Il Borgo, Marina Homesuites, Poltu Quatu

This is an aparthotel-style base in Poltu Quatu, with the practical shape of a home rather than a conventional hotel room. You get air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a living area and free WiFi, so the evening can run at your pace: cook something simple, put your feet up, or walk out for dinner.

The setup suits divers who prefer space and independence over a formal hotel routine. A minimarket is on site, luggage storage is available, and the apartments include useful everyday equipment such as a washing machine, dishwasher, oven and refrigerator. Nothing too theatrical; just the sort of kit that earns its keep during a longer stay.

The property is in Porto Cervo, on Sardinia's Costa Smeralda. Spiaggia Pitrizza is about 0.8 mile away on foot, while several other beaches are within roughly 1.2 to 1.9 miles. This is not a hotel with the sand directly under the balcony, so a short walk or drive is part of the plan for a swim.

You are also close to places to eat. Caffe della Piazza, Chez Panin Milano and Tanit are all within less than 0.1 mile, making a restaurant sortie particularly easy when nobody has the energy to cook. Marina di Porto Cervo is 2.2 miles away, and the Giants' Tombs at Coddu Vecchiu are about 10 miles by road.

The accommodation works best when you use it as an apartment, not merely as a room with a bed. Every unit has air conditioning, a private bathroom, a dining area, seating with a sofa, and a kitchen equipped for more than making tea: there is a hob, oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, toaster, coffee machine, kettle and kitchenware.

For a couple, the Deluxe Double Studio keeps things straightforward, with a king-size bed and one bathroom. Travelling with friends or family, the larger suite categories give you separate sleeping arrangements and, in some cases, two bathrooms. The Family Suite accommodates up to six, while the two-bedroom and executive options are the more sensible choice when several adults need a little breathing space.

A washing machine is the useful detail here. Salt, sunscreen and damp clothes have a habit of multiplying in a diver's luggage, and being able to deal with them in the apartment is more useful than another decorative cushion. Air conditioning and heating cover the less glamorous business of getting comfortable, while non-smoking rooms keep the indoor setup uncomplicated.

Il Borgo is the on-site restaurant, serving lunch and dinner on a terrace overlooking the marina. The cooking is Mediterranean, which is a sensible match for Sardinia and for a diver who wants food with a bit of substance rather than a complicated ceremony.

The apartment has a kitchen. Coffee, a quick breakfast, or something put together after a late return are all within reach. When cooking loses the argument, three restaurants sit within less than 0.1 mile, and the on-site minimarket gives you another option for keeping supplies close.

The fitness centre is the main on-site activity for anyone who still feels the need to negotiate with their muscles. For most people, the more convincing alternative will be a shower, a change of clothes and a slow walk towards the coast.

Spiaggia Pitrizza is about 0.8 mile away on foot, with sun loungers and parasols. Smeraldo Beach and Cala Battistoni Beach are around 1.9 miles away by road, while Spiaggia Cala del Faro is about 3.9 miles away by car. The arrangement suits a day split between the sea and an apartment with enough room to sit down properly afterwards.

Porto Cervo and its marina keep the non-diving hours from becoming a logistical exercise. You can also reach the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago di La Maddalena, about 7 miles away, although this is an outing rather than a stroll from the property.

Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is about 23 miles away by road, with a drive of roughly 37 minutes. Figari-Sud Corse Airport is considerably farther, at around 55 miles by road. Arzachena railway station is about 10 miles away by car, so arranging your arrival around a car or transfer is the practical approach.

Check-in runs from 15:00 to 21:00, and the property needs your arrival time in advance. Check-out is from 09:00 to 10:00. The minimum age for check-in is 18, smoking is not allowed, and parties are not permitted.

Free WiFi covers all areas. Luggage storage is available, and the apartments have their own kitchens and washing machines. Children of any age are welcome; cots can be requested for children aged up to three, while extra beds are not available. Pets can stay on request.