardegna

Costa Smeralda Yacht Club Sardegna - located in the seaside village of Porto Cervo - is one of the finest sailing yacht club marina’s in the Mediterranean. Situated in the province of Olbia-Tempio on the island of Sardinia, this luxury destination in Italy offers its yachting guests unrivalled nautical experiences, as well as the chance to participate in some world-famous sailing competitions.

As one of the world’s most eminent yachting destinations, the YCCS Costa Smeralda Yacht Club Sardegna caters to the world’s most discerning yachting enthusiasts. Keep on reading to learn more about this refined sailing yacht club in Italy.

Costa Smeralda Yacht Club Sardegna; a world-class marina

The Costa Smeralda Yacht Club was founded on 12th May 1967 by H.H. Aga Khan as a non-profit making sporting association for sailing enthusiasts and to promote related activities. Since then, it has become a luxurious resort where the most impressive superyachts can be found throughout the summer.

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is an attraction unto itself, home to fine restaurants, vibrant bars, designer boutiques and spas. For budding sailors, the YCCS even boasts its own sailing school.

It is also within striking distance of the religious site of Stella Maris, the Pevero Golf Club, and the beautiful Cala Granu Beach.

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda´s Sports Centre is located at the back of Porto Cervo´s Marina Nuova. The centre boasts 16 berths and can host yachts of up to 20-metres and, at certain times, can house yachts of up to 25-metres.

Visitors staying at this superb luxury destination in Italy are able to benefit from the selection of amenities on offer, including access to car parking, bathrooms, showers, a swimming pool and laundry services. Additional services such as haul out and launch, dismasting and maintenance, water, electricity and fuel are also available at this yachting hotspot, ensuring the utmost convenience during your stay.

The Costa Smeralda Yacht Club is an international hub of innovation and excellence and is home to a multitude of yachting events all year round. The YCCS currently organises a range of superyacht regattas as well as World and European Championships such as the Rolex Swan Cup and the Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship within the traditional Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, as well as newer superyacht events such as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.

Explore this luxury destination in Italy with YPI

To find out more about chartering a yacht in Sardinia, or reserving a berth in Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, get in touch with our trusted agents at Yachting Partners International. They will be delighted to help you learn more about this luxury destination in Italy.

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Costa Smeralda: Unabashed luxury meets unbridled natural beauty

This Italian island retreat was created from scratch 60 years ago, resulting in a strange juxtaposition of paradise and playground

Shortly after arriving in Sardinia I receive a Whatsapp from a fellow traveller: “I just paid €50 for an eight-minute taxi ride!” he types, aghast. Only in Costa Smeralda, a destination thought to be the most expensive in Europe – a place where a cocktail will cost you €20, antipasti €40, and property up to €88,000 per square metre (for reference, the average in London is around €20,300).

The ‘Emerald Coast’ is a 20km stretch of coastline in northern Sardinia, populated by exclusive hotels, designer boutiques and chi-chi restaurants. It’s a magnet for celebrities, business people and politicians – Silvio Berlusconi once owned an outrageously opulent 68-room retreat here, which he reportedly sold to Saudi royals for £350 million. The coast’s Hotel Cala di Volpe has hosted the likes of Beyoncé and Jay Z, Princess Diana and Dodi al Fayed, Elton John, Grace Kelly, and George and Amal Clooney. Roger Moore was filmed here as James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me .

So it’s good enough for some of the wealthiest people in the world. But is it right for you? We delve into the destination’s particulars to help you decide.

At times Costa Smeralda resembles an ancient fishing village, with its knobbly architecture, chalky piazzas and blooming bougainvillea. But it isn’t. In fact, all of this is new – back in the Fifties there was nothing here aside from some disgruntled Sardinian women.

Let me explain. In 1961, the Aga Khan (the Imam of Nizari Ismailis), whose net worth has been estimated at $13.3 billion, visited the province of Sassari and liked it so much that he decided to buy a bit and build a playground for the rich and famous. In Sardinian culture, valuable farming land – usually located inland – was passed onto sons, while coastal land was given to daughters. Apparently, these women, paying tax on worthless acres, jumped at the chance to shift it.

The Aga Khan’s vision for Costa Smeralda was eco-fuelled – to preserve and enhance its natural beauty. There are extremely strict regulations when it comes to developing here: nothing new has been built for 30 years, and nothing ever will be. It’s done – which is supremely rare in this day and age. How often do you visit a destination whose skyline isn’t punctured by cranes? The buildings that do exist on Costa Smeralda have to look a certain way, and even be a certain height; the Aga Khan stipulated that no structure should rise above the level of the indigenous vegetation.

The appeal that this gives Costa Smeralda should not be underestimated. Sitting on the terrace of the Cala di Volpe hotel on a scorching July morning, the view is ravishing. The limpid water, dotted with yachts , reflects a cobalt sky; it’s met by grassy peninsulas studded with fuschia flowers, while a hazy hinterland rises in the distance.

