Sardinia’s Myth Meets Modern at W Poltu Quatu

There are resorts… and then there are full-on journeys. At W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu in Italy, the latter wins, big time. Set against a dramatic backdrop of wind-carved granite cliffs and impossibly blue water, the property doesn’t just sit on the landscape—it unfolds through it.

Designed by New York–based Meyer Davis, the project leans into Sardinia’s layered identity—part myth, part landscape, part social playground—and transforms it into a spatial narrative that constantly reveals itself. Guests move through grotto-like corridors, which open into sunlit gathering spaces, across terraces that cascade with the terrain, and into moments that feel both intimate and expansive. It’s not just about where you are—it’s about how you arrive.

Inside, the story turns deliciously transportive. The lobby draws from Sardinian folklore, specifically the Janas—fairy-like cave dwellers—with curving forms and layered lighting that feel almost submerged. Ceramic textures shimmer, mirrored surfaces ripple, and original Orosei marble grounds the entire experience in the island’s material history. It’s dreamscape and design flex in equal measure.

The W Lounge shifts the tone from mystical to magnetic. Anchored by a mural of the Phoenician goddess Tanit, the space blends rope lighting, ceramic tabletops, and locally inspired textures that feel collected rather than curated. It’s mythology meets social hub—where design isn’t just the backdrop, it’s part of the scene.

According to Will Meyer and Gray Davis, co-founders of Meyer Davis, their firm's previous designs for W Rome helped them to understand how to bring the W brand's “bold, social energy to life within a culturally rich setting,” they say. “In Sardinia, we carried that ethos forward, drawing inspiration from the island’s dramatic landscape and mythic folklore.”

Once Will and Gray lean into that storytelling, everything clicks into place. This is a resort built on discovery—where every archway, material shift, and lighting moment quietly nudges you forward, inviting you to see what’s next.

Outdoors, the WET Deck balances raw Sardinian stone with a softer, more indulgent layer of design. Tiered pools, sheer-draped cabanas, and rattan furnishings create a setting that evolves throughout the day—morning calm, afternoon glow, and an all-out social scene by sunset. Existing architectural elements were preserved and reimagined, keeping the soul of the place intact while dialing up the energy.

The 154 guestrooms take a quieter approach, offering a retreat that still feels deeply rooted in place. Custom ceramic headboards reference the ancient Nuragic civilization, while traditional textiles and handcrafted elements reinforce the island’s cultural identity. Organic forms carry through millwork and furnishings, creating a seamless dialogue between public and private spaces—nothing feels disconnected, just… intentional.

And it’s this balance—between energy and escape, myth and material—that defines the project.

“We design experiences that pull guests away from everyday distractions and spark curiosity about local heritage,” Will and Gray note. “At W Sardinia, we crafted a sequence of spaces that reward exploration and create an immersive stay that goes beyond the traditional resort experience.”

At W Sardinia – Poltu Quatu, the story isn’t just told—it’s something you move through, moment by moment, space by space.

—Murrye Bernard