Aethos Corsica Hotel

France

Perched amid a thicket of greenery in the hilltop village of Oletta in Corsica’s rugged north, this heritage hideaway is all about embracing the slow island pace. The setting – a cossetting 17th-century Florentine villa kissed by Mediterranean sun – affords infinite views of maquis-laced mountainscape as it edges to the sea.

Nine suites lean in to a refreshing neutral colour palette, while a pool sits within lush, olive tree-clad grounds. Restaurant U Palazzu picks up on Corsica’s past with modern Italian dishes made from choice island ingredients. And a local, artisan approach to hospitality follows through into culinary experiences that range from wine tastings and tours to learning how ricotta-like brocciu is made by nearby cheesemakers. Beaches and natural parks in striking distance offer a choice of hiking the Cap Corse, horse riding, sailing, windsurfing and paragliding.

Suites from £366. 00 33 4 95 38 39 39, aethoshotels.com

Words by Blossom Green.

This review was taken from the July 2022 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.