Who's Going
Kylie Minogue, Olivier Martinez, Dolce & Gabbana
Reason to Stay
Hip Crowd, Beach Club, Yacht Mooring
Hotel Type
Boutique Hotel
A mountainous island with renegade French spirit, Corsica has been a vacation magnet for continental hippies and Cote d'Azur high season runaways. Located in the southern port-enclave of Porto Vecchio, architect Jean-François Bodin creates a cubist red cedar structure of glass and light on a manicured hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean. The focal point of the property, a 25-meter infinity pool, is surrounded by landscaped gardens and symmetrical terrace protruding from the hotel façade. The tendency for the ruggedly modern extends itself into the common areas with a split-level lobby and bar cast in white and bright orange with lightwood accents. Classic designers like Le Corbusier and Bertoia inspire furnishings with sleek lines and low-lying design for free flowing spaces conducive to lounging and late-night parties. An in-house spa and fitness center features cedar floors and black massage tables, all with views of the Porto Vecchio Bay. A Michelin-rated kitchen seduces with crafty Italian presentations utilizing market-fresh fair and provocative local dishes.
The Room
A 31-room boutique hotel includes guest rooms ranging from creatively cramped to amply spacious with magnificent views of the distant bay. Rooms feature clean and crisp architecture with elements of Scandinavian design and French artistry of natural gray stone floors, red cedar terraces and quirky tech-savvy furnishings. While we tend to judge bleached wood-laminate furnishings harshly, we realize that its affordable nature and agility in becoming both a headboard and desk. While ok for Ikea, we prefer not to see it when we travel. Bathrooms feature frill-free porcelain fixtures and soaking tubs with paper-thin towels and toiletries unsuitable for a fancier clientele. Beyond the room, and you will want to leave, a private beach offers a private yacht mooring for those wishing to flee to more posh accommodations.
Preferred Room
Executive Suite
Special Features
Design Hotel, Architectural Property, Closed October-April
Amenities
Beach Club, Restaurant, Bar, Spa