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Open April 1st – October 31st

Some places invite you to disconnect; Domu Antiga invites you to reconnect—with history, with food, with the land. Set in the village of Gergei, this four-room retreat is as much about memory as it is about comfort. The name itself means “ancient house” in Sardinian—a nod to the building’s early 19th-century origins and to the spirit Samuel Lai has carefully preserved and revived. “I wanted to share with people from all over the world the experiences I had as a child, listening to the stories of my grandparents: the traditions, the food, and the lifestyle that shaped my upbringing,” he says.

This reverence for heritage is woven through every inch of the property, from the traditional cassa sarda (carved chests) to the orbace fabric (made from repurposed cereal sacks) used on the bed headboards. Even the bones of the house speak of Sardinian tradition, with thick stone walls and shaded outdoor arcades; each room opens onto a juniper-covered balcony that looks out over the cobblestone streets of the village. In the courtyard, guests can collect fresh eggs from the chicken coop each morning. And when the season cools, a crackling fireplace inside adds a warm rhythm to chillier days.

The entire experience is intimate and deeply local. “My philosophy of hospitality is the same as what I want to experience when I travel,” Samuel explains. “To learn about local traditions, create connections with locals, visit artisans and producers, taste the local food, and leave with something that enriches you.”

To that end, guests at Domu Antiga receive a beautifully detailed guide upon booking, with insider tips on everything from the Nuraghe Su Nuraxi in Barumini, one of Sardinia’s most iconic archaeological sites, to walking among the wild horses of the Giara di Gesturi, swimming in the natural pools of Guado Selasi, or strolling the tree-lined paths of Parco Aymerich. Samuel is also always available for spontaneous suggestions. 

Still, some of the best adventures happen right on the property. At the Sinnos Dairy, just 300 meters away, Samuel and his wife Emanuela produce cheese using milk from their own sheep. You can visit for a tasting or take part in a ricotta and fiore sardo cheesemaking workshop with Samuel’s brother, Riccardo—complete with fresh honey and jam to sample the results. Other afternoons, join Samuel’s sister, Giulia, for traditional cooking or breadmaking classes, thanks to tips and secrets passed down from generations of their grandmothers. Think fresh pasta, vegetables with wild herbs, and traditional sweets like pardule and piricchittus. The day ends, fittingly, with a slow dinner, prepared by Samuel’s mother, Maria Grazia, with local and seasonal products. 

As for the rooms? There are only four, each one a study in local craft and Sardinian warmth. You’ll sleep deeply thanks to thick stone walls and zero sound pollution, wake up to the scent of wild rosemary or woodsmoke, and step out onto your private balcony to watch the village come to life.

Here, time stretches, meals linger, and faces become familiar. So, it’s not just the beauty of the house or the flavor of the ricotta that make us love Domu Antiga—it’s the sense of being truly welcomed. And that feeling, once found, is hard to forget.

A few more segreti (secrets) from Samuel and the family:

Apicoltura Isca e Muras (Gergei) – This local beekeeper makes exquisite raw honey from Sardinian flora, including eucalyptus and thistle. You can stop in for a tasting and leave with a jar (or three).

Luigi Pitzalis, Copper Artisan (Isili) – One of the last traditional coppersmiths still working in Sardinia, Luigi runs a workshop that feels like a time capsule. It’s the best place to grab some new gleaming pots for your kitchen. 

Olianas Winery (Gergei) – A pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in the area, Olianas offers tastings in the vineyards or cellar, featuring varietals like Cannonau and Vermentino made with native yeasts and zero chemicals.

La Forchetta (Mandas) – Twelve minutes away, this rustic trattoria is known for its simple, comforting Sardinian fare. The kind of place where lunch stretches into late afternoon.