When Domenico Modugno sang about the many shades of blue in his song Nel blu di pinto di blu set to Franco Migliacci’s lyrics inspired by a dream vision of Marc Chagall’s paintings in early 1958, a Sardinian had a dream. Anton Paolo Vincentelli chose an enchanted stretch of coast in North Sardinia to create the first tourist village on the island. Its strategic position and the guarantee of absolute privacy made Valle dell’Erica a place for the elite where Princes, Kings and the famous loved to spend long holidays in contact with unspoilt nature.

There are tourist destinations where photographs may entice and allure with promises often not fully kept on arrival. Here however, somewhat in disbelief as when admiring the deep shades of blue in Chagall’s paintings, you marvel how the sun and seabed can produce such an incredible spectrum of blue, the Sardinian Sea living up to its reputation in every sense of the word. In harmony with the style of the original village, Valle dell’Erica was wholly refurbished by Delphina Hotels and Resorts, transforming it into a five-star resort equipped with every comfort. And it is remarkable how the original environment has been preserved; the colours and scents of nature are the same that have characterized this corner of paradise for over half a century.

This respect for the environment, very much a part of the standard operation in every one of the eight resorts of the Delphina collection, has allowed the group to collect many of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality industry, not least for the efforts towards sustainability. And it should be pointed out that this passion predates the recent focus on environmental issues. ‘Nature has always been at the heart of our projects, not just as a source of inspiration, but also a resource to be protected to offer holidays where people can discover the authentic Sardinia and enjoy a sense of freedom in contact with our unique nature.’ Delphina achieves this through good practices and territorial enhancement initiatives that follow a route aimed at a sustainable future for the land they love and the land their guests come to cherish.

The Delphina retreats of North Sardinia are varied. Still, it is safe to say that the resort Valle dell’Erica satisfies the needs of those looking for a five-star village with direct access to the sea, excellent value for money and the highest hotel standards. It is sure to gratify those who are passionate about the nature of Gallura, located just ten minutes by car from the town of Santa Teresa Gallura, a renowned tourist destination in the far North of Sardinia, facing the International Marine Park of the Straits of Bonifacio which includes the two archipelagos of La Maddalena and Corsica. These can easily be explored on one of the many boats of Delphina’s partner company Poseidon, providing exclusive services in North Sardinia.

Even in high season, you enjoy the space and privacy the Valle dell’Erica affords, set in a private park of 28 hectares and surrounded by a mile of unspoilt coastline within easy reach, with bays of white sand and rocks shaped over time in a unique and unparalleled setting. Romantic and light-filled rooms with panoramic verandas in either of the two hotel complexes, the warm atmosphere of the Thalasso Centre & SPA and all the attentive services, including seven restaurants, each with its character, found in a genuine oasis of relaxation just a stone’s throw from the magnificent Sardinian Sea. And for those special occasions, even closer, on the beach.

On our wedding anniversary, the evening began with a romantic aperitif outdoors and continued with an exclusive dinner barefoot on the sand in one of the small coves of the resort. A rare privilege with unique culinary surprises, the catch of the day and seafood specialities, together with a selection of fine wines chosen for the occasion, served under a starry sky. Modugno and Migliacci tentatively named their iconic song Sogno in Blu, Dream in Blue. Volare! How we dream of flying once more to the blue seas of Sardinia.