Le Pinarello ★★★★

Corsica is a fascinating destination. There is that special atmosphere you can find only on islands: the feeling of being far away from it all, of escaping to a little paradise surrounded by the ocean. Then there are the islanders, who are rightly proud of their rich French, Italian and specifically Corsican heritage. There is a whole new culture to discover here. Then, of course, there’s the magnificent countryside, which is wonderfully unique and diverse. On this little Mediterranean island (though not quite so little, at 115 miles long), you can explore mountains, forests, scrubland, the incredible coastline with gulfs, bays, coves, cliffs and marine reserves, and even a desert. And the beaches are among the most beautiful in the world.

So it’s not hard to imagine why I was happy to be heading to the island for a relaxing break. But I have to confess, my hotel was the most heavenly part of all. A charming and unique establishment, the Pinarello sits in front of the soft sand that lines the bay of the same name. It is the closest hotel to the sea in Corsica, and this beach is one of the most beautiful on the island. When you arrive, you’re greeted by the sight of a stretch of white sand with a few boats bobbing on the crystal-clear water. Behind you, you can make out the Aiguilles de Bavella, the crags that dominate the stunning landscape of the Alta Rocca Mountains. All around you there is pine forest and wild scrubland too. It’s like stepping into a dream!

I shook off the strong desire to settle down at once on the hotel’s private beach, relaxing on a deckchair under a parasol with my feet in the sand. I would have all the time in the world to do that later. Instead, I entered the hotel and was pleased to discover an equally tranquil atmosphere inside. The hotel is stylish, casual and simple yet luxurious. The interior design at once lives up to and showcases the hotel’s beautiful surroundings. Decorated in light colours and with contemporary furnishings, the large windows and natural materials mean that you never feel far from the sea and the surrounding countryside. It is light, airy and spacious - exactly as a beachside establishment should be.

In the same vein, the contemporary bedrooms are decorated with neutral colours and materials that form the perfect frame for the gorgeous blue views of the sea and sky. At the Pinarello, the Mediterranean is omnipresent. I set down my bags on the light wooden floor and walked out onto the furnished private terrace that looked out over the ocean. With a luxuriously comfortable bed, l smart shower room, air conditioning and flat screen television, I had everything I needed to unwind in this heavenly setting.

I soon headed back downstairs to the hotel terrace, where you can enjoy fresh and delicious lunches and drinks from the restaurant throughout the day. Did I want to go and lie straight on the beach or did I feel like pampering myself in the hotel’s wellbeing space? It really was a tough decision!