Holiday itinerary
Spend your days trekking through the stunning landscapes of the west coast of Sardinia and learning riding techniques in a range of different arenas, and your afternoons taking advantage of the spa retreat facilities on this horse riding and spa holiday with a difference.
Spend 7 nights/8 days in a comfortable 4* hotel at the welcoming resort in Sardinia in a tranquil and rural location 15km from the town of Oristano, surrounded by natural beaches, pinewood forests and beautiful flora and fauna, you might even come across pink flamingos and wild horses.
This peaceful resort is boasts one of the largest equestrian centres in Europe and is the perfect base for you learn to ride in a range of indoor and outdoor arenas and trek to nearby villages and the famous pink flamingo pond on beautiful treks.
This holiday is suitable for riders of all levels and your friendly and experienced riding tutors will be on hand at all times to ensure your lessons are as fun and enjoyable as possible, and will be happy to give you a taste of traditional Sardinian equitation during your classes in their colourful and ornate costumes.
After an enjoyable morning riding, spend the afternoons pampering at beautiful spa retreat next door and take full advantage of the swimming pools, hamman and sauna facilities, or book a soothing massage to relax and unwind whilst sipping a complementary herbal tea.
The resort boasts a wide range of themed restaurants and bars where you can listen to seasonal live music, or relax by the pool with a cocktail. If you’re feeling adventurous during the day, the resort also offers archery, tennis and bike hire for an additional cost and the resort is ideally located to explore the beaches and forests by foot.
Take time to explore the unspoilt beauty of Sardinia on horseback and learn to ride at one of Europe’s largest equestrian centres, whilst enjoying indulgent afternoons in the spa retreat where you can sooth aching muscles on this unforgettable horse riding and spa holiday.
Suitability
- This holiday is suitable for riders of all levels from complete beginners to experienced riders and you’ll be matched to a horse suitable for your level
- Minimum age of 10 (under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult)
- Lessons will be taught in English or Italian or Russian upon request
-There are no weight or height restrictions within reason
Travelling Solo?
- These horse riding holidays make great singles holidays and singles will have their own private room for a small supplement, click on the 'costing and extras' tab to check the single supplement prices
- Please note: Prices are based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin/double room, and shared rooms are not offered for solo travellers
- The half day trek to the village of Marceddi is only offered if there are a minimum of 4 people, if less than 4 people take the holiday you will have 4x1 hour lessons and lunch at the resort in its place
Non-Participating Guests
- Non horse riding or spa guests are welcome to share a room with a horse riding/spa guest and prices for the non-participating guest will be discounted accordingly, please see the costing and extras tab for full price details
Horse Riding And Spa Holiday Start Days
- The 7 night/8 day horse riding and spa holiday runs from April to October each year
- You can arrive on any day of the week as horse riding programmes run daily and you’ll join others who are riding the day after you arrive
- Check in from 3pm on day 1, and check out by 10am on day 8
- If you wish to stay for extra nights please email to check availability for your preferred duration and we will do our best to accommodate you
- If dates appear ‘on request’ or you are interested in a date which is not shown online, please email us and we’ll check availability for your preferred day of arrival as quickly as possible
- PLEASE NOTE opening of the Wellness Center & Spa:
- In the Summer, the spa is open everyday.
- During LOW season (7 SEPTEMBER - 7 JUNE) the spa is open as usual on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays for the thalassotherapy (three indoor pools at the spa) and all other facilities.
- In LOW season during the week (Monday – Friday afternoon) you can use the sauna, hamman and relaxation area by booking an appointment at the resort. The thalassotherapy pools are closed during the week. Any additional activities/treatments are on request and an extra cost.
