Three Days at Baia dei Mori Beach Club

A team from the Neilson head office headed out to Baia dei Mori Beach Club in Sardinia to better understand the resort, its location, activities, facilities, atmosphere and to meet the overseas team. Our goal was simple: throw ourselves into as many activities as possible, meet as many guests as we could and fully immerse ourselves in life at the Beach Club.

As a diverse team, we all had different priorities and interests – with me, Matt and Stephen heading straight off to tennis, Eva and Georgia opting for morning sailing and Hollie and Rebecca slowing things down with a stretch session on the fitness decking.

It quickly became clear that Baia dei Mori offers something for everyone, with no pressure to take part in anything that doesn't appeal. The morning activities ended with a high-intensity workout, again on the fitness decking, followed by Aqua – a lighter fitness session with music, in the swimming pool.

A quick lunch refuelled us for an afternoon on two wheels – me, Matt and Stephen choosing a mountain bike ride, which veered through off-road trails along the coastline, culminating at a rooftop café with a breathtaking view of Sardinia’s west shoreline, and Hollie, Eva, Georgia and Rebecca choosing the ladies ride that took them to a glamorous harbour where they enjoyed some fresh gelato.

The mountain bike ride was a real favourite for Stephen, who explained,

"The cycling was one of the best ways to experience Sardinia beyond the Beach Club. Riding along the coastline before arriving at a picture-perfect hillside village, complete with a medieval castle overlooking the sea, was something I'd never have discovered on my own. The challenge of the ride made reaching the top even more rewarding, especially when we could celebrate together afterwards with a cold beer."

I felt like a kid again, bouncing from activity to activity and rediscovering a sense of playfulness I'd not experienced in years. My biggest challenge wasn't deciding what to do next but what I might have to miss. What I wasn't prepared for, however, was just how stunning Baia dei Mori would be.

My room opened onto the glorious pine forest that hosted the fitness deck and beach volleyball court. The sounds of early-morning yoga and sound baths played second fiddle to the birdsong echoing through the trees. Lying face-up in the next yoga stretch, it’s hard not to feel at peace gazing at the still crowns of the pines, with a clear blue sky as the backdrop.

Rebecca and Hollie became residents at the fitness deck, filling their boots with yoga, stretch-and-relax and sound bath sessions. Rebecca told us,

"What stood out most for me was the setting; being beneath the pine trees made every class feel completely immersive. Combined with the expertise of the fitness instructors, it created a really calming experience that allowed you to switch off and reconnect with both your body and your surroundings."

Take a few more steps and a crested bay, a scene straight out of a film set, opens with the majestic sight of white sails cutting through a sea so turquoise it doesn’t quite look real. We noticed that there was little to no infrastructure built along this small stretch of coast and we later discovered why it all felt so untouched.

Local regulations prohibit new developments near the shore, helping preserve the area's natural beauty. Because Baia dei Mori was built before these rules came into force, it remains one of the few Beach Clubs with such immediate access to the sea. Beyond the range of experiences on offer, it is truly a haven for those who appreciate natural beauty above all else.

The coastline wasn't just beautiful to admire from afar; it was also the backdrop for countless hours spent on the water. During the three days we were in Sardinia, we couldn’t get Eva and Georgia away from the beach – Eva’s love for sailing took centre stage – it was a joy to join her on one of her outings (despite the slight seasickness!).

Reflecting on her time on the water, Eva said,

"Sailing was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. We spent time on the Quest, Catamaran and Laser Radial, each boat offering a different experience, but the Quest was probably my favourite. Taking part in the regatta with Rebecca and Georgia was a real highlight too. Whether racing or simply enjoying the water, there's nothing quite like being at one with the wind and the conditions."

Day two followed a similar pattern, kicking off with tennis and sailing. My highlight of the trip came next, as the three of us grabbed a court to practise some rallies of our own after the coaching session. Then a guest named Shady joined us, making it the perfect setup for a game of doubles. Shady, a woman in her 70s, was brilliant company and a serious competitor. We’d shared success during one of the practice drills earlier and carried that momentum into our small game.

Her enthusiasm was infectious and her love for tennis was admirable. This energy was all over the Beach Club, with large numbers of tennis players – a mix of ages – returning on the final day for the tennis tournament, including some of the familiar faces we’d grown closer to throughout the week.

I noticed the same attitude among guests throughout the week – a genuine eagerness to try new activities, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Evenings were more laid-back, with a buffet-style dinner at the classy dining area that included Italian classics, a vast salad bar, family favourites and options for all.

A highlight of every evening was the deep orange sunset that washed over the Sardinian coastline, casting vivid colours across the still water before dusk settled over the Beach Club.

After dinner, guests naturally made their way to the beach bar that stayed open a little later for a few well-earned evening drinks. The array of options available was impressive, from high-quality spirits to refreshing local draft lager, plus plenty of soft drinks – and a late-night gelato if you still had room.

It was the whole atmosphere and energy of the Beach Club which Matt enjoyed the most – especially when considering returning with his family,

"What struck me most was how relaxed everything felt. The Beach Club has a really easy-going atmosphere where you can be as active or as laid-back as you want. Looking around, it was easy to picture bringing the family here – the kids' club looked fantastic, the pool area was spacious and there was plenty of room for everyone to do their own thing while still spending quality time together. It's easy to see why families feel so comfortable here."

Overall, it was the time spent with guests that I appreciated most. As someone relatively new to Neilson, I gained a real appreciation for the kind of people a Neilson holiday attracts – active, welcoming and always willing to encourage one another. From encouraging one another during strenuous tennis drills, supporting each other up gnarly hills on a mountain bike route or reminiscing about the day's fun over a drink in the evening, there really is a community feel to a Neilson holiday – one that we were welcomed into effortlessly.

One final mention must go to the Neilson team at Baia dei Mori, who bring enthusiasm and positivity to everything they do – as seen by the tennis coaches to the fitness instructors, the beach team and the cycling crew. It’s no wonder guests make real connections here, thanks to the inclusive environment the overseas experts have created.

By the time we headed back to the airport, we had achieved what we set out to do. We understood what makes the Beach Club tick. What we hadn't expected was how quickly we'd feel part of it ourselves. Three days later, we left with tired legs, a healthy dose of competitiveness and a much clearer understanding of why so many guests return year after year.