Architecture

The knowledge that the pseudo-Moorish architecture is – well – pseudo, may be a bit of a turn-off. But although it may not be authentically rustic, it is seriously beautiful. Much of it was designed by iconic landscape designers like Luigi Vietti, Michele Busiri Vici and Jacques Couëlle – a friend of Picasso and Dalí, nicknamed ‘the architect of billionaires’. He is known for pioneering the ‘architecture-sculpture’ movement, which employs only organic shapes and corporeal curves. He designed the Cala di Volpe; you can also rent out a Couëlle-designed villa in Costa Smeralda (for an amount not disclosed online), which resembles a hobbit hole rendered in turquoise mosaic.

Renting would almost seem a shame when Costa Smeralda is home to some of the most revered hospitality establishments in the world. There’s Hotel Romazzino, a building in Mediterranean whitewash with a choice of fresh and seawater pools and a myrtle-scented private beach. The Pitrizza, meanwhile, is a group of villas subsumed into the landscape (some have grass roofs) overlooking Liscia di Vacca bay.

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Cala Di Volpe, meanwhile, was originally built as the Aga Khan’s private home. It’s cast in pink ombre with terracotta accents and features sourced from artisans, like a tiled floor that, on closer inspection, is made from cross-sections of local wood, or coloured glass set into the rough-hewn walls. Patrons decamp from yachts and smoke Cubans on the terrace, and a mini Prada boutique in the lobby pedals the most expensive kaftans you will ever see (Italianate glamour doesn’t stop at the beach).

At the top of the Cala Di Volpe, the Harrods Suite goes for up to €39,000 per night during high season: arched doors are carved to look like shells, beds are tucked inside patinated alcoves, and hand-painted wardrobes are flecked with 22kt-gold fragments. On the roof terrace, the raised infinity pool and pastel-paved dining pergola are irresistible.

The restaurants here range from the traditional to the thoroughly modern. Take Phi Beach, for example: a beach club/bar/restaurant hybrid where you can spend the afternoon on a canopied sunbed before dining on fregola (a Sardinian pasta served in fish stew and usually topped by a fat, freshly-caught prawn) and dancing ‘til dawn.

Then there’s Quattro Passi Al Pescatore, where I dined in Costa Smeralda (at about 10pm, as is the Italian way); an essential stop for authentic fare such as squid tagliatelle and roasted octopus. Signatures include raw Mazara prawns, which are the spearhead of Sardinian delicacies – distinctive for their bright red colour and retailing at up to £45 a kilo – and bottarga, cured fish roe sack which is then grated over dishes, known by some as ‘Mediterranean caviar’.

Finally, if you find yourself all pasta’d out, Japanese restaurant chain Zuma will be opening in Porto Cervo next week. Guests can expect the finest fish and robata dishes, from sliced yellowtail to spicy beef tenderloin.

What else is there?

There’s the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and the Sardinia Cup sailing regatta is held off the coast. The Pevero Golf Club, meanwhile, is considered one of the most challenging courses in Europe, and was the seat of the Italian Open in 1978. For shopping, it’s the Promenade du Port, a village of both designer mainstays like Loewe and Off White, as well as independent stores and pop-ups. Polo matches are held near Arzachena, and there’s a film festival and a vintage car rally that come around yearly.

Costa Smeralda, by admission of its CEO Mario Ferraro, is trying to draw in younger patrons, hence the addition of Nikki Beach – the renowned beach club where beautiful people repose on sunbeds to the sound of world-class DJ sets. There’s also the (in)famous Billionaire nightclub, where red supercars line up outside and you’ll be hard-pressed to order a drink without a sparkler in it. Very m’as tu vu , but a lot of fun.

The verdict

There is certainly a whiff of artifice about Costa Smeralda – it’s a bit like Disneyland for Russian oligarchs. And, yes, there are a lot of uber-tanned, Rolex-clad men and women donning Balenciaga and botox. But you just can’t deny that natural beauty or the artistry of the surroundings, which were Costa Smeralda’s whole raison d’être in the first place. Beholding those macchia-clad hills as your tender cuts through indigo waves, everything else sort of melts away.

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Special Report: Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

A Cutting-Edge, Upstart Yacht Club in Sardinia

By Chris Museler

• Sept. 4, 2015

Two centenarian clubs occupied the top of the global yachting world in 1983: the New York Yacht Club and the Royal Yacht Squadron, on England’s Isle of Wight.

The stone foundations of the two clubhouses on opposite sides of the Atlantic resembled mini forts defending their traditions from the modern world. New York was also defending something equally precious: the America’s Cup.