Horse Riding And Spa Holiday Itinerary
The itinerary is for guidance only and is subject to change depending on the weather and the group’s needs and wishes but is typically as follows, all times will be confirmed upon arrival (please note the spa is only open at weekends during low season sept-dec 2013):
Day 1 – Arrival day
- You can check-in to the resort any time after 3pm
- You will have time to settle into your room and soak up the beautiful surroundings
– Take the time to explore the secluded beaches, acres of pinewood forests or relax in one of the saunas or swimming pools at the spa before a leisurely dinner at the onsite restaurant
Day 2 – Introductory horse riding lesson
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst you prepare for your first day of horse riding
- Your experienced and friendly riding tutor will talk you through the itinerary for the week, including the different types of riding including traditional Sardinian equitation and the treks you will be taking through the natural landscapes
- Spend your first class getting to know the horses and learning the basic skills that will set you up for your week of riding
- This collective equestrian training class will last for 45 minutes
- Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, take full advantage of the beach or the wellness spa centre with its hamman, sauna making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the main restaurant and a well-earned rest
Day 3 – Indoor and outdoor horse riding lesson
- After your breakfast you will head to the riding stables to begin your second day of horse riding
- Today you will have a 2 hour equestrian class where you will learn about preparation and saddling your horse, and the lesson will firstly take place in the indoor Palacavallo before continuing outdoors as your skills improve
- You will learn how to control the position in the saddle, and how to prepare for and prevent the three natural defences of the horse – bucking, rearing and bolting in this fun class
- More experienced riders will have a class suitable for their level
-Spend the afternoon relaxing in one of the indoor swimming pools at the nearby spa or take a walk around the secluded pinewood forests or on the sandy beach
- Enjoy dinner with the group at the resort’s own restaurant and revel in the tranquility of the retreat
Day 4 – Horse riding hack to pinewood forests or beaches
- After breakfast, head to the stables to prepare for your very first hack
- Your hack today will last for 1 hour, and you will either trek though the beautiful pinewood forests or the local secluded beaches which stretch for miles and experience the true beauty of Sardinia on horseback
- Take time to unwind in the spa retreat, or try take advantage of the resorts sports facilities such as tennis, archery or bike hire (for an extra cost) before dinner in the evening
Day 5 – Traditional sardinian working equitation riding lesson
- Your riding class today is focused on the traditional Sardinian working equitation and this 1 hour class is not to be missed!
- Traditional Sardinian working equitation encourages competition and you will learn about dressage, ease of handling and speed in a fun environment, and learn how to train your horse to anticipate your commands as a rider
- Relax with a complementary herbal tea in the wellness spa and soak up the sun on an outdoor sun lounger before heading out for dinner
Day 6 – Horse riding trek to the pink flamingos pond
-After breakfast, it’s time to head to the stables to find your horse and prepare for a stunning trek
-Today you will trek for 2 hours through the beautiful Sardinian countryside on horseback until you reach the stunning pink flamingo pond
- Marvel at the wildlife reserve in S’Ena Arrubia and the natural beauty, and watch the pink flamingos in their natural habitat before heading back to the resort to relax
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the resort’s restaurant
Day 7 – Horse riding trek to the fisherman’s village of Marceddi or 4 hours of horse riding at the resort
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your final day of trekking
- For your final trek, you will use all of the skills you have learnt throughout the week and enjoy a 5 hour horse riding trek to the ancient fisherman’s village of Marceddi
- Please note: this excursion to Marceddi will only run for a minimum of 4 people
- If there are less than 4 people, you will have 4x1 hour riding lessons at the resort instead with lunch also at the resort
-This fisherman’s village is in a lovely rural setting and you will experience the beauty of the landscape from horseback and also explore the fascinating traditions of the local village
-A picnic lunch will be provided upon arrival at the village of Marceddi and you can relax and unwind at the peaceful surroundings with a well-deserved break
- On your final night, why not indulge with a spa treatment at the wellness retreat for an additional charge, and reflect on your holiday over your final group dinner
Day 8 – Departure day
- After breakfast guests are asked to check-out of their rooms by 10am ready for departure, taking home your new horse riding skills and feeling refreshed from the relaxing afternoons at the spa, with an insight into the tranquil Sardinian life
About The Spa Wellness Centre
- Located less than a minute’s walk from to the horse riding resort and only 250 meters from the sea, the resort’s well-equipped wellness centre is the perfect place to relax and unwind after your riding lessons
- Facilities include 3 indoor pools for Thalassotherapy treatments, bio-sauna, hamman, and stylish massage cabins
- More than 700 square meters dedicated to relaxation and wellness
- Treatments and massages are available to book locally during your time in Sardinia (subject to availability and extra cost) and a full list of treatments will be provided upon arrival
- Treatments take inspiration from the marine plant ‘Poseidonia’ and the nearby marine derivatives, such as algae face masks and sea salt scrubs
About The Equestrian Centre And Your Tutors
- This well-equipped horse riding centre is one of the biggest equestrian centres in Europe and is unique in that it is part of the 4 star resort complex
- With 1 large grass outdoor arena and the ‘Palacavallo’ – an indoor arena accommodation up to 1200 spectators – the facilities offered at this riding centre are perfect for providing you with the flexibility of learning to ride both indoors and outdoors, and to watch inspirational performances from experienced riders in the Palacavallo
- There are two sand warm up arenas for English and Western riding
- Your qualified and friendly riding instructors teach with passion and use their own experiences to help improve your riding style in a fun and encouraging environment
- Riding instructors can teach both English riding and Western riding
- The centre currently has a total of 26 horses and 3 ponies
- The horses are well trained, schooled and suitable for all levels of riders from beginners to advanced
What Will I Learn?
