i-escape is welcoming the new year with a shiny new collection of hotels in Corsica. Our first foray into this stunning French island – home to beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, masses of history and a stunning mountainous interior – has uncovered 5 fantastic properties, most of which have yet to be discovered by the UK press. Choose from a dazzling design hotel, tranquil mountain retreats, a restful B&B and stylish suites above Corsica’s loveliest beach.
Here’s our run down of the collection:
The romantic retreat: La Dimora
La Dimora is the perfect small hotel for proper holiday laziness. Set in lush gardens between the hills and coast of northern Corsica, this gorgeous 18th-century summer house has golden stone buildings, beautiful bedrooms, hammocks hanging from palm trees, and sun loungers circling a sparkling pool. The pretty seaside town of St Florent is nearby, and there are plenty of tempting restaurants waiting up in the hills and down by the water.
Double rooms from £120 per night, based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis (tax included).
The cool mountain hideaway: Hotel Artemisia
This hip little hotel in the village of Bastelica is the ideal base for exploring Corsica’s breath-taking mountains, largely untouched by tourism. It’s surrounded by winding roads, chestnut forests, fabulous hiking and tiny hamlets, yet it’s only 40 minutes from Ajaccio airport and lovely beaches. Newly built in 2010, the hotel mixes contemporary design with rustic simplicity, with spectacular 10-mile views and a good restaurant.
Double rooms from £66 per night, based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis (tax included).
The idyllic beachside base: Hotel Les Bergeries
Hotel Les Bergeries sits at the foot of a forested hill, overlooking the clear blue waters of Palombaggia – one of the loveliest beaches on Corsica. There’s an infinity pool-with-a-view, 14 attractive bedrooms (all with private terraces or balconies), and a restaurant serving some of the best food on the island. Best of all, it’s only a short stroll through scented pine trees to 6km of gorgeous golden sand.
Double rooms from £137 per night, based on 2 sharing on a room-only basis (tax included).
The super-smart art hotel: U Palazzu Serenu
This 300-year-old former nobleman’s house maximises its position on the side of a hill in Oletta, with sweeping views north to the coast at St Florent. Manicured lawns lead down to the summer house, where breakfast is served overlooking the valley. Inside the hotel doubles as an art gallery, showcasing sculpture, photography and contemporary paintings. The 8 enormous bedrooms have white walls, white furniture, white pressed linen, and art above comfortable beds. There’s also an inviting pool, a restaurant serving excellent food, and a serene terrace for long, lazy days.
Double rooms from £150 per night, based on 2 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis (taxes included).
The coastal B&B: The Manor
Perched above the historic town of Calvi – Corsica’s smaller, prettier and quieter answer to St Tropez – this smart B&B has orange and lemon trees scattered throughout its 5 acres of garden. There’s also a delightful swimming pool terrace, and 4 bedrooms decorated in simple, traditional style, with happy colours, tiled floors, the odd antique, sofas or armchairs, and fabulous views of sea and sky.
Double rooms from £95 per night, based on 2 sharing on a bed and breakfast basis (taxes included).
i-escape launches Corsica collection | Island Tips