So the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, founded in 1967 by the Aga Khan, raised more than a few eyebrows when it sent a challenger to Newport, Rhode Island, for the 1983 America’s Cup races, a curvy red diamond dominating its burgee and spirited young Italian sailors on board. But the team put on a strong showing and went on to pursue their Azzura racing campaigns into the modern world of Grand Prix sailing.

The America’s Cup involvement is only a blip, however, in the club’s history, which is considerably shorter than that of the most significant American and European yacht clubs, all founded between the mid 1800s and early 1900s. In its short existence, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has influenced not only the type of racing that members of the venerable clubs and other sailors in the yachting establishment enjoy, but also the level of service and hospitality on shore that is now standard at all large yachting events.

“They are still a small club compared to the most influential ones,” said Bruno Trouble, a French America’s Cup sailor who created the enduring partnership between the sponsor Louis Vuitton and the Cup challenger series. “They are quite influential in the wealth of the membership alone. And it is an incredible place to sail and enjoy. It’s the most expensive postcard in the world.”

The Aga Khan developed the rugged shore of Sardinia and the natural harbor of Porto Cervo in the 1960s. He continued to build hotels along the Costa Smeralda and carved out a corner for his vision of a new yacht club to service the growing number of ultra wealthy vacationers on the Italian island.

Originally housed in the rustic Maison du Port, in 1977 the club moved into a purpose-built facility overlooking the azure waters of the harbor. It has a modern marina capable of hosting some of the largest private sail and motor yachts on the planet.

If the established clubs of the world were holding to the traditional look and feel of a classic yacht club, with walnut-paneled walls and dimpled leather chairs, the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda was catering to the appetites of their billionaire members, who were used to the contemporary luxury of Europe and elite resorts around the world.

But the Porto Cervo club’s biggest influence on world yachting and racing has been in the superyacht scene, Trouble said: Owners need a place to race their 200-foot yachts.

“Boats get bigger and bigger, and we had to become better organized on shore,” said Ricardo Bornadeo, the commodore of the club and the club’s first secretary, who raced a 44-footer in the early days of the club. “We are following the natural evolution of the fleet around the world and the expectations of the owners.”

The rocky section of Sardinian coastline to which the yacht club clings is visually spectacular, and the view is complimented by the high-end luxury of the hotels promoted by the Aga Khan. Presidential hotel suites can be had for $36,000 per night.

But Bornadeo said “lifestyle” was only part of the story. “We prefer to concentrate on the best possible organization on the water and on land, and with all kinds of assistance for the sailors and their boats,” he added. “Lifestyle is not our target.”

The yachting historian John Rousmaniere said that the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda filled a growing need. “The maxi yachts wanted to be able to sail in the Med,” he said. “The owners needed someone they could count on to host them and give them a luxurious experience. It caught on right away.”

Bornadeo said the Aga Khan is still the driving force behind the club’s management.

Each act of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has been hard to follow and hard to match. But with most rival yacht clubs well over 100 years old, there is a lot more history to write for this “new” club.

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A superyacht charter to Costa Smeralda

The emerald coast.

Between Golfo Aranci to Baia Sardinia on the north-east side of the island of Sardinia, lies an inaccessible strip of coastline known as Costa Smeralda.

Its 55 kilometres of sandy beaches and coves border an emerald green sea, renowned for being amongst the most beautiful sailing waters in the world, and for superyachts it is one of the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean.

Porto Cervo

Costa Smeralda is a mini-state within Sardinia, with an independent security force, a private fire brigade and a capital, Porto Cervo, that is a carefully planned ‘fishing village’ with archways, external staircases and loggia fronting designer shops and superb restaurants.

Porto Cervo Marina lies in a well-protected harbour, presided over by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and there are excellent hotels, restaurants and world-class shopping close by. The social whirl consists of regattas such as the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, polo matches, film festivals and vintage car rallies. More pragmatically, there are good yacht repair facilities, and private jet and helicopter access at Olbia.

Transformation of a wilderness

Many myths surround the foundation of the Costa Smeralda, but the generally accepted version of events recounts a conversation that took place during a business lunch in London in 1958. One of the men present, who had recently returned from a trip to Sardinia, was passionate about the potential of a wild strip of coastline there.

Distressed by the negligible planning regulations prevailing on the island, and disturbed by the proliferation of Soviet Bloc-style hotels springing up along the coast, he presented an irresistible case for saving the area from architectural Armageddon by creating a private holiday refuge – for an investment of just $25,000.

HH the Aga Khan is synonymous with the development of Costa Smeralda. Aged just 21, he had succeeded his grandfather to take the title only the year before, and leapt at the opportunity to join the Costa Smeralda Consortium with Patrick Guinness and four other investors. Together they set about transforming 120 square kilometres of this undeveloped wilderness.

