Emerald Coast Diaries: August in Porto Cervo

Why the Costa Smeralda remains the quintessential playground for billionaires during the height of the European summer.

August in the Mediterranean is synonymous with one destination: Sardinia. Porto Cervo, the jewel of the Costa Smeralda, continues to attract the world's most discerning individuals. The Aga Khan's vision of a paradise for the elite remains very much alive.

The Marina Life

This month, 66 Elite organized unprecedented access to the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. We secured last-minute moorings in the marina for our members' vessels, a feat that usually requires booking a year in advance. The quayside is a runway of Ferrettis, Rivas, and Lürssens.

Where to Stay

Hotel Cala di Volpe: A masterpiece of architecture. The Presidential Suite, with its private rooftop pool, offers the best views of the bay. It is iconic, timeless, and utterly discreet.

Private Villas: The trend this year has shifted slightly towards privacy. We facilitated rentals of expansive estates in the Romazzino area, offering the services of a 5-star hotel within the walls of a private home.

Dining & Nightlife

Billionaire Porto Cervo: Flavio Briatore's venue is a spectacle. Dinner is a show, quite literally, with dancers and acrobats. The 'Crazy Pizza' concept is surprisingly excellent, but the real draw is the atmosphere.

Phi Beach: Located in Baja Sardinia, this is the ultimate sunset spot. Arrive by tender, secure a VIP table on the rocks, and watch the sun dip below the horizon with a Spritz in hand. It transitions effortlessly from a relaxed lounge to a high-energy club.

66 Elite Insider Tip

Avoid the traffic on the winding coastal roads. We keep a helicopter on standby at the Olbia airport specifically for transfers to the helipads of the Pitrizza and Cala di Volpe hotels. It turns a 45-minute drive into a 7-minute scenic flight.