We've just returned from our holiday in La Contessa and are both finding it very difficult to re-adjust to the more frantic British pace of life after an incredibly relaxing time. Our one-bedroom apartment was perfect - clean and spacious with a lovely balcony complete with sea view. We took our own bedding as the rental cost seemed a little steep, having said that, they did not ask for a deposit on arrival and the staff we dealt with - Mauro and Massimo, were very helpful. The walk down to the beach took no more than 4 minutes and wow, what a beautiful beach! The warm turquoise sea was very inviting indeed - we spent many an afternoon swimming and floating about. The town itself is charming, relaxed and typically italian with plenty of restaurants, bars and small shops. We found eating out quite cheap, although being veggies we stuck to the pizza and wine combo. There's a beautiful walk through a nature reserve to the Cappo Testa headland to the west, where I nearly trod on a wild tortoise but for its snake-like warning hiss. Bus services are available from Olbia airport to Santa Teresa and a hire car really isn't necessary as long as you research beforehand - day trips to Palau and Tempio work out very cheap using the bus service. Having said that, we managed to keep ourselves entertained for a week in Santa Teresa on foot. Oh and if you're a rock climber, take your shoes - the local granite is stunning.

simply wonderful resort and apartment!

We were looking for an affordable property which was basic but clean and in a great area, and this apartment certainly fit the bill. Consist of 4-5 blocks, 2 overlooking sea and 2 just behind in a very quiet area. Short stroll to town was very pleasant (5 mins tops) and then from town down the hill to the beautiful Rena Bianca beach. It's actually a lot nicer than on the photo, really no need to hunt for a better beach! Our apartment was on the beach side of block so we had a bedroom which opened onto the balcony with gorgeous view over bay and over to Corsica. Another balcony at back for catching last of the sun also. Very big for 2 people, probably some are smaller, very clean and comfortable. We dealt with Massimo who was very charming, polite and accommodating at all times. I'll point out there are stairs to top rooms, but lifts are available. No pool, but we did not mind this when we saw how stunning and close the beach was! Town is great, based around a typically Italian square, with very few non-Italian tourists, which added to it's charm. We will definitely return in 2010.

Great size apartment with lovely sea views,great location.

This apartment was spacious, clean and very close to the beach and to the center of the town. The beach was amazing, just like it is described, and other beautiful beaches are within a very short drive distance. It is not a luxury complex, but it has a very real live-in feeling, and it seemed that most of our neighbors were Italians. The assistant on site was very friendly and easy to deal with. He responded each time when we asked for things. We were always able to park in front of the apartment building. The bed was comfortable, although the couch in the living room would probably be not the best for sleeping on. The only few minor issues that I could think of are the fact that the boiler was not on when we got there, so we had to wait 3 hours to be able to take a shower. Even though there was plenty of drawers and wardrobe for clothes, it had an old smell to it. It might have to do with the fact that we came at the beginning of the season. Even though the kitchen is equipped, it is pretty bare, although we got the additional things that we asked for. The town is small, but there is a variety of restaurants and bars. Great value for money, would stay there again in a heartbeat!