The fact that this rugged shoreline had remained undeveloped until then was down to a combination of history and geography. Vulnerable to sea-borne invaders – and Sardinia has had many over the centuries, from the Greeks to Moorish pirates – the local population had moved inland. They were further deterred from settling along this coast by malaria, which was only finally eradicated on the island after the Second World War.

Sensitivity to the environment and local style

When planning for the area began, a committee assessed the environmental impact, aesthetic style and overall quality. Members included specialist conservation architect Luigi Vietti, who was responsible for the building design in Porto Cervo, specialist environmental architect Michele Busiri Vici, who designed hotels, villas and the Stella Maris church, and French peer Jacques Couelle, a member of the Academie des Beaux-Arts, who designed the unusual Hotel Cala di Volpe. HH the Aga Khan dispatched photographers throughout Sardinia to take pictures of local buildings from which identical replicas were built.

The arrival of the jet-set

The early years of the Costa Smeralda were reserved exclusively for the very rich. The stylish Italian industrialist Gianni Agnelli was a regular visitor, while another habitué was Count Domenico Agusta, head of the aviation family and manufacturer of the legendary MV Agusta racing motorbikes.

In 1962 when the Costa Smeralda was opened up as a tourist resort, VIPs arrived rapidly, popularising Porto Cervo, Porto Rafael and Porto Rotondo and developing new holiday homes in the area. The paparazzi were quick to exploit this concentration of celebrities and the resort’s fame grew exponentially.

Capri and the Côte d’Azur may have been the traditional playgrounds of the European glitterati in the 1960s, but during the 1970s and 1980s, a stay on the Costa Smeralda became an essential part of the social calendar.

The region still attracts an international pack of high-profile ‘A-listers’ from motorsports, modelling, films and music. Flavio Briatore, Naomi Campbell, Denzel Washington, Heidi Klum, Maria Carey and a cluster of 007s are all among the faces linked with Porto Cervo and its high-octane celebrity circuit.

It’s an exotic combination of big names, big boats, beaches and exuberant nightlife that makes an intoxicating cocktail.

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Self-indulgence on the Costa Smeralda

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The Costa Smeralda is still the Italian getaway of the stars and the mega-rich, with superyacht regattas drawing the crowds every April. The Blu Mediterraneo Spa , a huge attraction every season, is the only ticket into the members-only club itself. And now there's fresh appeal, with Acqua di Parma 's new Italian Resort skincare collection. The utterly Italian brand known for its delicious smells and glamorous image absolutely typifies this place, alongside swathes of Loro Piana cashmere and handsome boys with nut-brown tans climbing the rigging.

One of just two Acqua di Parma spas in the world, this gloriously chic set-up has cool whitewashed walls lined with sparkling mosaic tiles. The signature Mediterranean Oxygenating Complex is fantastic, a blend of essential oils and minerals that help the native flora thrive against the wind, sun and salt. The treatment to go for is the Detoxifying Body Therapy : two hours of deep exfoliation and massage that will leave tired skin buffed and beaming. Book in at least a week in advance at the height of summer when the jet-set roll into town. The feel-good creams and scrubs will help you hang on to that holiday glow for longer, and the fragrance combination - bergamot, cypress and sea accord - still evokes the scent of the Med even once you're home. Post-spa, head for an ice-cold limoncello on the terrace and keep your eyes peeled for George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Jay Z.

Treatments from about £45. spa.acquadiparma.com

This feature was first published in Condé Nast Traveller March 2015

Terrace at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo

Revitalizing Body Cream, £52, Acqua di Parma

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo

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• Type of tour

Costa Smeralda private boat tour

Price starting from

• 6 Hours Duration
• Transport: included

Discover the beautiful beaches of Sardinia on board your private yacht

• Fun & Adventure
• Yacht Charter
• La Maddalena island
• La Marinella beach
• Islands of Soffi and Mortorio
• Stops for swimming
• Private Luxury Yacht
• Fuel, tax, port fees included
• Private Captain
• Refreshments on board
• Hotel pick-up (optional)

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Description:

This private boat tour of Costa Smeralda will make you discover the beautiful coast of Sardinia onboard a luxury yacht .

During this private cruise in Sardinia you will be able to relax on your motor yacht away from the crowds, admire the beaches and islands with stops for swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean sea.

You will meet your skipper in Porto Cervo or Poltu Quatu  (or other port in the area) where you will board your private motor yacht. If you are staying in a hotel or villa in the Costa Smeralda area (Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, Olbia and surroundings) we will be happy to organize private transportation from your accommodation to the port (this is optional at additional cost, please contact us for more information).

