Corsica, aptly named the "Île de Beauté" (Island of Beauty), captivates with its turquoise waters, abundant sunshine, and breathtaking landscapes that seamlessly blend rugged maquis and towering mountains. Here's a selection of some of the most iconic hotels that encapsulate all of these wonders.
La Villa Calvi
Overlooking Calvi from the heart of a 3.5-hectare estate filled with the scents of lavender and immortelle, this 5-star hotel, a member of Relais & Châteaux, offers a stunning view of the bay and citadel. Opened in 1992 by Jean-Pierre and Marion Pinelli, who also designed the décor, La Villa Calvi has expanded over the years to include 48 rooms and suites, along with three villas featuring 4 to 5 bedrooms and private pools, all with bespoke services. The hotel also focuses on sports and wellness with tennis courts, 4 pools, aquagym and Pilates classes. The spa offers 4 treatment rooms with Dermalogica and Thémaé products. In the evening, the gastronomic restaurant La Table by La Villa, led by Chef Can Kurt, offers à la carte and tasting menus, while during the day, guests can enjoy the Pool Bar.
Highlight : La Villart, an on-site gallery that showcases various artists through captivating exhibitions.
La Villa Calvi. Chemin Notre Dame de la Serra, 20260 Calvi. Learn more about La Villa Calvi.
Les Oliviers de Palombaggia
Located in Porto-Vecchio, nestled within the maquis and close to the pristine beaches of Carataggio and Palombaggia, the 5-star Domaine Les Oliviers de Palombaggia offers an exceptional retreat. The estate features seven independent villas, each with a private pool and unique setting, four Pool Suites with heated private pools, and two spacious Junior Suites with private pools or hot tubs. Every detail is designed to ensure absolute comfort for guests: in-villa dining prepared by a personal chef, farm-fresh local products for aperitifs or picnics, and in-villa spa treatments and massages. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate, whether as a couple or with family. The estate also offers a bar and a variety of sports activities, including yoga, paddleboarding, personal training, and electric biking, along with babysitting services and an efficient concierge team.
Highlight : The hotel is deeply committed to sustainable tourism.
Domaine Les Oliviers de Palombaggia. Route de Palombaggia, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Learn more about this hotel.
U Capu Biancu
Perched on the cliffs of Bonifacio, nestled between the maquis and the sea, this 4-star hotel exudes the charm of an elegant vacation home and offers breathtaking views over the Gulf of Santa Manza. The 41 rooms and common areas feature a vibrant décor that highlights stone, driftwood, copper, brass, and rope. The panoramic restaurant, led by Chef Gadio El Hadji, serves bold dishes with Corsican and African influences. At La Paillote, overlooking the beach, guests can savor sun-kissed cuisine. Visitors have three beaches to choose from: Paillote Beach with sun loungers and a private pier, Farniente Beach, and Reine Elizabeth Beach. Additional amenities include a stunning pool and a spa offering treatments with Crena Care Cosmetics, made from 100% natural and Corsican ingredients.
Highlight: The hotel is committed to environmental sustainability, eliminating single-use plastics and recycling naturally with the help of 100 laying hens.
U Capu Biancu. Lieu-dit Ricetti, Domaine de Pozzoniello, 20169 Bonifacio. Learn more about this hotel.
Hôtel Marinca
This 5-star gem in southern Corsica is one of those secret spots whispered about among insiders. Overlooking the Gulf of Valinco with a backdrop of the port of Propriano, it boasts direct access to the beach. Housed in a traditional Corsican building, its 54 rooms and suites offer stunning views of the Mediterranean. After sipping a signature cocktail at the William Bar, guests can dine at La Verrière, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Romain Masset, who crafts menus that take diners on a sun-soaked journey through the Isle of Beauty. The gardens reveal three outdoor pools overlooking the sea—an absolute dream. The 600 m² Spa by Clarins features an indoor pool heated to 28°C, large bay windows that allow guests to take in every bit of the sea view, a spacious solarium, five treatment rooms (including two doubles), a hammam, a Himalayan salt wall sauna, and an Ice Room with a wall and fountain of ice. Paradise, anyone?
Highlight: The shaded areas equipped with sun loungers and parasols offer the perfect spot for some peaceful relaxation.
Hôtel Marinca : Vitricella, 20113 Olmeto. Learn more about this hotel.
Casa Santini X Roc Seven
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Hôtel Goéland transformed into Casa Santini x Roc Seven in 2023! Perfectly situated right on the water in a lush setting at the heart of Porto-Vecchio Bay, this 4-star hotel is just steps away from the marina and citadel. It offers 34 rooms and suites ranging from 15 to 39 m², each boasting stunning views and a design that emphasizes noble materials. A thoughtful feature: some rooms are interconnected, making it ideal for family stays. The renovations were overseen by Véronique Vidoni, co-founder of °Fahrenheit Seven, who has already lent her interior design talents to the group’s other properties. The hotel’s restaurant overlooks the bay and celebrates Mediterranean flavors with Italian, Spanish, and Corsican influences.
Highlight: The hotel features a private beach and a private port, exclusively for the use of hotel and restaurant guests.
Casa Santini X Roc Seven : Avenue Georges-Pompidou, 20137 Porto-Vecchio. Learn more about this hotel.
Domaine de Murtoli
Located in southern Corsica, between Sartène and Figari, Domaine de Murtoli is a haven for celebrities who appreciate its discreet ambiance. Spanning over 2,500 hectares in the Ortolo Valley, the estate features the 5-star Hôtel de la Ferme, offering luxurious rooms and suites, and a 20-meter stone pool with views of the greens, mountains, and maquis. Additionally, there are 20 "bergeries," rustic yet exquisitely decorated lodgings that exude understated luxury. Gastronomy at the estate is a highlight with three dining options: La Table de la Grotte, a spectacular restaurant with a cave in the rock and panoramic terraces; La Table de la Plage, styled like a seaside fisherman's cabin; and La Table de la Ferme, where Chef Laurent Renard presents a Michelin-starred menu during the summer season. The estate's summer offerings include an outdoor beach spa and an indoor spa area within the Farm's main building.
Highlight: The massages use Nucca products, a line of skincare based on essential oils from the maquis.
Domaine de Murtoli : Vallée de l’Ortolo, 20100 Sartène.
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