Is Serenas Badesi Resort

It was great. A big thanks especially to the friendly and corteous team

Arrival via coach transfer from the airport, we got to see some amazing landscape and scenery, which was very pleasing. We had been initially told food and refreshments would be supplied at the resort, this was not the case! We had arrived after lunch, we were all rubbing our hungry tums for the provided food, the cases had been swiftly taken off us, expecting to find them at our rooms, no this was a decoy to usher you to a check in table, only they wanted to know everything, where was you born where you live emails ages etcetera very unusual! Tired hungry and thirsty there was some water with floating limes lemons and orange in water, tasteless, the drinks Despenser had the most syrupy thick liquid, I love sweet stuff but that stuff would rot your insides never mind the teeth and diabetic coma! Hoping for the snacks or food as promised, we was told to get our bags and collect our keys oh and a map. We asked about an upgrade to prestige, as the holiday company requested due to lack of availability with them, hotel wanted a ridiculous £1000! Still no food! Still laugh at the maps, no one could understand where they should follow or be, so common to see others looking aimlessly lost at plaques situated around the place. The room was upstairs, no lift so some may struggle with their cases. The room was small, not like the picture we booked no sofa to relax on just bed and hard patio furniture. Still searching for the food! Provided kettle with few coffee sugar and tea, no milk! No food to be seen or found. We dived straight into the case pulling out our beach wear and headed for the beach! Follow the wooden walkway to an ever changing beach/sea. Red flag was up when we arrived so we kept next to the shore line, the sea is very strong and at one point snatched our feet and we could be seen spinning around and being rolled about, good fun but little ones would be in trouble. The evening brought spectacular sunsets even had a full moon as the sun was setting, beautiful to say the least. The walk back from the beach as sun had set, you will find yourself being attacked by every bug, insect and gosh knows what was bomb diving us. The place is built in shrubbery land, humans have invaded their home so expect to get bitten, take your own antihistamine and sun products on holiday, the resort clearly marks up their prices. Aftersun, you can get the same stuff (bigger) £14.99 on Amazon, the resort price 29.80 euros. Even the fridge magnets had extortionate pricing. Take a bus ride! we had been encouraged to do, well, know where to get off the driver won't tell you, before you know it you're back in your hotel 😂 oh and don't sit too close to the open bus window, you might get a few whacks off the foliage. When you get off at Badesi, don't expect too much, quiet village few souvenir shops and supermarket like Aldi had middle isle too, cheapest by far with plenty of drinks fruit food supplies, toiletries, hair nail everything under one roof. We walked the 5 mile back it was another scorcher of a day, we got to see the open lands the trees insects prickly pear, looks like a foot with toes 😂 the sea and sand are changing from soft to course along the shore, then weedy washed up sea plants. Make sure you have your fluids to replenish. There are little bars on the beach but unsure if they are for guests only. The end brings you to the beach restaurant here you join the wooden walkway, you can take a cold refreshment or if in time help yourself to the over rated snacks, pieces of melon or cake!! The ice cream seems nicer from the bar on the beach, although limited choice. You can have the option of having a meal in the beach restaurant, however, you have to book on the App', digital inclusion problem for many, lack of digital skills access etcetera. The rooms had been kept clean on a regular basis the cleaners had been very nice and polite. The restaurant greeter " Rosella " actually scared my partner, seems nice one minute, no eye contact the next, or a look like she's going to "get you in ahead lock". Food was varied each evening, fish, seafoods, meats from beef pork veal duck to turkey pasta little hard at times, pizza comes in tray nothing special, the food generally was cold regardless of the cooking, some heat lamps appearing not to be that warm. Breakfast was varied got a bit crazy around the pancake and egg area. I tended to have cereal to avoid the disappointment of a cold breakfast. The upstairs restaurant holds some lovely sunset's although you will be sun blinded when eating, some chairs causing chaos when getting in and out. The customer service helpers seemed confused at their roles, they are very sympathetic to your cause at the time yet seen to also tell lies, pacifiers, some situations raised by other guest members had been met with poor resolution. Including insult to injury. Maybe the staff are taking on too many roles as future guests will see the staff in everything, singing, children's activities, adult entertainment, lifeguarding, multi skilled with no direction. Jack of all trades, masters of none, comes to mind. Entertainment as mentioned is limited to who's best at that thing, karaoke night lets just say learn Italian songs, don't expect to have the mic for more than 30 secs as they all like the sound of their own voices. Overall boring, aside from the disco pool party, we all made our own entertainment! Lots of mosquito and little stingy wasp things, that said we had the chance to watch and capture a bird of prey, little fish flocking around your feet, unusual sounds from the sunset critters, the noises from the trees, like a chicken frog! Suddenly stop when you approach!! We did discover the source they blend into the bark so well. When I thought the birds were friendly, looked like a tiny seagull with a feathery long tail, they must have been protecting their nest in the shrubbery, attacking not making friends Beautiful settings for nature!! be prepared for the mosquito, some critters you don't necessarily hear or see. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks, insects, plants! just soak up nature, without the nasties. The beaches are so long you can make a day of it walking down and back, or go down the sandy tracks off the wooden walkways, be mindful of critters and reptiles. The sea is unpredictable red flags up not uncommon sight. Sea tides interchangeable, seeing, in out left right and can be very strong, waves can be problematic for beach goers, wind was also presented at times. Overall downside, cold food, snack disappointment, empty promises, overpriced shops, poor entertainment, confusing layout, lack of assistance, mosquito riddled, dangerous unpredictable waters, snack bar ridiculous food, App required for everything and why a disclosure form? To pay for a towel use, fizzy pop was flat most time, lack of resolution, management recognition, Upside, water activity, canoeing, sailing, body boarding, pedalow, archery, tennis, football, volley ball, included with stay, air conditioned room, (dripped rather a lot when not on) lovely cleaners. Would we return, sadly not to this resort. The reviews had been misleading, likely AI algorithms than real people experience. The advert should highlight the path they cut through nature. Sardinia it's self is a beautiful place with some stunning views and locations, we would try a different side of Sardinia