On board your private motor yacht you will navigate along the coast towards the famous beach of La Marinella with its fine white sand and enjoy views of the shore and the amazing color of the water of the gulf. Navigation will then continue to the scenic island of Soffi which forms part of the National Park of La Maddalena . This island is a granite formation, the habitat of many bird species and famous for its lovely coves. At the quaint port of La Maddalena you may have lunch in one of the nice restaurants (we will be happy to give you suggestions and to book a table for you). Next stop will be the island of Mortorio. The island is uninhabited and characterized by beautiful beaches, cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. The island and its beaches can be reached only from the sea and are a perfect stop for a swim in the crystal clear water and some snorkeling. 

At the end of the boat tour our skipper will take you back to the port. If you have asked for a private transfer, we will then take you back to your hotel or villa.

Please note that the itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted to your preferences. This includes the possibility of boarding the boat directly at your hotel whenever possible (subject to confirmation, contact us for more info).

For this private boat tour we offer a nice 27 ft. model. If you wish it is possible to upgrade to larger and more luxurious models (you can make the selection from the options menu in the reservation box located in the upper right corner of this page).

The tour is subject to weather and sea conditions. A full refund will be given if the tour needs to be cancelled when the weather conditions cannot guarantee safety of navigation.

Private yacht, captain, fuel, port tax, towels, drinks on board

Not included:

Hotel pick-up (optional at additional price) - Peak season surcharge for July and August €200

Italian, English

Meeting point:

At Porto Cervo, Poltu Quatu or other port in the vicinity (pick-up at hotels can be arranged, contact us for more information)

Dress code:

Don't forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!

Included in the price: 27 FT

Upgrade to 41 FT

Upgrade to 52 FT

Upgrade to 60 FT

Alternative tours:

Corsica boat tour from Sardinia

The boat trip was an amazing day as well as the complimentary wine. We had a great time!! The crew and boat were awesome. Thank you for the upgrade in the boat and such an amazing time. We will definitely use your company again in the future and will recommend to our friends and family. Thank you for all of your hospitality.

It was amazing! Everything was great, specially our skipper. Thank you so much for a great memory!

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Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda

A luxurious haven on sardinia's shores.

Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda, accessible only by yacht, emerges as a haven for those seeking the epitome of luxury beach club experiences. This exclusive retreat on the shores of Sardinia combines seclusion, opulence, and global culinary excellence, promising yacht-bound guests an unparalleled journey into the heart of high-end coastal indulgence.

This exclusive enclave, open daily during the summer, caters to a discerning clientele seeking a luxurious escape on the high seas, offering an unparalleled beach club experience against the stunning backdrop of Cala Petra Ruja.

A curated blend of luxury and exclusivity awaits, crafting an unforgettable coastal experience on the shores of Sardinia.

As jetsetters, celebrities, and sun seekers approach Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda by yacht, they are greeted by luxurious daybeds, creative cocktails, and a culinary journey that spans the globe. The beach club, perched on the beautiful bay of Cala Petra Ruja, is an elevated venue that promises a sophisticated retreat for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

The extensive menu at Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda is a testament to the beach club’s commitment to global luxury. From healthful salads to innovative sushi rolls, freshly caught seafood, and slow-roasted free-range rotisserie chicken, the culinary offerings cater to diverse palates, ensuring a gastronomic journey that transcends borders.

As the first and original luxury beach club concept, Nikki Beach seamlessly blends music, dining, entertainment, fashion, film, and art into a singular, immersive experience. Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda is a testament to this legacy, providing yacht-bound guests with not just a destination but an embodiment of a global lifestyle.

The restaurant and beach club at Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda showcase a menu that celebrates local and traditional Italian delicacies, Mediterranean flavors, and fresh seafood. From seafood platters and sushi boats to healthful salads and coastal cuisine, the offerings are meticulously crafted to complement the discerning taste.

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YACHT CHARTER PORTO CERVO: THE EXCLUSIVITY OF COSTA SMERALDA

Porto cervo is the symbol of the exclusive costa smeralda in gallura, the northernmost coastal region of sardinia. the town's name, porto cervo (deer harbor), refers to its deer-shaped natural harbour morphology. approaching sardinia on a luxury porto cervo yacht charter fills the eye with beauty as nature blends harmonically with the elegant villas and resorts disseminated on its territory..

Porto Cervo’s beating heart is its famous Piazzetta, surrounded by elegant shops, the ateliers of the leading international luxury brands, and plush cafés. Premium clubs rule the nightlife of this lovely town to hit on a Porto Cervo yacht charter .

To the south of Costa Smeralda is Cala di Volpe, a natural bay protected from the winds that are a perfect spot to visit during your luxury yacht charter in Porto Cervo , boasting a sandy seabed, transparent waters, and the fragrant scent of the Mediterranean vegetation.

Travellers seeking tranquillity and leisure on their Porto Cervo yacht rental cannot but adore Baia Romazzino, a picturesque stretch of pink-coloured sand nestled among elegant villas. You can stay at the hotel by the same name, which, with Romazzino and Pitrizza, is in the top tier of Costa Smeralda’s best resorts.

