Palazzu u Domu ★★★★

One of the most beautiful destinations in France is found off the mainland and on the island of Corsica, just a two-hour flight from London. The island’s capital, Ajaccio, offers a gorgeously peaceful way of life and beautiful sunshine all year round. As soon as we arrived, my husband and I headed into the old town to wander around the palm tree lined squares and pretty little streets of the Cathedral district. We found little fishermen’s taverns, a bustling market and the birthplace of Napoleon along the way. As we continued towards the west of the city, taking the boulevard Lantivy, we came across a little trace of home: a collection of cottages and an Anglican church left over from British tourism in the last century. At lunchtime, we feasted on charcuterie and fresh seafood in an authentic bistro before heading down the route des Sanguinaires to admire the little islands that are scattered just off the coast.

After all that walking, I must admit that we were keen to get to our hotel! The Palazzu u Domu is situated right in the heart of the old town and has to be one of the city’s most extraordinary buildings. When we arrived, the reception staff explained that it had formerly been home to the Dukes of the Pozzo di Borgo family, and had thus witnessed a great deal of the island’s tumultuous history. These days, the aristocratic residence has been restored to its former glory. The interiors blend contemporary design and traditional features to create a unique and luxurious feel. You are reminded of its fascinating history thanks to little details including the portraits of the Bonaparte family hung in ornate frames in the grand staircase. Still, there is no shortage of modern comfort here.

When we reached our bedroom we immediately felt sure that we had found the perfect sanctuary. Spacious and filled with light thanks to two French windows, it was decorated in a refined and elegant style in shades of beige and brown. Details such as the parquet floor and intricate headboard were a lovely reminder of our Corsican surroundings, while the flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi meant that we could stay in touch with the world outside our new island. My husband was especially pleased to discover the well-lit, contemporary bathroom with a full-length bathtub and his and hers sinks.

After all the day’s adventures, neither of us much fancied heading back out straight away. Instead, we made our way downstairs and enjoyed the early evening sunshine on the hotel patio with a glass of rosé. Sitting on the garden settee beside the palm trees truly felt like being in an exotic paradise, and we were soon ready to head out for dinner. The hotel staff recommended we try one of the city’s best fish restaurants, Le Beau Rivage, and it was a fantastic tip. On our return, we couldn’t resist stopping by at the hotel’s bar Murat to finish off our first day in style.

The following morning, waking up to a delicious breakfast in bed, I must admit that I felt a little like a duchess myself.