Tavolara Bay, a 200-million project comprising hotels and luxury villas

A €200 million project to create a new high-end tourist destination in north-eastern Sardinia. It was, or should we still say is if the developers lodge an appeal, this is the project – to be developed in several phases (the Fasano Al Mare Beach Club was due to open this summer) – promoted by Tavolara Bay together with the Brazilian group JHSF to transform the Porto San Paolo area, just a few minutes from Olbia Airport, into an integrated hospitality and services hub.

The project is now on hold, following strong opposition from local communities and environmentalists. But that is not all. The regional government itself had expressed opposition to property development in the area, but only in relation to the first phase of the project – the beach club and ‘gampling’, a modern form of camping combined with resort-style facilities. In the end, the government decided to withdraw the authorisation for the project by the Italian-Brazilian company Tavolara Bay srl to build the five-star beach club in the historic Villa Joy at Cala Finanza. This is one of the most picturesque beaches and coves in Gallura, situated opposite the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area. It was therefore the ‘gampling’ component – for which authorisation had been sought – that was rejected. No concrete works were planned for this site.

L'area marina protetta di Tavolara. ANSA/PABLO TARALLETTO

The full project plan envisaged the development of accommodation facilities across a total area of 100 hectares, but only 3 per cent of the area was to be built on, whilst over 97 per cent was to be set aside for open spaces and green areas. This part of the project was to have been built behind Porto San Paolo, where, according to the company, there is an approved local development plan (PUC) that permits such building volumes. The masterplan envisages the construction of a hotel with around 50 rooms, 26 luxury villas, as well as restaurants, a beach club, a spa and sports facilities, with a particular focus on golf and outdoor activities. This is a way of extending the tourist season, which in Sardinia remains short despite numerous attempts to lengthen it.

From an economic point of view, according to the promoters, the project would also stand out for its expected impact on the local area. The overall economic return is estimated to be up to three times the capital invested, with effects which, according to the promoters, will extend well beyond the boundaries of Porto San Paolo, affecting the entire north-eastern coast of the island.

The initiative’s partner is the Brazilian group JHSF, which has been active for over 25 years in the development of integrated luxury property and hospitality destinations. The group, which also owns the Fasano brand, has already carried out similar projects in Brazil and Uruguay, focusing on a model that combines residential properties, hotels and services to spread tourist numbers more evenly throughout the year.