Su Gologone Hotel Oliena

Walking through the door of an unexpected world, where nature has its home, art is everywhere and Sardinian traditions embody life. Su Gologone is not a hotel, it is an experience. A pleasant surprise in every corner, a warm smile with every gaze.

In exquisite Barbagia, a severe and yet surprising stretch in Sardinia, the sea a few dozens of miles away, hides a world full of junipers and embroidery, terracotta and inlaid work, Sardinian artists of the Novecento and a strong culinary tradition. Su Gologone started, in fact, as a restaurant in 1967.

The founder, Giuseppe “Peppeddu” Palimodde wanted to offer traditional food in an area full of bandits, close to the Su Gologone natural spring, an idea was met with initial scepticism.

An yet, with the help of his wife Pasqua, capable of concocting sublime dishes, the first restaurant in Oliena became so popular that people came from far and wide to taste its delicacies. The love for Sardinia epitomised in the food prepared with care and dedication.

Following such a success, there came the idea of offering accommodation to the clients: the initial eight rooms became thirty-three in 1975, up to the current seventy.

Still, calling them “rooms” would be diminishing; they are, in fact, journeys into Sardinian art, culture and hospitality. Giovanna Palimodde, daughter of Peppeddu, is the author of the external décor and the room arrangement.

From the magical Bar Tablao, theatre of unforgettable aperitifs, to the Terrace of Dreams and of Wishes, where you can gaze at the stars, without forgetting the marvellous Botteghe d’Arte Su Gologone Style ®.

An explosive, tireless mind, Giovanna reinvents the décor every year: each visit thus becomes a new discovery. Unspoilt nature, the sense and taste for Sardinian art, the love for authentic, exquisite cuisine. Come and discover the secrets hiding in this magical Sardinia location.

ART STUDIO SUITE
A bell on the white-washed wall delicately denotes it: Art Suite Studio. The temptation to go and see what hides behind its door is simply too strong to resist.

Art features pretty much everywhere at Su Gologone, starting from breakfast, where you can choose among several exquisite cakes while contemplating captivating paintings by the Melis brothers (check!) to an aperitif sipped in the Ciusa bar, amid interesting displays over several floor levels, to the Magico Tablao, browing among the marvels of the Botteghe Su Gologone Style ® products.

And yet, a trip to Su Gologone does not merely aim to seek the special energy released by Barbagia: we can, in fact, create it ourselves, inspired by such beauty.
The Art Suite Studio, formerly the creative sanctuary of Giovanna Palimodde, has been transformed into a very classy suite.

A proper artist studio with paintbrushes, canvases, spaces and inspiration. Ad-hoc materials for drawing, watercolour or oil painting can be delivered, upon request, so you can give free rein to your imagination, letting nature and the surrounding energy give you inspiration.

The vibrant décor convey Giovanna’s flair, herself and artist, a careful, wise observer of artistic needs of others. This is a vital space where you may even organise personal exhibitions; up to twelve works can be shown in the delightful garden.

Walk through the door of the Suite and you’ll enter another space, an unexpected oasis where creating comes naturally. If you are searching for inspiration, look no further: a dream is waiting for you.

EXPERIENCE WILD SUITE
The Experience Hotel Su Gologone brings you a sequence of awe-inspiring experiences. The newest one, borne out of the inexhaustible energy of Giovanna Palimodde is the Wild Suite, where “wild” echoes unspoilt nature and harmony takes centre stage.

You will find junipers standing proud in the various spaces and a bed set up outside. Why is that? This way, you will feel at close hand with nature, sleep under the stars, listen to the birds and the cicadas, combined with the warmth of the majestic Barbagia light.

A pleasant, Sardinian scented herbs bath may be enjoyed in an enchanting setting of a welcoming, typically Sardinian atmosphere. Wrapped in a soft, pale blue bathrobe, you will rediscover long-forgotten sensations, without foregoing modern amenities.

A led, 32’ tv, Nespresse coffee machine, kettle, a wide selection of teas and herbal teas, minibar, luxury courtesy set, safe and air conditioning will be at your disposal.

DINING
Sardinian cuisine expresses a simple approach to life, imbued in its cheeses, spit-roasted meats, pane carasau, handmade pasta, olive oil and distinctive wines. At Su Gologone, mealtimes are saturated with the fragrances and flavours of Barbagia.

Our (low carbon-footprint) breakfast is a delectable offering of Oliena honey, conserves, cheeses and charcuterie, as well as our own breads and pastries. Lunch and dinner are laced with local character too.

