In Baja Sardinia—as close to the Costa Smeralda as it is far from the hustle and bustle of summer tourism—the Cone Club has reopened its doors for a new season with a clear vision: to demonstrate that luxury in 2026 is no longer about ostentation, but about the ability to choose how much to reveal and how much to conceal.
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Located within the 7Pines Resort Sardinia, the beach day club has, over the years, become one of the most sought-after destinations of the Mediterranean summer, frequented by an international clientele of entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and travelers who share an increasingly rare desire: to enjoy the sea without feeling like they’re being watched.
“We live in an age of constant overexposure,” says Pasquale Ielapi, PR & Marketing Manager of the resort, during the event accompanying the presentation of the 2026 season. “We’re constantly bombarded by visibility. Social media tells everyone where we are, who we’re with, and what we’re doing. When something becomes available everywhere, true luxury is being able to escape it. That’s exactly what we offer.” A philosophy that seems almost countercultural in a destination often associated with yachts, paparazzi, and high society. Here, however, the key word is privacy.
The new beach cabanas overlooking the sea, the sun loungers spaced further apart, and the bay’s natural layout allow guests to enjoy their day at their own pace, without feeling as though they’re on permanent display. The result is a relaxed, elegant, and surprisingly discreet atmosphere for one of the most famous destinations in international tourism.
But privacy alone is not enough. Behind the Cone Club’s success lies a broader vision that encompasses its relationship with the local community. “Hospitality in Sardinia today means achieving the highest levels of attention and service quality,” explains director Vito Spalluto. “Those who come here expect excellence in every detail. The real challenge is to balance this expectation with respect for the extraordinary place that nature has given us.”
In fact, the issue of sustainability is addressed in a practical way. Since 2022, the 7Pines Resort Sardinia has chosen to build a large part of its identity through collaborations with local producers, artisans, and businesses on the island: "We’ve decided to fully root ourselves in the Sardinian territory. We use raw materials sourced from the island and work directly with the people who live here. Sardinia offers incredible richness. It takes research and a willingness to listen, but you don’t have to go far to find quality.”
The Culinary Experience at 7Pines Resort
This philosophy is particularly evident in the culinary offerings, which are one of the Cone Club’s defining features compared to traditional beach clubs. The cuisine bears the signature of Pasquale D'Ambrosio, the resort’s Executive Chef and the culinary heart of an ecosystem that also includes the Michelin-starred restaurant Capogiro and Spazio by Franco Pepe. At the Cone Club, the sea comes to the table through a menu that combines raw seafood, seafood dishes, pasta, fried foods, and contemporary interpretations of Mediterranean tradition.
“What sets us apart from many beach clubs is our culinary offerings,” explains D'Ambrosio. “Here, the menus are created by our Michelin-starred chef, who designs the dishes and personally trains the team that works at the Cone Club. We're not just talking about a lunch on the beach, but a true gastronomic experience.”
The resort’s entire food concept expanded further in 2026. Spazio by Franco Pepe broadened its menu by introducing new creations, including the iconic cones that are proving hugely popular with guests. Alongside the famous “Margherita Sbagliata,” “Orto 1.0” is also making its debut—a pizza built around ingredients sourced from local gardens and producers. At the same time, Spazio is evolving as a contemporary trattoria, complementing its pizzas with a selection of dishes inspired by Italian tradition, designed for guests seeking a more informal yet still refined dining experience.
Capogiro, on the other hand, is facing its first summer since earning its Michelin star. This recognition, the resort explains, has provided a further boost to its culinary exploration. “The star has given us energy and motivation. New dishes have been added to the tasting menus, and the wine list has been greatly expanded to include top-tier Sardinian, Italian, and international wines,” the chef notes.
What's New at the Cone Club
At the Cone Club, however, the star of the season is also the new Sunset Ritual format, created to showcase one of the most evocative natural spectacles along the entire northeastern coast. The club’s location offers a view of the sun slowly setting behind the Maddalena Archipelago. This moment is accompanied by signature cocktails, champagne, raw seafood, and a selection of culinary delights designed to mark the transition from day to night.
The partnership with Veuve Clicquot helps further define the project’s identity. The iconic custom-designed cabanas, the new Sun Lounge, and a series of special events transform aperitif time into one of the most sought-after moments of the day.
But the most intriguing new development is probably Fun-Day, the new Sunday event that is the only regular evening event of the week. “We wanted to create a different kind of Sunday,” explains Pasquale Ielapi, the venue’s PR & Marketing Manager. “A day when people can listen to good music, drink fine wines and champagne, enjoy top-notch cuisine, and take in the sea until evening.” The project stems from the idea of transforming that time slot—often caught between the end of the weekend and the start of the week—into an opportunity for socializing and fun.
Among the collaborations already announced are one with Appennino Food Group and a special evening with Mizuna, the Japanese restaurant in San Pantaleo known for the quality of its ingredients and its ability to engage with the Sardinian region. Veuve Clicquot, the initiative’s main partner, will serve as the common thread. Additional collaborations will be unveiled over the course of the summer. “There will be good food, excellent champagne, music, and plenty of surprises. The goal is to offer a Sunday that’s out of the ordinary.”
The experience, however, goes beyond sun loungers and tables with ocean views. Thanks to the resort’s private pier, the Cone Club serves as a privileged gateway to the sea off La Maddalena. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, jet skiing, and new water sports equipment further expand the possibilities for those who want to alternate relaxation with more active pursuits. "Many beach clubs are limited to the beach. We are a gateway to the entire 7Pines universe. Guests can access the resort’s amenities, enjoy a variety of activities, and choose each day how to shape their own experience,” say Ielapi and Spalluto.
It is precisely this flexibility that has helped create some of the most meaningful memories for those who work at the facility. When it comes to celebrity guests, however, the tone changes immediately.“For us, all guests are VIPs—Very Important People. That’s truly our approach.”One incident, however, has remained particularly etched in the staff’s memory. “A well-known soccer player asked us to help him organize a marriage proposal. We planned everything down to the smallest detail: the location, the timing, the service. We even flew to Milan to pick up a special bottle because that vintage wasn’t available in Sardinia. Seeing that couple’s joy when she said ‘yes’ was one of the most moving moments.”
Another memory, on the other hand, is linked to Luciano Ligabue. “He was having dinner at the Cone Club, and one of our musicians started playing ‘Certe Notti’ on the violin. Seeing him get emotional as he listened to that melody was something special. In that moment, you could clearly sense just how much music can transform a simple evening into a memory that will last a lifetime.”
Perhaps this is precisely the secret of the Cone Club. It’s not just the view of La Maddalena, the culinary excellence, or the exclusivity of the cabanas. Rather, it’s the ability to create moments that seem suspended in time, far removed from the fast pace that dominates the rest of the year. Moments when the sunset becomes an event, the sea sets the pace of the day, and luxury takes on a different form: that of feeling perfectly at home, without needing to show it off to anyone.
