Neilson Holidays Italy: Experience Authentic Sardinia at Baia Dei Mori Beach Club
We caught up with Deana, Senior Travel Consultant here at Travel Club Elite, following her holiday at Neilson’s beautiful Baia Dei Mori resort in Sardinia. In this review of Neilson Holidays Italy, Deana take us through everything from rustic resorts and white powder beaches to yoga under the pines, scenic e-bike rides, and unforgettable seafood feasts. Deana also highlights the outstanding customer service at the resort, crediting Guest Services Manager Richard Frost – known by many as ‘Frostie’ – for making her stay even more memorable. Whether you’re an adventure lover or just craving laid-back luxury, this Neilson Holidays Italy experience truly has something for everyone.
This obviously wasn’t my first trip abroad, but Sardinia had been on my radar for a long time. I’d heard so much about its stunning beaches, and as a self-confessed beach fanatic, I was dying to see them for myself. Plus, Italy has always been high on my must-visit list, so this trip ticked a few big boxes! Instead of going with a transfer from the airport, we decided to hire a car – it just gave us more freedom to explore. The drive to the resort was super easy, about 40 minutes, and the reception team was already expecting us when we arrived. The resort itself? It definitely had a rustic charm and felt incredibly warm and inviting!
The outdoor dining space is lovely – spacious, surrounded by flowers, and a really laid-back vibe. The staff couldn’t have been nicer. Frosty, the general manager, was amazing, super knowledgeable and genuinely warm. There’s a great mix of guests too. Some are full-on activity lovers, doing every water sport or class on offer, while others, like my husband and me, preferred to dip in and out, balancing fun with some proper downtime. That’s the beauty of this place: you can play hard or relax even harder, and no one bats an eyelid.
There’s no indoor gym, but the outdoor fitness area is tucked away in the trees. It’s perfect for yoga, stretching, aerobics, and some light weights. Everything just feels very in tune with nature. And then there’s the beach! You walk through the trees before seeing white powdery sand and crystal-clear aqua water. It honestly felt like we’d stepped into the Caribbean. This is where all the water sports happen, and the team there are brilliant, especially with beginners. They’re friendly, reassuring, and never pushy. The whole vibe is relaxed, and everyone just seems to be having a good time. It’s probably one of the friendliest resorts I’ve stayed at.
We organised our own car hire, but the Travel Club Elite can of course help with that if you’d prefer. The resort is a bit off the beaten path, so having a car meant we could explore more of the area. That said, bikes are a great option too. There’s a gorgeous little village nearby called Posada, with a medieval castle and epic sunset views. If, like us, you’re not exactly Tour de France material, don’t worry – they’ve got e-bikes for a small extra fee. Lifesavers on the hills! Another great spot nearby is Porto Ottiolu, a cute marina with lots of restaurants and bars. The resort offers a shuttle there on non-inclusive nights for €20 per person, but having a car meant we could go at our own pace and check out even more beaches in the area.
We also drove up the coast to Costa Smeralda – about an hour and 20 minutes away. It’s a seriously glitzy area, like the Monaco of Sardinia. While we were there, we actually spotted Michael Jordan’s massive yacht, packed with every toy imaginable. The beaches up there are stunning, though sunbeds can be pricey. They’re public though, so just bring a towel and enjoy without spending a fortune. Closer to the resort, Budoni has a few bars and restaurants, pretty low-key. For a livelier atmosphere, Porto Ottiolu is your best bet. Food wise, Sardinia didn’t disappoint. Amazing seafood, delicious pasta, and pizza that honestly might be the best I’ve ever had – especially from a family-run pizzeria just up the hill from the resort. It’s walkable, super friendly, and you can get a litre of local wine for just €12. Perfect for a laid-back evening. The resort also hosts a Sardinian Night on one of the non-inclusive nights. For €36, you get a traditional spread – suckling pig, mussels, fresh fish. If you’re into trying local dishes, definitely go for it.
Although it’s a rural part of Sardinia, once you settle in, you really get why it works. It’s a dream for cyclists, kite surfers, sailors – you name it. The roads are smooth and scenic, perfect for biking, and the coastal winds make it ideal for water sports. If you’re not that into intense activity, I’d still recommend trying the e-bikes or even a sailing session. The scenery alone makes it all worth it. Plus, there’s nothing better than finishing your yoga in the trees with an Aperol Spritz in hand! Neilson’s Baia dei Mori is perfect if you’re after a more down-to-earth, outdoorsy holiday. It’s not about luxury rooms or five-star extras – it’s about relaxing, reconnecting, and enjoying the natural beauty around you. You’ve still got tennis, yoga, cycling, and loads of activities, but it’s all chilled out and low-pressure. If you’ve stayed at other Neilson resorts like Messini or Buca, just keep in mind this one has a different vibe. More authentic, more rustic, and more focused on the setting than the interiors. But for us, it was exactly what we wanted. Would I go back? 100% yes. I’d definitely hire a car again, even if just for a few days, because Sardinia is way bigger than I expected and there’s so much to see. The reception team are great at helping organise excursions and boat trips too. We wanted a trip where we could unwind, stay a little active, explore, and soak up the sunshine, and that’s exactly what we got. Sardinia absolutely exceeded our expectations.
If you’re interested in booking a holiday to Neilson’s stunning Baia Dei Mori resort in Sardinia, call one of our travel experts free on 0800 707 6229 to book with exclusive extra savings from us on top! Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com.