A Porto Cervo yacht charter, the perfect destination for sailing and golf enthusiasts

While the unique charm of Porto Cervo’s regattas attracts sailing fans, golf enthusiasts will find an exclusive 18-hole course at Pevero Golf Club that owes its other name, “Golf Dei Due Golfi” (Two Gulfs Golf), to its view of the bays of Pevero and Cala di Volpe – a truly unique sight!

Experience an unforgettable Porto Cervo yacht charter

Experiencing Costa Smeralda on a seven-day charter holiday is exceptional, especially on one of Silver Star Yachting’s elegant boats .

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The New Costa Smeralda Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda

British Virgin Island holidays have always been a big draw for the world’s sailing community, and now a new world class yacht club on Virgin Gorda is taking that to the next level.

The world famous Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has just announced the completion of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda Virgin Gorda clubhouse , which is the final chapter in the development of YCCS Virgin Gorda .  This brand new state-of-the-art marina and yacht club is a new chapter for Yacht Club Costa Smeralda , one of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs, founded by the Aga Khan in Porto Cervo in Costa Smeralda, Sardinia.

For a generation, Costa Smeralda has been famous in the international sailing and yachting worlds for its top level of sailing events and its unparalleled dedication to services and amenities.  The company is hoping that the brand new Costa Smeralda Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda will be the yacht club of choice for anyone sailing or yachting in the Caribbean.

The new YCCS Virgin Gorda is located on the gorgeous North Sound , with nearly 40 slips to accommodate yachts up to 100 meters in length, and nine meters in draft.  The harbor is perfect for a yacht club, protected from ocean swells and strong winds.  The clubhouse features a fantastic outdoor bar, a wine bar, a classic restaurant, as well as a gym and boutiques.

It celebrated its grand opening by hosting the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous in mid-March, 2012.  Nearly 30 of the world’s most fabulous sailboats and super yachts took part in four days of events on the water, and their owners enjoyed some of the best parties in the Caribbean this year.

Now, when you’re enjoying your villa Virgin Gorda , make plans to enjoy dinner at this world famous yacht club, and watch the world’s biggest and most breath-taking sailboats and yachts, as they bob in the sparkling turquoise harbour before you.

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Porto cervo, sardinia, italy.

Written by Missy Johnston

Porto Cervo, Sardinia

Porto Cervo, Italy is the main centre of the so-called Costa Smeralda , one of the most prestigious tourist areas on Sardinia’s north-western coast, and a large yachting port with sailing regattas, and docks for yachts visiting on a yacht charter cruise.

Porto Cervo Roofs

This is a village of multicolored buildings, recently built at the head of the natural port and at the base of the surrounding hills. The Porto Vecchio (Old Port) dates to the 60’s and is on the south-eastern side, while the new harbor is equipped with the most modern and complete support for yachting. Together they are the Marina di Porto Cervo, with over 700 slips. The whole town of Porto Cervo was created to reflect a modernist Italian Village, with a wide array of Tuscan colors used to paint the various stucco surfaces of the buildings. The main town was created when the rest of the Aga Khan’s Costa Smerlda was created and built. This is a village designed by architects, centered around La Piazzeta, and intended to blend into its surroundings.

Of course, Porto Cervo has a Yacht Club, the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club, started by the Aga Khan and group, as a non-profit sporting association for fellow sailing enthusiasts to promote related sailing activities. True to the mission statement, the Costa Smeralda Yacht Club sponsors many International sailing yacht regattas that take place in Porto Cervo such as the Perini Navi Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. The Costa Smeralda Yacht Club now has another station in The Bitter End, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands.

New Harbor Porto Cervo

What to Enjoy in Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

Shopping: The town is divided into two areas, the upper part and lower part separated by a stairway. The upper part has many interesting concept stores and art galleries. The lower part has shops are selling a wide array of high end Designer labels. The design of the town was then drawn to open into a nice piazza in front of the harbor.

Stella Maris Church: Designed by Michele Busiri Vici, this is a lovely, almost Gaudi-esque style church, housing the painting Mater Dolorosa attributed to El Greco, a 17th century organ, local juniper wood pews, and massive bronze doors with bas-reliefs representing the theme of the Annunciation.

Nightlife: Visit Ritual Club for an aperitif, and later night club fun. Created in 1968 intended as an artist’s enclave, Ritual is a stylized Castle ruin with interior concrete seating on many different levels. It is a magical combination of Designer Andres Fiore’s genius and Sardinian nature. Located amidst the rambling building holding ritual Club are olive and myrtle trees. The club hosts international DJ’s for all night dancing. Phi Beach is located on the water just outside of Porto Cervo. Accessible by ship’s tender, come to the beach bar for aperitifs at sundown, stay for dinner, and after dance all night in the sand. Also, just outside of Porto Cervo, The Billionaire Club was conceived in 1998 by Flavio Briatore as a chic place for the “jet set” to mingle. Inside the Club are two restaurants, The Crazy Fish, and Crazy Pizza, a Shisha Lounge for smoking high quality shisha, and a nightclub.

