Le Maquis Hotel

BP 94, 20166 Porticcio, Corsica, FRANCE

What with its setting in the hollow of a white sandy bay, where the air is fragrant with wild herbs and the smell of the sea, it’s hard to believe Le Maquis is just 20 minutes from Ajaccio’s airport. This island gem’s history began in 1949, and 63 years later, Le Maquis is still going strong. Should you wish to ignore the warm turquoise sea, there are large outdoor and indoor pools. Throughout the hotel mini-boutiques showcase local designers and a tiny spa uses Corsican wild flower products. A walk through the hotel is a historic record of an authentic Corsican family, as rooms and suites are punctuated with antiques (though jacuzzis add a welcome modern touch). So you can better appreciate the Mediterranean panorama and the Sanguinaires Islands opposite, all the rooms have terraces; but the atmosphere is also lovely in the rose garden, where the sommelier hosts regular wine tastings. MK. Doubles from £160.