An important recognition for all of Sardinia, which the president and co-founder of the Gallurese hotel chain shared with the entire Delphina family.
Today we celebrate a great achievement for our island: Francesco Muntoni, the president of the Sardinian hotel chain Delphina hotels & resorts, has been named Knight of Labour by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. A significant honour that he emotionally shared with his team and the communities of the territories where he operates.
A Visionary Entrepreneur
Francesco Muntoni, originally from Aggius, a charming granite village in the heart of Gallura, began his entrepreneurial career in the 1970s in the construction sector. Together with his partner Salvatore Peru, he founded “Peru e Muntoni,” a construction company specializing in the development of villas and hotel structures along the north coast of Sardinia, from Arzachena to the Gulf of Asinara.
“Nature as a project” has always been the guiding principle of the company, with low buildings integrated into the landscape that recall the geometries of stazzi, the typical rural dwellings of Gallura. Thus, after constructing all the hotels, Delphina hotels & resorts was born in 1992, a company with an internal tour operator that today directly manages and markets 12 5-star and 4-star hotels, 6 SPA and thalasso centres, villas, and residences.
Oases of sustainable hospitality immersed in Mediterranean parks overlooking the sea between the Costa Smeralda, the La Maddalena Archipelago, and the Gulf of Asinara: the Hotel Capo d’Orso 5*, Residence Il Mirto, and Park Hotel & SPA Cala di Lepre 4* in Palau, which is also the operational headquarters of the group, the Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & SPA 5* in Santa Teresa Gallura, the Resort Cala di Falco 4* superior in Cannigione, and two hotels in Isola Rossa – Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & SPA 5* and Hotel Relax Torreruja Thalasso & SPA 4* superior, and the Resort & SPA Le Dune 4* superior and 4* in Badesi.
The Honour
The decree of 31 May 2024 officially confirmed the appointment of President Francesco Muntoni as Knight of Labour. “I thank President Mattarella; it is a great satisfaction to receive this honour. This recognition is not only for me but for the great family of Delphina hotels & resorts, which in these 32 years has worked passionately to promote authentic Gallurese hospitality”, stated Muntoni. “We have focused on enhancing the land where we were born and raised with a philosophy that pays attention to preserving nature and collaborating with local suppliers”.
Nature as a Project
Delphina hotels & resorts is much more than a simple hotel chain. It is the first in Italy to use 100% green electricity in all its hotels, resorts, and headquarters and has been adopting eco-sustainable growth policies that respect the environment and enhance a healthy lifestyle, culture, and enogastronomy of the island for years. This commitment is reflected in the “We are green” protocol, which represents the company’s dedication to the environment and support for the local economy and craftsmanship. The “Genuine Local Food Oriented” quality mark testifies to the focus on healthy and locally sourced gastronomy, selecting seasonal and preferably zero-kilometre ingredients.
Deep Roots and Sustainable Future
Francesco Muntoni is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a profound connoisseur of his land. He has been elected six times as mayor of Aggius, following in the footsteps of his father Libero Muntoni and his great-grandfather Francesco Muntoni senior, the first mayor of the town. Under his leadership, Aggius is one of the few Sardinian centres that resist depopulation, with a perfectly preserved historic centre, three museums, and a rich weaving tradition that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The appointment of Francesco Muntoni as Knight of Labour is a recognition that honours not only his career but also the commitment of the entire Gallurese community in promoting sustainable tourism that respects local traditions. An example of how passion for one’s land can translate into success and innovation.