Savour maccarones de busa (handmade bucatini) and culurgiones (ravioli filled with local ricotta), porceddu allo spiedo (spit-roasted suckling piglet), and seadas al miele (honey fritters). Meals with us will be memories that linger!

DINNER IN THE HERB GARDEN
Relaxing amid scents of herbs and on soft cushions, savouring aperitifs with the pale sun setting behind Mount Ortobene. Colour and vitality are part and parcel of Su Gologone, where every space comes to life and conveys energy.

What may look like a simple supper, turns out, in fact, to be a triumph of taste and delicacy: on the last terrace step in the Vegetable Garden you will find juniper tables, adorned with coloured chairs and linen runners, decorated with aromatic herbs, chilli peppers and small tomatoes.

The tiny led-lights brighten up the scene in such a subtle way that they look like fireflies, evoking distant memories.

Enter the most genuine tastes, with local specialities, home-made pasta and vegetables such as zucchini and thyme fritters or ricotta patties, without forgetting the big selection of exquisite cheeses and many other delicacies.

Last but not least, you will enjoy a sublime dessert and a home-made ricotta, myrtle and strawberry tree ice cream. Let the scents and tastes of Sardinia entice you.

DINNER AT THE BREAD’S NEST
Here you can watch how Sardinian women, dressed in typical Oliena traditional costumes, have been making bread for centuries. A treasure trove of unexpected ideas, you will even find a garden dedicated to the famous graphic novel, Tex Willer, at Su Gologone.

After having visited its staggering collection of succulents, a door opens onto the Bread’s nest, dedicated to the many types of Sardinian bread.

There will be a baking demonstration of bread and focaccia with vegetables and aromatic herbs, followed by various tastings. A joyful meal ensues, with a choice of appetizers, a soup and pasta tasting and cheese-based specialities.

The desserts and digestives will be served in the Terrace of Wishes, a superb space where a big urn contains the various messages written on the spur of the moment. If you wish upon a star, then, what better chance to gaze at them than the astounding Stargazing night in the nearby Terrace of Dreams?

Astronomers will guide you in the staggering recognition of the many stars in the pristine, Sardinian sky, making this an unforgettable experience.

DINNER AT THE COURT OF THE KING
The bricks used for the floor and the stone columns date from the 17th century; the wooden tables are adorned with typical Sardinian panniers; and the vibrantly coloured plates are enamelled iron.

Elevate your senses and enter a new dimension, conveyed by the warm Sardinian hospitality and its superb food and wine.

Behind the front gate you will be met with a real court offering a matchless experience; greeted by exquisite local wine, accompanied by almond-based specialities and, you will look up and a stage will open in front of you, epitomising Sardinian culture and tastes.

The path is artfully marked by candles and ferns, making this a most exclusive, inviting atmosphere: from the clay and wood oven where Barbagia ladies prepare bread and pasta to the roasting pit where juicy meats are cooked, following the tradition.

A triumph of scents and tastes, combined with the joy and charm of Sardinian traditions: traditional artefacts are seen alongside Tenores singing or dance groups putting on their fabulous show.

Here, everything speaks of authenticity and the beauty of the Sardinian culture, lived to its fullest in this authentic Sardinian hamlet.

MAGICO TABLAO BAR
Designed by Giovanna Palimodde, it’s an enchanting place to sip an aperitif and try some Sardinian artichoke and wild antipasti, against the breathtaking backdrop of the Supramonte.

Whiter than white rocks, coloured cushions and juniper trunks form the backdrop to this magic place, offering a splendid view on the Supramonte. Enjoy a superb cocktail party with finger food, warm sauces or wild thistles, among the many options, combined with grappa and herb or berries-based liqueurs.

If you want to experience the authentic soul of Sardinia for an evening or just a few hours, look no further: the mind-blowing scenery of Sardinian nature will grant dear memories.

FRANCESCO CIUSA’S BAR
Francesco Ciusa’s art is the star attraction of a space epitomising culture and beauty. Next to the entrance of the Experience Hotel Su Gologone, Francesco Ciusa’s art triumphs in this decidedly original bar.

Among the most acclaimed Sardinian artists of the Novecento, an aperitif or a coffee drunk here become a journey into the art and culture of a unique island.

Sit at the outdoor patio or inside and experience precious moments, where fantasy is at one with tradition. This is indeed a little gem with hidden corners and many exceptional surprises.

