Hotel Sa Cheya Relais

“100% positive experience”

We had a lovely time at Hotel Sa Cheya! Everything was perfect for us, starting with the location, not so close to the summer madness in Alghero, a peaceful and quiet resort with gardens, restaurant, pool, tennis court, the staff, very friendly, helpful and welcoming, the room. It was like a small … more

We had a lovely time at Hotel Sa Cheya! Everything was perfect for us, starting with the location, not so close to the summer madness in Alghero, a peaceful and quiet resort with gardens, restaurant, pool, tennis court, the staff, very friendly, helpful and welcoming, the room. It was like a small oasis. The restaurant has a very nice terrace and serves local and international dishes, everything is very tasty and carefully plated. Our room was on the ground floor and had a garden overlooking the heelds of Sardinia, which was perfect for our little one, she enjoyed every moment of it. Breakfast was WOW and the service was fantastic. My only comment is related to the mosquitos and other insects, since it’s such an amazing garden, I would suggest having insect repellent sprays or asking the reception for a solution. They provided a device to cast mosquitos away the second night.

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“A gem in every way..”

What a lovely experience from start to finish. Warmest staff who made this a special week. Very comfortable, quiet and relaxing. Excellent breakfast with Elenas home baking a marvel. Betty at reception went out of her way to make our week run smoothly. Deborra sang as she served coffee each morning… more

What a lovely experience from start to finish. Warmest staff who made this a special week. Very comfortable, quiet and relaxing. Excellent breakfast with Elenas home baking a marvel. Betty at reception went out of her way to make our week run smoothly. Deborra sang as she served coffee each morning and made all guests feel so welcome. The hotel is comfortable and well equipped. Lovely pool with cocktail service daily.

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“The perfect hotel”

Our fabulous second visit to this amazing Hotel. We stayed for a week. Beautifully cared for planted surroundings with hills all around. Very restful. Wonderful pool with plenty of beds & shades for a small hotel. The rooms are large with every facility & a great shower room, all was spotlessly c… more

Our fabulous second visit to this amazing Hotel. We stayed for a week. Beautifully cared for planted surroundings with hills all around. Very restful. Wonderful pool with plenty of beds & shades for a small hotel. The rooms are large with every facility & a great shower room, all was spotlessly clean. We had a very spacious balcony. The breakfast is superb, huge variety & all home cooked with exceptional service from very friendly staff. Excellent lunches to order and a very good restaurant but also around close drive into Alghero with its old town, marina & perfect beaches not far away. The staff are so very attentive & can’t do enough to help & please their guests. Can’t wait to return.

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“Not Quite Four-Star, But Fair for a Solid Three”

We recently stayed at Sa Cheya Relais as part of a Sardinian road trip, drawn in by glowing online reviews and the hotel’s advertised four-star rating. In fairness, some of our misaligned expectations are our own. With a background in luxury hospitality myself and a strong understanding of the hote… more

