13 The Stay Guide: Sardinia

Northern Sardinia reveals a side of Italy that feels both luxurious and understated, with rugged coastlines, turquoise coves, and hotels that blend naturally into the landscape. Travel Advisors Brittany Pigorini of Unfolded Travels and Stephanie Rizzolo of Sette Travel unpack seven standout hotels across the Costa Smeralda, drawing from firsthand stays and site visits. They compare how each property fits different travelers, from families to couples to design-focused clients. Their discussion reveals how rustic charm, price point, and access shape the client experience, and where the island’s authentic character still shines through.

Gain insights on  how to position Sardinia to your clients, where to encourage splurging, and how to match the right hotel to the right traveler.

Key Takeaways

  • How to match beach-focused families with hotels that deliver true sandy-shore access

  • Why Baglioni works for style-driven travelers who prefer privacy and the trade-offs to be aware of

  • Which hotels best fit clients look for contemporary design, a modern feel, and standout cuisine

  • Why Romazzino, and soon Cheval Blanc Pitrizza,  anchors the top tier for travelers seeking elevated service and refined luxury

About the guest: 

Brittany Pigorini is the founder of Unfolded Travels, known for curating highly personalized itineraries that balance design-forward stays with family-friendly logistics. With extensive on-the-ground experience throughout Italy, Brittany brings a pragmatic yet passionate lens to evaluating Sardinia’s hotel landscape.

Stephanie Rizzolo is the founder of Sette Travel, combining her deep Italian heritage with a refined eye for food, culture, and luxury hospitality. A former Knicks City Dancer turned travel designer and culinary writer for NJ.com and La Cucina Italiana, she curates journeys that blend Italy’s finest dining, design, and experiences with the personal touch of a true storyteller.

Whitney Shindelar

Undiscovered Sunsets was a long time in the making, even if I myself didn’t realize it. During my time at the University of Northern Iowa, I studied abroad in New Zealand. Upon graduating, I bought a one-way ticket to France, lived with a French family and studied with classmates from Turkey, China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and everywhere in between. In 2010 I began teaching English as a foreign language. This job quickly took me to China, where English teachers were in high demand and within three years, I began working in a 5-star hotel, speaking Mandarin throughout most of my day. In total, I lived abroad for 7 years.

I consider Undiscovered Sunsets to be the perfect mélange of my personal experience traveling the world and my professional experience working in the hospitality industry.

I look forward to designing your next adventure!

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12 The Essentials: Costa Brava