- If you have arrived as a beginner the aim is that you will leave with a sincere love and understanding of horses
- You will begin to develop your skills on your first day by starting with saddling up and getting on, steering, stopping and getting off again
- You will learn how to control the position of the saddle and how to prepare for bucking, rearing and bolting
- You will continue by learning about balance and developing control over the horse working mainly on your balance to help to create a harmony between yourself and the horse
- More advanced riders will have lessons suited to their experience
- The teaching methods are gentle and sympathetic and will point you to an understanding of natural horsemanship
- You will learn about traditional Sardinian working equitation such as dressage and speed, and also how to train the horse to anticipate your commands as a rider
- Trek to the natural pinewood forests, nearby beaches, pink flamingo pond, and the ancient fisherman’s village of Marceddi depending on your level and minimum numbers
- Lessons will take in both the indoor and outdoor arenas, and you will also experience the beautiful Sardinian countryside on your hacks
-Lessons are in Western or English riding styles
The 4 Star Hotel And Spa Accommodation
- Located on the west coast of Sardinia just a few minutes from the town of Oristano, the resort boasts 3 different onside 4* hotels and 58 cottages which are just a short distance from the beach and natural pinewoods
- Your hotel accommodation has 315 rooms so it is a really social environment
- Other guests may just be enjoying the resort and spa, many will be there to enjoy the equestrian centre and some will be focused on a beach holiday or sports activities so there’s a varied mix of other guests around
- All bedrooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning, hairdryers, telephones, cable TV, a safe and minibar
- Rooms are beautifully designed and many are decorated in traditional Sardinian style
- There is free WiFi in the hallways and public spaces but not in the bedrooms
- The hotel offers a 24 hour reception service and wheelchair accessible rooms
- Bicycles are available to rent at the hotel for an additional charge to explore the 50km of cycle paths
- Laundry service is also available for an extra cost
- Parking is available at the hotel free of charge
- The resort offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor horse riding arenas including 2 sand warm up arenas, an outdoor grass arena, and the indoor Palacavallo
- The onsite spa retreat is 250 meters from the sea and covers over 700 square meters
- The spa offers 3 pools with Thalassotherapy treatments, hamman, bio-sauna, chill out areas and elegant cabins with the most modern equipment for massages
- The resort has 2 swimming pools, a field with synthetic grass, a tennis court, archery in the pinewood forest, table tennis, and sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach in summer
- There are 5 different onsite restaurants and 5 bars offering a range of different cuisines and atmospheres to cater to all requirements (restaurants and bars are seasonal so may not all be open during your stay)
- Prices are based on 2 people travelling together and sharing a twin/double room
- There is a compulsory single supplement for solo travellers, for more information please see the ‘costing and extras’ tab
- Accommodation is included for 7 nights / 8 days
- Check in any time after 3pm on day 1 and check out by 10am on day 8
Meals
- A buffet-style breakfast will be provided at the main restaurant at the resort each morning
- A picnic Lunch will be provided during your trek to the ancient fisherman’s village of Marceddi or at the resort on this day if there are less than 4 people
- Lunch on other days is at your own cost but there are plenty of lunch choices offered at the resort or if you have a car or take a taxi, you could head to the nearby town for lunch if you choose
- Dinner is included daily at the main restaurant in the resort and is buffet style
- There are 5 different onsite restaurants at the resort, which offer a range of cuisines including barbecue food, tex mex, Italian pizzeria, and traditional Sardinian cuisine and you can upgrade your meals to these restaurant for a supplement (to be booked and confirmed upon arrival)
- 5 different bars are located near the beach, swimming pool, surrounded by pinewood or offer live music entertainment
Free Time Around Sardinia
- This horse riding and spa holiday is bursting with horse riding and wellness treatments, but you will still have plenty of time to explore the surrounding area and local attractions
- The resort is about 15km from the town of Oristano so you can take a taxi to explore the shops and restaurants there
- The resort is surrounded by secluded pinewood forest and natural beaches and many wild species, making it a fascinating and unspoilt area to explore
- Important archaeological sites are easy to reach from the resort by car, as well as ruins of the punic-roman town of Tharros, the Nuragic Complex of Barumini, the Romans Thermal baths of Fordongianus and the Sacred Well of Santa Cristina
- There are also many beautiful beaches to choose to visit, and the hotel will be happy to suggest local attractions and help you to organise your time during your stay
Indulge in horse riding during the days and relax at the spa retreat in the afternoons at this well-equipped resort in the heart of Sardinia surrounded by pinewood forests and next to the sandy beaches on the horse riding and spa holiday with a difference.