Restaurants: There are excellent restaurants in town for a night out and off the yacht featuring various international cuisines. As restaurant quality can change from summer to summer in a resort location, check to see which the best restaurants are when you are there.

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Cala Beach Club

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Beach Club & Restaurant - cala-di-volpe

Postcard-worthy beach club in a high-end locale

An exclusive beach club long frequented by a discerning clientele, this fabulous hotspot located on the beachfront of uber-chic Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, is a must-visit during any Sardinia yacht charter.

Take a tender ashore, and savour all that this elegant beach club has to offer. Revered for its cocktails, highlights include the Cala Bee: a lip-smackingly delicious concoction of white rum, peach liqueur, honey, pineapple and mint that tastes of summer.

Signature dishes here showcase the very best of Balearics cuisine. Think freshly caught seafood practically dripping from the sea — seabass, lobster, oysters and turbot all feature here. You certainly won't be disappointed.

Located in a secluded nook of Cala Di Volpe, you can rest assured that here you will find nothing but peace and serenity

After a sun-kissed lunch, linger at the.beach club and unwind on one of its plush sunbeds, lapping up the splendid beachfront views. Stay for sundowners to watch a magenta sunset cast a fiery glow on the shores in the most exclusive of environs.

If you're interested in visiting Cala Beach Club and want to incorporate it into your itinerary, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker . 

Alternatively, you can view the entire fleet of superyachts available for Sardinia yacht charters . 

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Cala Beach Club, Costa Smeralda, 07020 Porto Cervo, Italy

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LUXURY YACHT Costa Smeralda

your BOAT RENTAL to discover the BEAUTIES of SARDINIA

Choose from the Oasis Blu boats and set sail to discover pristine seas and wild islands.

Pershing 50

• Number of cabins: 3
• Max daily guests: 10
• Max cruising guests: 6
• June / day 2.800 €
• July / day 3.000 €
• August / day 3.500 €

your rental INCLUDES the following SERVICES

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Beach towels, aperitif with typical products, crew (captain and sailor), [email protected], +39 349 2513229.

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Home | Lifestyle & Travel | A Guide To Sardinia: Where to Stay and What To See

A Guide To Sardinia: Where to Stay and What To See

by Penny McCormick

Here are five gorgeous places to stay on the Mediterranean island that get our seal of approval…

This is the best time to enjoy Sardinia – when the crowds are departing after peak holiday time and conditions are still inviting. Visitors can expect warm, sunny weather (from 25°C to 35°C), balmy evenings and sandy beaches flanked by rocky outlets.

Its rural regions have been dubbed Europe’s “little Sahara”  because of their surreal sci-fi landscapes, where Sardinian deer and turtle hatchings are familiar sights. The island lends itself to activity holidays such as horseback riding through the dunes, or Mad Max-style quad bike excursions. Those in the know enjoy wine tastings on the Costa Verde, or celebrity spotting on the Costa Smeralda, which was made famous by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who, with other investors during the 1960s, developed the coastline into an upscale resort destination.

For the yachting crowd, (who drop anchor in Portofino, Capri and St Tropez), Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda is an essential part of any jet-setting summer holiday. However, you don’t have to have your own yacht to enjoy some sailing excursions as there are so many charters. Do try to visit La Maddelena archipelago, famous for its islands, and isolated beaches including the pink sandy Spaggia Rosa on the island of Budelli. The Isola dei Gabbiani is famous for its windsurfing and other pursuits from fishing to kayaking and scuba diving.

What I like most about Sardinia is its rustic charm and beaches. Liscia Ruja, known as Long Beach, is named after the reddish white sand, while Principe beach, was so named because it was the favourite beach of Prince Karim Aga Khan. North of the village of Romazzino, the sheltered shores and shallow waters of Romazzino beach are popular for families, while La Celvia is known as a celebrity haunt with restaurants, bars and sun beds set along this beautiful long stretch of white sand. 

Nikki Beach

Another celebrity favourite is Nikki Beach, in the Cala Petra Ruja. It epitomises the fun and laid-back atmosphere of the island. It’s only accessible by boat but if you don’t have your own they organise shuttles from Cala di Volpe.

One hotel which has done much to perpetuate the allure of Sardinia, especially for families, is the Forte Village Resort & Villas , in southern Sardinia. Set on 50 hectares of sub-tropical gardens, it comprises 13 villas, eight luxury hotels and 40 suites with views of the pristine coastline and neighbouring mountains. It has a reputation for being a sporty resort where guests can receive professional training from experts to acquire skills for the future and potentially ignite new-found passions or to simply have fun with the family. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of other relaxing hotels to enjoy on the island.