WARNING before you book. Firstly we chose this resort because of the great reviews, however just like another recent reviewer was suspicious that a lot of the reviews are fake, we and many others we met whilst on holiday felt the same must be true. We went through Jet 2 and have never been disappointed in the past, however on this occasion its not the information they give you for this resort it's the information they don't that's the problem. The first unusual thing was that on arrival and after a long and tiring journey we (everyone on the transfer coach from the airport) were greeted outside of reception by 2 resort staff members sitting behind a trestle table asking everyone to que up in order to fill out and sign the resorts privacy policy before going to reception and checking in. When asked what their privacy policy was, we were advised to look it up online!! There were 20 or so of us so this took quite a while and having caught an 8am flight from Manchester and it now being nearly 3pm, 30 degree temperature and no air con. No cold drinks or snacks on arrival as promised by the Jet2 rep, it wasn't only surprising but quite annoying. After eventually being checked in, we were then given a map to follow to find our accommodation and I can tell you its not easy to follow and find your way round, especially when your really tired, hungry and thirsty. Getting lost seems to be a very common theme amongst guests. THE GOOD POINTS. The rooms are spacious, the air con fairly quiet and does a decent job, beds are comfy, shower room spacious. The majority of the staff are extremely friendly and speak good or quite good English. The allocated sunbeds on the beach. The water sport equipment and other sport facilities on site. The restaurant has a decent selection, THE BAD POINTS. MOSQUITOES, lots of them. Fortunately we were not bitten too badly but many other people were. It seems the ground floor apartments are the worst affected. A tube of bite cream will set you back a hefty 20 euros and a pack of antihistamines 22euros from the on site pharmacy. There are 3 small shops, a clothes shop, souvenir and pharmacy and the prices are extortionate. Your a captive audience and are milked for every penny. For example, 14 euros for a pack of playing cards and 65-85euros for a basic bikini. House keeping was terrible!!! Although the room has tea, coffee and sugar. NO milk is provided, also only paper cups which get really hot and soft. (we ended up taking 2 ceramic cups from the restaurant to use in our room and carrying paper cups of milk to use in our coffee back with us. There is no mini market on site. On the first day my husband made a coffee to drink out on the small balcony, the paper cup collapsed and spilt all over the floor. We stayed for 10 nights arriving on a Wednesday and the balcony wasn't cleaned, the bedding wasn't changed and the floor wasn't swept properly until the Monday afternoon and that was only because we complained. So in the ten days we were there the bed was changed once and the floor swept once. The towels smell weird, a bit like vinegar. Although we knew the resort was remote, we wanted to explore the surrounding area a bit and planned on using the local bus service to get around. The cost of car hire at the resort is 119euros per day for a small car and 225 euros per day for a large family car. There are no taxi companies, only private hire and because the free shuttle bus to nearby Badesi village doesn't pick up until past 10am and by the time you arrive to catch a bus to a different town and arrive there, all the nice shops are about to close for siesta. The bus service also stops running between around 5.30-9.00pm, so you can easily get caught out. Using the bus service through trial and error we did get manage to visit nearby (aprox 25mins from Badesi village) Castelsardo old town and can definitely recommend going. We ate out twice that day and the food both times was delicious. Although a decent selection at the restaurant it was ALWAYS luke warm or even cold which spoilt it. We are more beach people than pool. Out of our 10 day stay 4 of the days were red flag as the sea can get really rough, so no swimming or water sports so on those days. We did use the pool. No one we spoke to thought the upgrade to premium was worth the money. So if your thinking about it, don't waste your money. In fact the premium sunbeds (they have cushions on) on the beach were almost washed away by the sea and were piled up on the beach for 3 days so couldn't even be used. Beach towels cost 7 euros plus a 10 euro deposit per towel. if you need a fresh one you have to pay again. A couple we met booked a massage each that cost 170euros and when they arrived for their treatment were told they had to provide their own towels!!! so had to go back to their apartment to get some which used up a far amount of their allotted time. Who goes to a spar and is expected to bring their own towel!!! This resort is geared for Italian people so all the entertainment is in Italian including the kids club. There was ONE evening were they had a disco and everyone could join in We love Italy and the Italian people. Would we go back to THIS resort. Definitely NOT.

