Southern Itinerary

Sardinia Blue Zone Retreat · A Past WanderBlyss Retreat | WanderBlyss

WanderBlyss

Past retreat · Southern Sardinia

The Sardinia
Blue Zone Retreat

Seven nights spent learning the ways of the Blue Zone, in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of southern Sardinia.

Length7 nights

RegionCagliari & the southern coast

GroupSmall group, hosted by Wanda

StatusCompleted

Benvenuti

Welcome to our Blue Zone Retreat in Sardinia

This retreat was designed to teach the ways of the Blue Zone while immersing our travelers in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Sardinia.

It was built on the principles of the Blue Zones, the areas of the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Over seven days, here is what we explored.

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia

We began in Cagliari, the island’s lively capital, with its hilltop Castello quarter, its art, its restaurants and its seaside life.

The San Benedetto Market

We learned about farm-to-table produce at Cagliari’s San Benedetto Market, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, among the farmers, fishmongers and cheesemakers who feed the city.

The beaches of the southern coast

We discovered the beautiful beaches of the southern Sardinian coastline, from the views over Villasimius to clear, turquoise coves made for swimming.

Nora and the nuraghi

We visited the ancient Roman ruins of Nora, set beside the sea, and the Bronze Age nuraghi, stone towers that number more than 7,000 across the island.

Vineyards and wine

We meandered through vineyards, enjoyed local wine tastings, and learned about the unique properties of Sardinian wines, from Cannonau to Vermentino.

Cooking the Blue Zone way

We took authentic cooking classes to learn the secrets of the Blue Zone kitchen: simple, seasonal dishes made by hand and shared slowly.

Culture and artisans

We learned about Sardinian culture and met the artisans who have passed down their trades from generation to generation, along with the island’s traditional costumes and masks.

Trip details

A well-rounded week on the island

Wanda Meloni created a well-rounded itinerary that captured the best of this beautiful island, and she guided the group throughout. Together we explored the Sardinian coastline, visited ancient ruins and local wineries, learned the cooking techniques of the Sardinian diet through hands-on classes, and walked the lively capital of Cagliari, with its art, restaurants and outdoor activities.

There was time for shopping and relaxing at the beach, and for the hotel’s spa and massage treatments for anyone who wanted some extra pampering.

Retreat activities

Wine tasting at local vineyards, learning the special qualities of the island’s Cannonau and Vermentino wines
Lunch at Fradis Minoris, as showcased in the Sardinia episode of Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy
Visiting ancient Roman ruins and nuraghi, the island’s Bronze Age fortresses
Visiting the capital, Cagliari, and touring the farmers’ market
Hiking and biking through the countryside, alongside goats and shepherds
Private cooking classes in traditional Sardinian dishes
Meeting local artisans who have passed down their crafts for generations
Snorkeling and swimming in pristine turquoise waters
Shopping, and much more

The Sardinian way of life

What we brought home

During our stay, we explored the beautiful southern coastline of the island and visited local towns and villages, experiencing the local culture firsthand.

We learned about the traditional Sardinian lifestyle and how to bring it into our own lives. By the end of the retreat, our travelers left feeling rejuvenated and refreshed, with the tools and knowledge to live a healthy and balanced life.

It was a week of unique culture, gorgeous scenery, and amazing food and wine, all while learning how to live a long and healthy life.