Here’s my top five:

This luxe hotel is on the Costa Smeralda, close to marine parks, harbour towns and the film locations for Disney’s live-action  The Little Mermaid . The hotel is family-oriented and fans out like a collection of villas, a stone’s throw from the sandy beaches of Marinella. In fact, it’s the only hotel in the area with its own private beach club and gazebos. Other highlights include its newly renovated outdoor pool and its exclusive Spa with sauna, Turkish bath, ice waterfall and relaxation area. There are also three restaurants and a selection of bars to enjoy an aperitif at sunset or after dinner drinks. The hotel’s Bee Happy kid’s club is well equipped and the hotel team can arrange e-bike hire, windsurfing and sailing and snorkelling expeditions around the Capo Figari. Nearby attractions include the charming towns of Porto Rotondo and San Pantaleo and the stunning islands of Mortorio and Mortoriotto, part of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, as well the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara. www.hotelabidoru.it

Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat

This inland agriturismo has been a labour of love and was established by a former pro golfer. The stazzo or stables were abandoned for half a century and are now fully restored as stylishly decorated standalone suites. This is a good base from which to explore the islands of La Maddalena and Corsica as well as the rural towns and coastal villages. The Costa Smeralda is less than half an hour away. The hotel team can arrange yoga sessions, wine tastings, cookery and painting lessons as well as horse-riding. The owner can help guests with their golf swings and also hosts live jazz nights during which he serves traditional Sardinian mirto (blackberry liqueur). www.gallicantu.it

Le Dune Piscinas

This isolated, beachfront retreat is on the island’s southwest coast. Its rooms and suites are designed to reflect the landscape and are a nod to the region’s mining past – with sandblasted marble floors, original wooden beams, wrought-iron bed frames punctuated with stunning artworks from the owner’s collection. Some suites open directly onto dunes, where guests have the chance to spot Sardinian deer at sunset while sipping on Negronis, from I Gechi American bar. The hotel has a private sandy beach, accessed by a wooden walkway and it has 28 parasols and twin sun loungers – one for each room at the hotel. The cool, minimalist Il Ginepro restaurant is the main one for breakfast and dinner, though other options include Rosso Tramonte in the evening where the chef’s table is a highlight and Il Maestrale beach bar for seafront dining. www.ledunepiscinas.com

Petra Segreta Resort & Spa

This adults-only hotel is a hamlet of tiny traditional stone houses tucked away on five hectares of forest comprised of oaks and juniper bushes. It has a stunning sea view, overlooking Olbia’s beaches and a nature-inspired spa as well as gourmet cuisine (it’s a member of Relais & Chateaux). Head chef Luigi Bergeretto places a priority on local ingredients sourced from the hotel’s organic kitchen garden and farm which are served in the Michelin-star Il Fuoco Sacro restaurant. The hotel has its own goat herd which produces organic cheeses.

For beach bunnies, La Celvia beach is a short drive from the hotel – it’s a hip haunt where celebrities, “men in finance” and politicos like to relax. Don’t leave without visiting the local Sant Pantaleo market on Thursdays, to stock up on Sardinian olives, sausage and sun-dried tomatoes. www.relaischateaux.com

7Pines Resort Sardinia

This newly revamped 76-room resort (part of Destination by Hyatt) overlooks the rocky cove of Cala Bitta on the north-east coast of Sardinia. It’s vibe is laid-back luxury with an emphasis on fine dining experiences. Guests can dine at Capogiro, where its panoramic terrace overlooks the sea, while enjoying one of the new tasting menus created by head chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio. More casual is Spazio, the resort’s new pasta and pizzeria concept in partnership with Franco Pepe (of world-famous Piazzola). Worth trying is culurgiones – a stuffed pasta unique to Sardinia which is similar to dumplings or ravioli.

During the day, the hotel provides a great base for scuba diving and water sports or exploring nearby Porto Cervo. If you prefer to “flop and drop” the complex has gorgeous gardens to wander, a Pure Seven Spa and a multi-sports area for on trend padel, tennis and basketball. www.7pines.com

If you are tempted by a cruise, why not book a seven-night “Highlights of Sardinia including Alghero & Costa Smeralda”, which departs from Cork on October 9. Guests will discover the walled town of Alghero as well as Bosa – a quaint medieval town with cobbled streets and paint-box houses. Other day trips include Costa Smeralda and the picturesque towns of Castelsardo and Sassari. There’s also plenty of free time to explore the Sardinia at your own pace. Prices cost from €1,479 per person with flights, accommodation, half-board, transfers and guide included. www.traveldepartment.com

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