COOKERY CLASSES
Our cookery classes are a one-a-kind opportunity to learn first-hand the time-honoured recipes and culinary skills honed in the home kitchens of Barbagia.

Sardinian women have passed down their knowledge to one another for generations, and we’d love to pass on their passion for Sardinian food to you. Master the art of making the passata, pasta and local bread you’ve enjoyed in our restaurant, and impress your guests at your next dinner party!

WINE CELLARS
We have two cellars at Su Gologone. In the Vineria beneath Bar Francesco Ciusa, we have a beautifully designed bespoke 12-seat table created for our wine tasting sessions, and also ideal for a private reservation.

The design of the Vineria is both contemporary and steeped in the past: the cork stools rest directly on the rock; below the juniper-wood beams, the room is lined with antique cellar utensils. Our second cellar, where we also arrange tastings, is just as atmospheric and located in the Corte de Su Re.

CHAMPAGNOTEQUE
You will find French and national bubbles, alongside ham, strawberries and local delicacies.Not only will you find art and passion for Sardinian culture and passion at Su Gologone, but real love for delicious food, wine and champagne of various types. The hotel was born, in fact, as a restaurant and the pleasure of Bacchus are never far away.

Thanks to her unbounded fantasy, Giovanna Palimodde created an intimate, reserved space, next to the Tablao Bar, where you can savour French and national bubbles, accompanied by local delicacies.

Enjoy the delicate colours of the linen, lie on the superb sofas and relax in the shade, contemplating the superb Corrasi mountain silhouette, coming alive with sublime colours at sunset, or admire the extraordinary starry nights of Barbagia for a night to remember.

THE SWIMMING POOL GAZEBO BAR
If you are unwinding by the pool, you’ll only need to walk a few steps to enjoy a summer meal, with snacks, several salads, cured meats, cheese and other local specialities. Hues of red distinguish this delightful space next to the swimming pool: the Gazebo Bar is the place to go for tasty salads or light snacks.

Relax on a hammock in the shade and restore body and soul. Admire the details of a stone fountain with coloured tiles or have a take on unusual wooden games, enjoying the joyful Barbagia atmosphere: these are coloured notes in a matchless setting.

Here, even a dip in the pool, followed by a tasty summer lunch, becomes an unforgettable experience.

THE SWIMMING POOL
Although the wonderful Sardinian seaside is just a handful of kilometres away, the swimming pool (open from the end of April to October 15th) is an excellent alternative.

Water is an invaluable asset and the hotel is lucky in being so close to a marvellous spring, called Su Gologone, which fuels the fantastic, 25-metre swimming pool. Immersed in the silence of Barbagia, enlightened by vibrant, coloured cushions crafted in the Botteghe d’Arte, the swimming pool is an oasis of peace and relax.

Take a dip and let the water caress you, with the Sardinian countryside on the background, or simply read a book and relax. Close to the swimming pool you will find two hot tubs, one immersed within the olive trees, and a gym with Technogym gear.

At Su Gologone, nothing is left to chance and this attention to details will make your stay a memorable one.

YOGA & REIKI
Just before dawn and at dusk, when Su Gologone slips into the blue hour, take a yoga class in the aromatic setting of the Herb Garden, or high on the Terrazzo dei Desideri, where land meets sky.

SURAJ VARMA AT SU GOLOGONE EXPERIENCE HOTEL
His treatments are known for their ability to pinpoint problem areas and provide long-lasting results, whether it is for stress management, backache, insomnia, poor circulation, stiff muscles, or more complex illness related to the imbalance of Tridoshas (Vatha, Pitha and Kapha).

WEDDINGS IN SARDINIA
An extraordinary venue in which to experience and immortalise the most significant events of your life. Weddings celebrate love and the union of two souls. In the heart of Sardinia and Barbagia, Su Gologone is the perfect location for your very special day.

The ideal combination between nature and tradition, here you will find many big and small places to accommodate your guests and many options to suit all your needs.

Receptions can be organised in several places, among a marvellous indoor room with a century-old fireplace, on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool and the countryside, at the majestic Corte di Su Re, where guests can enjoy watching local ladies baking pane carasau, or the herb garden for a more intimate, exclusive affair.

Why not the Su Gologone springs, for nature lovers? And that’s not all. Pick your ideal area and we will guide you in choosing what works best for you.

Painstaking attention to details means that nothing is left to chance, from tailored menus entailing traditional dishes as well as special dietary requirements to memorable cakes.