We recently stayed at Sa Cheya Relais as part of a Sardinian road trip, drawn in by glowing online reviews and the hotel’s advertised four-star rating. In fairness, some of our misaligned expectations are our own. With a background in luxury hospitality myself and a strong understanding of the hotel business, I tend to notice details that either elevate or detract from a property’s standard. What we found was a peaceful retreat that, while offering certain strengths, more closely aligns with what one would expect from a good three-star property rather than a four-star one. With the right mindset and in the appropriate price bracket, it still provides fair value. Location and First Impressions The property is located roughly a ten-minute drive from the centre of Alghero and nearby beaches. Its semi-rural location makes it quiet and relaxing, yet still accessible. A supermarket is within walking distance, but for ease and flexibility, having a car is recommended. There is ample complimentary parking close to the rooms, which is a convenient touch. The resort layout is appealing at first glance, with bungalow-style accommodation scattered across spacious grounds surrounded by greenery. Immaculate Gardens and Tranquil Setting One of the undeniable highlights of the property is its beautiful, expansive gardens. Despite the dry Sardinian climate, the landscaping is lush and impressively maintained. Gardeners are visibly at work throughout the day, tending to the grounds with care and diligence. Their efforts create a serene and natural environment that gives the hotel a strong visual appeal and a sense of calm that guests will appreciate. The Room: Clean but Basic and Not Soundproof Our room was bright and clean, with a terrace looking out onto the gardens. The bathroom was well designed and the shower had good water pressure and consistent temperature. However, the overall feel of the room was basic and dated, lacking the freshness and style expected of a contemporary four-star hotel. The colour schemes and furniture felt tired and in need of an update. In terms of noise, we could clearly hear guests in the room above us, which disrupted the sense of peace and suggests that soundproofing could be improved. The room did not offer many of the amenities one might expect, particularly from a hotel that positions itself as a spa retreat. There were no bathrobes, no ironing facilities, and the TV was small and positioned far from the bed, making it difficult to watch comfortably. These omissions might be understandable in a simpler property, but not in one presented as part of the wellness segment. The bedding consisted of only a top sheet and a decorative bed throw, which had some light stains and raised minor concerns about cleanliness. The terrace furniture was also not particularly comfortable, with no padding, and we found the terrace itself to be rather dirty, with visible bird droppings. As a result, the space didn’t feel particularly inviting for relaxing outside. Another detail that stood out was that upon check-in, we were informed that only one key card could be issued per room, which felt a little inconvenient for two guests sharing a room. Tea, Coffee and Toiletries A kettle and a few tea bags were provided in the room, but there was no coffee, which felt like a missed opportunity in a country so renowned for its coffee culture. Adding to that, we were advised during check-in that only the first set of tea bags was complimentary and that any further replenishment would be charged. This approach felt unnecessarily restrictive and slightly unwelcoming for a hotel in this category. Toiletries came in very small single-use plastic bottles, accompanied by tiny soap bars. Next to them was a sign outlining the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, though this felt somewhat ironic given the outdated presentation. Most upscale and eco-conscious hotels have adopted sleek refillable dispensers that are both more sustainable and more aligned with modern guest expectations. Public Areas and Upkeep While the gardens are clearly well cared for, the same level of attention was not always evident in other public areas. Some walkways were visibly soiled, likely from birds, and on several occasions, housekeeping carts and rubbish bags were left in guest areas for extended periods. These oversights do not necessarily reflect poor hygiene but do suggest a relaxed approach to upkeep that can detract from the overall sense of refinement. It was not unpleasant, but it did feel unpolished. Pool and Safety Considerations The pool area is attractively positioned amidst the greenery and the water temperature was actually quite comfortable. It was a pleasant place to unwind during the day. The sun loungers were somewhat worn and not the most comfortable, but they served their purpose well enough. However, one concerning issue occurred when a light gust of wind lifted a parasol from its base and sent it airborne, narrowly missing one of us. We later noticed that some of the umbrellas had been fastened with duct tape, suggesting this was not an isolated incident. For guest safety, more secure and wind-resistant umbrellas should be considered. Dining Experience We had dinner at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Villasole, and this proved to be one of the more enjoyable aspects of our stay. The terrace had a pleasant atmosphere and the food was of very good quality. The setting was attractive and made for a nice evening. Breakfast was served buffet-style and included a range of hot and cold options. It was a decent offering, although several items ran out towards the end of the breakfast window without being replenished. Some of the cut fruit looked a little tired, and certain breads didn’t taste particularly fresh. My recommendation would be to avoid arriving at the last minute if you want the full spread at its best. Service and Hospitality Staff were courteous and professional but lacked warmth. The welcome on arrival felt procedural, with a noticeable emphasis on which services were complimentary and which would incur extra charges. While nothing was explicitly unfriendly, it lacked the personal connection and natural hospitality we’ve often experienced elsewhere in Sardinia. It felt functional, rather than heartfelt. Final Thoughts Sa Cheya Relais is surrounded by beautiful gardens, offers a tranquil setting, and provides fair value for money when viewed through the lens of a good three-star property. However, it simply does not deliver the comfort, attention to detail, or amenities expected of a four-star hotel. For discerning travellers seeking a refined or luxurious experience, this may lead to disappointment. For those with more modest expectations or working within a tighter budget, it offers a peaceful base from which to explore Alghero and the surrounding region. This is not so much a criticism as it is a set of realistic observations. The property has charm and potential, but it lacks the refinement and consistency required to meet higher-end standards. It’s important that future guests arrive with an accurate understanding of what is and isn’t on offer. This is not a luxury resort, but a simple and pleasant retreat, best suited for those in search of quiet surroundings and natural beauty, without the bells and whistles.

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