conrad chia laguna resort combines sardinian traditions with mediterranean lifestyle

conrad chia laguna resort by studio marco piva

When Studio Marco Piva stepped into CONRAD Chia Laguna Hotel and Resort in Sardinia, the theme of wild place and authenticity sprang to mind. The azure coast, white and beige sand, specks of trees rooted in rocky hills, and the airy atmosphere provoked the design studio to guarantee an architecture in Sardinia that has a seamless flow between the interior and exterior of the residential-like hotel, in and out all the barricades are gone.

Combined with the idea of luxury and wellbeing in mind, Studio Marco Piva redesigned CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia into a territory of nature, characterized by a Mediterranean lifestyle that offers guests and wanderers to savor the Sardinian tradition in the nook of comfort. It is the first Italian venue for CONRAD Hotels & Resorts, the luxury Hilton brand aimed at well-heeled modern travelers. The fully refurbished hotel opened to the public on April 13th, 2022.

The lobby of CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia
All images courtesy of CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia, if not otherwise stated.

conrad chia laguna resort and the sense of lightness

The renovation owed its beginnings to the gust of the warm wind and the sense of lightness that surround the resort. Its position means the architecture basks in sea breezes and Mediterranean maquis, the convergence of marine, lagoon, and lush greenery permeating its entirety. The approach to the restyling of the outdoor spaces and the interiors for the bedrooms and common areas adopted the essence of international, high-end hospitality while staying true to the signatures that mark the Sardinian identity.

The resort hotel underwent formal, aesthetic, and emotional restyling to usher in Biancone di Orosei marble, a limestone rock quarried and finished on the island. The material stands out for its distinctive colors, created by fossilized shells, coral, and other marine organisms. With hues ranging from white to pink beige, it has been used for different surface finishes throughout the hotel, highlighting the quality of the material and giving the spaces a sense of elegance that makes the stay even more comfortable and welcoming.

The lobby of CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia
image © designboom

Studio marco piva connects the common areas

The journey begins with a check-in, setting foot inside the reception that now forms part of the interconnected common areas. Free-flowing space speaks of the areas’ concept with its complementary colors evoking the essence of tranquility. The design emphasizes the contrast between terracotta floors and the fresh, earthy tones of the décor, joining the repertoire of pale materials and colors found in sofas in woven fabrics, lanterns, candles, and local crafts.

A traditional wedding vase, refined by the Sardinian creative gallery Pretziada
image © designboom

Another view of the beautifully design lobby of CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia, on the wall, vases by Pretziada
image © designboom

Past the reception, Bollicine Bar awaits as a social space. The lounge bar has curated a space inside, on the covered terrace, and outside of the ceilinged area, with all options overlooking the coast. Butting up against the bar is La Terrazza Restaurant where Studio Marco Priva embellished the place with a transparent glass box done with a textured finish to underscore shape and volume and to enable the chefs and guests to interact and enjoy a show-cooking exhibition.

CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia combines Sardinian traditions with Mediterranean lifestyle | image courtesy of Studio Marco Piva

conrad chia laguna SARDINIA revolves around wellbeing

Since the focal point of the redesign revolves around wellbeing, the Bioaquam poolside bar offers just that by drawing on the idea of being out in the open while its adjoining restaurant is a place to laze about for breakfast, light lunch, and poolside happy hour. Sa Mesa Restaurant – which means ‘the table’ in Sardinian dialect – ensures that local cuisine is revered along with the design of the space. The color palette and décor evoke the colors of traditional food and organic elements, helmed by the golden olive oil and the crisp surface of local carasau bread.

A dip in the pool and some light meals later, CONRAD Spa welcomes guests into its temple of zen. Located in the fitness area, the gym stands out for its fresh, natural color scheme and mediation areas with its surroundings practicing openness through the landscape array of windows. The Spa’s rooftop sun terrace lulls everyone into its cantilevered pools above the gardens and views across the entire resort, private lounges separated by trees, outdoor furnishings, cabanas, and drapes.

Sardinian traditions and Mediterranean lifestyle

When the day is down, 107 rooms and suites at the new hotel cocoons guests into its reflection of CONRAD’s elegant, contemporary design and an international outlook that flow well with the Italian Hospitality Collection. Such a concept influenced the choice of pieces, colorways, and finishings that reflect the individuality of Sardinia: the comforting Italian décor and attention to detail shape the Mediterranean mood the rooms desired to conjure. The rooms are divided into two zones: those inside the Hotel, with panoramic terraces, and the family-friendly ‘Oasi’ area, with a separate pool, private gardens, and pathways through the resort’s luxuriant grounds.

Suites at conrad chia laguna SARDINIA

A new addition to the family affords the view of the lagoon, Chia Tower, and sprawling beaches of the landscape: the Shardana Presidential Suite. Its name is a tribute to the island’s ancient Nuragic people, and inspiration for the new interiors came from Sardinia’s natural surroundings and traditional local customs, through the use of warm sand and clay colors and natural materials such as wood and stone. The suite boasts an extensive living area, a bedroom with a king-size bed and walk-in closet, two bathrooms, and a spacious terrace with veranda, an outdoor living area, and a private jacuzzi.

A more modest living rises from the entrance of the new Tholos Deluxe Suite with a sea view, named after the ancient-domed nuraghi dwellings found on the island. Set on the hotel’s third floor, the suite features a large separate living area, a bedroom with a king-size bed and private bathroom, and a study area with a private bathroom. The wide veranda flows into a panoramic terrace, offering views of the Chia Tower and Sardinia’s coastline. Be it inside or outside of CONRAD Chia Laguna Sardinia that Studio Marco Piva renovated, the experience compels guests to linger and rest within the sanctuary of Sardinian traditions and nuances, paying no attention to the rush of time.