Ad-hoc decorations throughout are also arranged and mean we can cater for various rites and traditions, from a Japanese Tea Ceremony to Indian weddings or more traditional celebrations, in big or small numbers.

The Botteghe d’Arte Su Gologone Style® are just right for your wedding list. Guests will be able to choose among the many products: selecting a present will be a joy. Party favours can also be tailor-made, such as personalised local honey jars or customised ceramics: a gift your guests will not easily forget.

Family and friends will want to spend time with you on your big day, so why not make the most of our discounted rates for parties attending a wedding? They can get involved in our many activities and 50 experiences, where they will discover the sensational Sardinian heritage.

THE SEA
The sea of Sardinia is among the best in the world. Hard to believe? Just visit Cala Cartoe, in the Orosei Gulf, and you’ll be blown away: you will find the finest sand, water reflecting unmistakeable green and pale blue hues, cliffs adorned with dense vegetation, dotted with Scotch brooms entailing a wild beauty.

Alternatively, make a trip to Cala Gonone: here, in addition to white sands and mesmerising sea colours, you can visit the sublime Dugong Cave, a triumph of spectacular dripstones and icicles as ancient as the earth.

Visiting the centre-eastern coast means, however, being met with a never-ending sequence of stunning beaches: Cala Goloritzé, Cala Luna, Cala Sisine, Cala Mariolu and many more.

Further to the north, a little over forty miles from the hotel, we strongly recommend you visit San Teodoro and its lagoon, a paradise for bird watching, where you will also find pink flamingos. Its coastline, an enchanting gem on the Tyrrhenian Sea, is a protected marine area, entailing fascinating diving spots.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE….
Samuel Taylor Coleridge may have aptly caught the feelings of a man lost at sea in his “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”, and indeed pristine, unbelievably blue waters may spring to mind when any island is the talk of town.

Sardinia, however, has its own history, traditions and customs; once you have uncovered some of its astonishing secrets, you will feel it’s a continent in its own right.

Sardinia’s strategic position sitting between Europe and Africa and its rich mineral reserves – mainly silver and lead -, as well as a fertile arable land, have brought tidal waves of invaders from the Stone Age onwards.

A proud, strong land with a rich cultural past, the Sards have not allowed time and the elements to erase their story. And what a story that is! Beyond impenetrable mountains and a wild hinterland, you will discover hidden gems that will amaze you, amid an air of mystery hanging over the island like a shroud.

ANCIENT HAMLETS
Taking a stroll in the quaint historic centre of Oliena (about 4 miles from Su Gologone), amid cobblestone streets and ancient houses, you will easily meet elderly ladies who still wear the su hustumene, the traditional garb.

Dorgali is fervent with tourism and craftsmanship: do pay a visit to the leather ateliers and the goldsmiths workshops, famous for manufacturing filigree.

Set a little over one mile from the sea, Orosei is a charming village (20 miles from Su Gologone) characterised by pure white sand beaches, surrounded by pine groves, Mediterranean forests and pink granite and basalt cliffs.

Its attractive historic centre features ancient houses and its churches are decorated with antique wooden statues. Country festivals should not go amiss. Grazia Deledda, who won a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1926, set her most famous novel, Reeds in the Wind, among the streets of Galtellì (16 miles from the hotel).

The Literary Park is set along the characteristic and well-kept historic centre, around the places which inspired the writer. 15 miles from the hotel, in a mountainous area defined by a wild landscape, Orgosolo is famous for its murals: 150 paintings enriching the streets of this village, telling the story and the peculiar identity of its inhabitants.

Traditions take centre stage here. During the many country festival, the locals wear folk costumes, accomplished by local seamstresses, with brocades, floral decoration and silk threads from silk worms, who are still farmed here from time immemorial.

ARCHEOLOGY
The Serra Orrios complex, the Sedda ‘e sos Carros site, dedicated to the cult of water, the hamlet of Tiscali, hidden inside a cave in the rugged mountains between Oliena and Orgosolo, the Corbeddu cave, where the pristine skeleton of a 5,000-year old Queen was found: this is a land which bears witness to the people who lived here, chiefly the extraordinary saga of the Nuragic era (1,800 – 600 BC)

NATURE
In the Dorgali countryside, Inspinigoli is a deep cavern reaching the centre of the earth thanks to a 280-steps stairway, featuring a 40-metre high limestone column. Legend has it that this is where virgins were sacrificed: the echo coming from the bottom is in fact akin to a female lament.