Excelent. Facilities are very good. The rooms are excelent. They have good areas and silent. swimming pool is large enough for everybody. Food is very good.... surprisingly good if you consider is buffet. In the first day we had a small issue in room, the Hotel Manager (Maximo) quickly solved the issue. Always kind and supportive. Beach is amazing with included water sports.

Before you book please realise this resort is at least one hour away from tourist hotspots and at least 1 and a half hours from the airport. That said it is an oasis of calm set in stunning surroundings with access to a 12 km long beach with your own reserved beds and parasol . The resort is all low rise buildings with two floors being the max. Its set in village type setup with lush semi tropical plants in abundance and very quiet unless you are nearer to the entertainment zone piazza/ main pool area which has music until midnight. The second floor rooms require you to carry your case up a flight of stairs but help can be requested at check in or just request a ground floor when booking. The rooms are clean and well decorated with air-conditioning set to 22c which is not changeable but comfortable on hot nights. Bathroom is spacious and hot water always available . The food is exceptionaly good but Italian based so don't expect chips every day or chicken nuggets unless you pre feed your children in the children's restaurant located below the Patio din ing area and next to the main ground floor restaurant. The restaurant has a frying area with a different selection of deep fried food at every serving. You have a pasta area serving 3 different dishes every day freshly prepared and served in front of you plus plain pasta and tomato based sauce if required and a different soup every serving You have a manned grill section serving two different grilled meats / fish at every service. You have a carvery / fish/ meat counter also serving a different selection at every service. You have a section with fresh breads and pizza A desserts section/ icecream You also have a selection of anti pasta / starters which again changed daily. The only food that stayed the same was the salad selection Red/ white/rose wine available on tap along with local beer, soft drinks , water, fresh juice and coffee. If chips and nuggets are a vital food group then I suggest you don't go This is a mostly Italian resort but they do have English speaking staff however most of the entertainment is in italian but you are afer all in Italy. Great resort and facilities just go with the flow and relax

Good points -Peroni on tap + premium spirts -Cleaners are nice and attentive -Restaurant staff are amazing Bad points -charging 7 euro to rent towels + 10 euro deposit no other 4 star hotel uses this corrupt practice -No onsite shop -Whole resort is infested by mosquitoes I was was bitten at least 4 times a day -Location is extremely remote nothing around -shower and A/C has been restricted so saves them money at the guests expense -breakfast coffee is lukewarm all the time + only 2 machines -kids entertainment all in Italian not a word of English spoken + does not start till 9.15pm which is late for my kids -not serving chips, chicken nuggets for kids and generally kids food is non existent again only catering for Italian guests only -no snack bar, every hotel I stayed at within EU has one -all the restaurants here have same kind of food -not able to reserve sun bed before 9am

Nice, modern peaceful hotel but would not recommend for english people. Starting to think some of the reviews we read before we booked it are fake. Firstly, the food there was very very limited options, same things on at lunch and dinner, nothing for fussy toddlers/ children to eat. Flies were also around the food which puts you off. Not enough staff speak English which you’d expect from a hotel booked through an English tour operator. Very difficult to communicate. Kids club / entertainment are all in Italian, catered for Italian children. Not one word was spoken in English at the mini disco. For our first 4 days the air con wasn’t working properly in our room we rang reception 3 times regarding this as our room was 26 degrees and it was 32 outside. Eventually on day 4 it started working randomly. The beds are rock hard and really uncomfortable. Shower pressure is rubbish. The pictures also make the rooms look a lot bigger than they are. There is no snack bar, lunch ends at 14.00 and dinner doesn’t start till 19.00. Mini disco isn’t until 21.15 which was hard with a 3 year old. There is no shop on site to buy snacks or anything. I never leave bad reviews but feel this is needed so you don’t make the same mistake we did, look and book elsewhere. We were very disappointed with our stay.

