MY FRIEND'S VILLA
I was in Sardegna for my August vacation visiting my friend Anabel's villa. It's her family's summer residence, and the place is unreal. The terra cotta-roof structure is located on shores of Costa Smeralda, 30 minutes north of Olbia. When I pulled up to the gated stone driveway I knew the place would be special, but I had no idea how unbelievable it really is. It's located near the swanky Romazzino hotel ($2,000 a night in peak season), where stars are often photographed relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming in the crystal blue water or strolling along the dock. Romazzino means "rosemary" in Sardinna dialect, and plenty of those plants can be found. We were fortunate to go to the Romazzino hotel for cocktails and their fantastic buffet dinner that includes lobster, pasta and hot souffl�s. The patio where guests drink and dine has a view that makes you want to sing "That's Amore." Waiters at the Romazzino (and other fine hotels) are all dressed meticulously; they're not college kids or immigrants working for the summer. These men are 100% Italian, and as professional as it gets. Hotel Romazzino, Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda, Italy; tel.: 39-0789-977111.

LAZY SUMMER DAYS
The villa's backyard has a water view that makes you want to stare out all day long. When we weren't mesmerized, we went out on one of the family's boats. In the morning we waterskied; in the early afternoon we cruised around the harbor watching mega-ships (this is where Bill Gates and all those ridiculously rich and powerful people holiday). Some boats are 300 feet long and cost $150 million -- is that sick or what? We were out on "just" a 71 -foot Sea Ray that was unbelievably plush. It came complete with a deckhand and chef. The one day we wanted to take it to Corsica (France's neighboring island), it was too rough to cross the Strait of Bonifacio. Instead we settled for Bodelli Beach, located in a little cove between Corsica and Sardegna that is part of a national park. This place was magnifico. Were it not for the red jellyfish, I'd still be swimming there.

PORTO CERVO
On the day the weather did not cooperate, we went (like everyone else) to Porto Cervo to gawk at all the monster ships and stroll around the expensive shops. For more click HERE.