The sound effect you can hear inside a cave in the Oliena territory, aptly called Sa Oche ‘e su Entu (The voice of the Wind), is indeed noteworthy.

Between Oliena and Urzulei, Su Gorropu is the biggest canyon in Europe: the Flumineddu river runs through it, among walls reaching the height of 500 metres (1,640 feet). Simply umissable.

CULTURE
The country seat of Barbagia, Nuoro was called the “Athens of Sardinia” because of the many intellectuals (poets, writers, sculptors, musicians and legal experts) who livened it up, wanting to promote the redemption of the island after centuries of colonial subordination.

The Archaeological Museum hosts precious artefacts from the prehistory of the land. The outstanding Ethnographic Museum presents the story, the traditions and the folk costumes of the entire island. The MAN (Museum of Art of the Nuoro Province) hosts works by Sardinian artists and important international exhibitions.

You will also find pictures by the main Sardinian painters in the Tribu Museum, together with a whole floor entirely dedicated to the works of Francesco Ciusa, the most important Sardinian artist of the Novecento.

Its birthplace is right in the historic centre, opposite the San Carlo church, where his tomb is kept, featuring a copy of his most famous work on top, the Madre dell’ucciso (The Mother of the Murdered), which triumphed at the 1907 Venice Biennale.

A few steps away from it you will find the birthplace of Grazia Deledda, a treasure hove of a museum; the house of the lawyer Gianpietro Chironi, recently restored and ready to host the Regional Pottery Museum; the square dedicated to the poet Sebastiano Satta, carried out by the sculptor Costantino Nivola (the fascinating museum dedicated to him in his home town, Orani, is well worth a visit).

Last but not least, the Solitude Church, with its superb bronze gate, executed by Eugenio Tavolara, houses the remains of Grazia Deledda, kept in a sarcophagus.

The latter is set at the beginning of the rise towards Monte Ortobene: you may reach its top via car, as well, and the vista on the Oliena valley, the Orgosolo Supramonte and the Gennargentu is simply magnificent.

On the eastern side, the big statue of Our Saviour protects the city of Nuoro below. A festival is dedicated to Our Saviour on the last Sunday in August; this is one of the most important celebrations on the island, with men and women walking in procession as far as the top of the mountains, wearing traditional costumes.

HERB ROUTE
In the Herb Garden, each plant has its name written in Italian, Sardinian and Latin on the plate next to it. The view from the garden is magnificent, especially in the evening, when the sun sinks between the mountains.

It’s difficult to describe the enchanting natural ‘window’ they create – it has to be seen to be believed. After dark, the garden is illuminated. Take a nocturnal stroll, pausing on the terrace, and the tiny LED lights on the ground will create a ‘carpet of fireflies’.

TERRACE OF WISHES
Making a wish and writing it on a piece of paper: how many times have we done that? Giovanna Palimodde skilfully observed this practice and here, on the Terrace of Wishes, you will be able to do just that: follow your fantasy, put your strip of paper in the urn and let the Sardinian magic do the rest.

On the terrace, Juniper trunks are laid alongside green-coloured cushions: nature relives in this marvellous corner. The Terrace is also a sublime spot where you can take yoga lessons admiring the excellent surroundings or an astounding sunset. Too good to be true? Come and discover the charm: you will not want to leave.

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Warm hues in various shades of orange create the backdrop for this exclusive space, close to the Botteghe d’Arte; here you will be able to watch extraordinary films and documentaries on Sardinia.

The stars set the scene of memorable nights in a superb setting; resting on a comfortable cushion, let the images take you on a discovery trip of a land immersed in beauty and magic, sensational Sardinia.

TEX WILLER’S GARDEN
Aurelio Galleppini, aka Galep, was an artist and illustrator who created the famous Tex Willer graphic novel in 1948. The white, karstic rocks, typical of the area, were a source of inspiration for his stories. At the Experience Hotel Su Gologone, you will be able to sense America’s Far West in the Tex Willer Garden.

Cactus and succulents are arranged in a stage-like set, with a superb hammock at the end, from which you can contemplate the Sardinian countryside: an invitation to take part in the scene, just like a work of art would do.

How can we resist entering such an alluring scene? This is indeed a unique, spectacular corner that bears witness to Giovanna’s immense love for nature and Sardinian traditions.

Rooms: 70

Price: from 224 EUR per night

Source: www.sugologone.it