We went back to Is Serena Badesi because my son had a blast 2 years ago! Lukas is now almost 13 and at Is Badesi kids of any age are entertained and engaged in many different activities. He took swimming lessons, tennis lessons and participated to many different activities provided by the AMAZING staff, including the final show where he was involved in a magic trick! His italian is not perfect but they gave him the support and confidence to participate to the show and have fun! Thank you Enzo Polidoro, Gabriele, Andrea all the entertainment/sport staff and hotel staff as well for a very relaxing and fun vacation! We'll be back!

We booked Is Serena Badesi hotel as part of a package. We really enjoyed our stay. Our room was spacious with comfortable bed and even nicer bathroom with rain shower. Tastefully decorated. We booked classic double room with garden access and we had a lovely outdoor space/terrace to sit on and relax in the evenings. Air conditioning worked well however I must say you could only set it to maximum low of 21 C and throughout the week it didn’t go below 22.5 C even. In an ideal world we would have liked it to go lower especially that outside temperature was high 30s! (We have air conditioning at home and it’s our standard to have bedroom temperature at 18C). The definite highlights were food, pool area and the beach area! Food was delicious. Varied and well presented. Their pasta dishes were out of this world! Good breakfast selection too. Pool was very nice, big with plenty of loungers to chose from. But the beach was amazing. What we really liked was that you had assigned loungers during your stay, which eliminated the worry of going to the beach and not finding any. We are not all day at the beach people and often would go for a couple of hours late-ish morning or late afternoon. It was lovely to have your own designated space. WiFi worked really well. Considering the size of the complex you’d expect some patches here and there but we couldn’t fault it. If we were to make one recommendation to the hotel it would be an ironing area. There was none. There were no irons in the rooms which is totally fine and many hotels we stayed at before had the same policy and didn’t provide irons due to potential fire hazard. But there should be a dedicated ironing space /area available where you can iron your clothes safely and for free. After a long journey you’d expect all of the dresses, skirts and shirts to be crumpled and looking rather creased and having no iron available in the room and no ironing area either made it tricky to wear any of them. The only option was to pay for for your clothes to be ironed as part of laundry service, which I was not prepared to do so. In all inclusive hotel ironing area should be part of available amenities. Also, would be better if lunch and dinner times were a bit longer. In most All Incl. hotels we stayed in lunch time lasts from 12-3pm or longer and dinner 6:30/7pm until 9:30/10pm. We found 12:30 - 2pm and 7:30-9pm times a little restrictive. One last point we’d make is on the pool towels rental. While €10 deposit per towel is refundable, you also need to pay an additional €7 per towel as non refundable fee. Something I really think is unnecessary and have never come across this before. However regardless of these few points we had a lovely stay. Relaxing, peaceful and refreshing. We really enjoyed it. Would return to Is Serena Badesi if in area again.

Family holiday, with 2 kids (7 and 10) We genuinely could not have had a better time! We were a bit worried after reading some negative reviews, but needn’t have as our holiday was complete bliss! Our room: was beautiful and cleaned every single day of our stay, clean towels and spotless rooms. The cleaning ladies were so nice and friendly too. Yes, there are ants, but if you try and avoid eating in the room it does help keep them at bay. Entertainment: the entertainment crew were great, they are genuinely everywhere doing everything, their day started at 9am and most of them after a hard day doing their usual roles, were on stage performing till 12am! Where do they find the energy?! Also always with a smile and always happy to have a chat and make you feel welcome. They do an amazing job and remembered our names, even after just talking to them once. Genuinely made us feel like family. Kids club: my son absolutely loved kids club. The girls in there made such a fuss of him there, he felt like royalty! They do lots of fun things like go to the pool and beach and also they have an acquapark there which looks like a lot of fun! My kids don’t speak Italian, but the kids rep made such an effort to get them involved and feel included. Having the kids in kids club meant my partner and I could enter some of the various sports tournaments they have in every day and we even went on one of the sailing lessons they have every day. Our instructors were amazingly good, and we actually got to sail the boat. Could not recommend it enough. Food: food is delicious fresh and plentiful, cannot fault any part of the dining experience. So much to chose from and they cater for everyone. There’s always somewhere to get a drink and snack. The bars are great, the staff learned our orders pretty quickly and my partner didn’t even need to ask most of the time. We don’t drink but there was still lots of options at the bar. Resort: so much to see and do! We felt like there were never enough hours in the day to do everything we wanted to do. Lots of fitness options, lots of tournaments happening, but also you could lie and sunbathe if you wanted to. Always a show or event happening so you are never bored. Staff: the staff are such amazing professionals! Nothing too much bother and they really make you feel at home. We’d like to give our thanks to everyone from the resort for making our holiday such an incredible experience! We will definitely be back.