The island of Corsica is a sweet spot for good reason; floating in prime real estate in the magical Mediterranean waters off the coast of France and Italy. It pulls not only the elements from each, but an incredible history and feeling that blends, dances and exists on its own terms. I fell madly in-love with Porto this dreamy place during a stay at Casadelmar, a stunning seaside hotel in Porto-Vecchio Corsica.
Pulling into Hotel Casadelmar in Corsica is like a dream. Image © Pat Bailey
Two of the Best Hotels in Corsica
Casadelmar and La Plage stand out as two of the best hotels in Corsica for a number of reasons. Located just a short boat ride distance apart, you are essentially enjoying two Corsica luxury hotels in one. Guests at Casadelmar can enjoy the beach and hip lunch spot at La Plage daily.
A quiet, sunny deck awaits at Casadelmar Corsica. | © Pat Bailey
Pat enjoying her time at one of the best hotels in Corsica. | © Pat Bailey
Casadelmar Corsica
My suite, one of just 34, at Casadelmar provided a magnificent view; each room and the single villa has a panoramic view of Porto Vecchio, the sea and the property. I was welcomed with a bottle of Rosé which I enjoyed with my first Corsican sunset on my private sun deck, and I ordered in-room breakfast my first morning to soak up the early morning sunshine on the same deck.
The room, with an artsy feel, was the perfect respite with a King-size bed, seating area and generous bathroom. Bold pops of colour, comfortable and approachable design, and lots of space for one, made it an easy and happy place to be.
A true Corsica luxury hotel, the property’s upscale design is modern, with clean lines and a beautiful mix of glass and wood, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The décor, thoughtful and whimsical, is modern too with an artistic edge. I loved watching how the infinity pool absorbed the light surrounding it as it changed; the reflection of the sunsets on the water were like watching a painting in motion, and I appreciated very much how the design was an invitation to drop into this island life where water is part of life here.
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The sleek yet subtle design of Casadelmar in Corsica will woo you well before you settle into your suite. Image © Pat Bailey
Fresh, sleek modern design shines in every space at Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
The perfectly shaded seaside lunch spot at Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
The soft pastel sheers shine fill the suite with a purple hue at Hotel Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Settle in for an aperitif at the ultra modern bar at Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
La Plage Corsica
A beautiful contrast and complement is the casual yet luxurious design and décor of La Plage. Private boat rides from the dock of Casadelmar to the beach of La Plage leave on-demand for guests to enjoy the beach and The Grill for a quick and easy Corsica day trip activity close-by.
Being here reminded me of being in St. Tropez or Mykonos, with its beach club vibe, impeccable casual French cuisine and service, bottles of Rosé on ice at each table, and sexy people watching made it a divine destination for hours and hours of sunshine and relaxation.
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The perfectly framed view is almost too good to be true at La Plage, Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Fifteen luxurious rooms make up the property at La Plage, the décor is a beautiful balance of neutral earth elements like you might find in a beach house, and bold pops of colour. There is a generous lending library near the lobby and a spunky gathering room and bar that shares the indoor, outdoor space with the restaurant and grill. All of this with an incredible beach and view of the crystal clear and magnificently blue, sea.
One of just 15 rooms at the boutique sister property, La Plage, Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Take a reprieve from the midday sun with a cocktail at La Place, Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Simple, clean modern design lines you’ll want to recreate back home at La Plage, Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Michelin Star Dining in Corsica
On my second night I was treated to the culinary experience at Casadelmar’s 2-Michelin starred gourmet restaurant. Italian chef Fabio Bragagnolo brings a simple, Mediterranean flavour to the daily menu and believes in “respecting the ingredients to bring out all of their flavours.” The entire dining experience felt like I was walking into a work of art in motion: the too-good-to-be-true backdrop of the sun setting over the sea, each course an event, a staff that knows what you need before you do.
Pat Bailey enjoys the stillness of the moment as she begins her Michelin-star meal at Casadelmar, Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
A fine dining vegetarian feast at Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
I was greeted with a glass of bubbles and enjoyed the aperitif slowly as the masterpiece began to unfold around me, and with me all at once. When it was time, I was escorted to my table, the very best one on the terrace overlooking the sea and with only one seat. I mention this because it struck me how thoughtful even this detail was. I was there dining alone, no need for a second seat. My pearl shell handbag was on the table for a split second before the manager came over and put the hook for it on my table and carefully hung it from the hook. Leah, the server assigned to my table, presented each course with exact precision, and in English. The feast that ensued was one creative vegetarian work of art after another.
Each course was a incredible edible artwork at Hotel Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Staying Active at La Plage
Of course the options to move here, at both properties, include all water sports. In addition, and the current priority, the properties are hosting regular yoga retreats that include daily yoga, a carefully curated local experience, healthy cuisine and options to find other adventures off-property. I explored the yoga spaces at both properties on my own during my stay, my midday look at the open-air practice room overlooking the sea at La Plage left me wanting to grab a mat and sit quietly and take it all in: the breeze, the smell and feel of the salty air, the colour of the sea that I can’t quite find a word to describe, the natural sounds, all of it mesmerizing and absolute perfection. Both days I wandered down to the outdoor sun deck and yoga platform at Casadelmar for my personal practice. It was private and quiet both early morning and just before sunset, the absolute perfect place for a yoga start and end each day.
Casadelmar hosts regular yoga retreats but the deck is always waiting for guest who want to roll out the mat. Image © Pat Bailey
Spa Casadelmar
The spa at Casadelmar is cocoon-like on purpose, it is supposed to be a retreat from the natural surroundings and the sunshine outside. A beautiful selection of natural treatments can be experienced here, with a vast and creative massage menu. “Massage Casadelmar with Warm Oils from the Maquis” is their signature treatment that includes a custom body massage using a blend of essential oils from native Corsican Maquis shrubs. Also on the menu is: Balinese, Ayurveda, Hawaiian, and Thai massage. There is also a full salon on property and fitness centre.
Corsica Tours
There is plenty to do on the water at Casadelmar, skippered boat trips are common, and itineraries can be created for any type of local adventure. Gourmet tours of the surrounding area, helicopter tours, golfing nearby, scuba and waterskiing, along with canyoning, hiking and even renting a bike and/or jet ski is possible. Yoga retreats are hosted throughout the year and offer guests a full package of wellness.
The Fit Traveller was a guest of Casadelmar for this stay. As always, the opinions, words and images are authentically our own.
Get out on the water during your stay at Casadelmar or La Plage, Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Casadelmar
Casadelmar can be accessed by flying into the Figari Airport and taking a taxi to the property
Beautiful blue hues sparkle just outside your room at Casadelmar Corsica. Image © Pat Bailey
Pat Russo is a Mystic, Muse, and Spiritual Teacher guiding women into their hearts with a journey of softening. She is a published poet, a lover of hearts, and a forever student.
Feeling the impossibility of choosing between her two favorite cities, she considers San Francisco and Paris home.