Residence Dary ★★★★★

My brother-in-law had really pulled out all the stops this time for my sister. They'd passed through a long year of being semi-sleep deprived nearly all of the time, and this break was much needed. He couldn't really have found a more gorgeous and perfect place than Residence Dary *****. Literally on the beach front, with uninterrupted views of the sparkling sea, the five star serviced apartments offers the kind of simple luxury that soothes. Everything was so pleasing to the eye, both within the apartment and beyond the French doors, it was as though we stepped into a healing home-from-home.

We had chosen the prestigious apartments partly for their exceptional location and partly for that hybrid blend between the comforts of a hotel and the intimacy of home that they provide. We wanted a place where we could relax as a family, where we had the space and facilities to cook for ourselves for that homely feel which lends itself to those long, meandering meal times. In our beach side bliss, we felt totally isolated, just us and the sea. But were happy to break the illusion to take the ten minute stroll into the centre of town. Ile Rouse has a five star feel too, with a noticeably well-heeled clientèle joining in the relaxed bustle of the pretty harbour town. There are fabulous water-side restaurants galore, and with its boutique shops, palms and neat streets there's an air of the French Riviera. My sister and I loved to browse the market places, bringing home sun-kissed vegetables, hand crafted cheese and wild thyme honey from the abundant gourmet produce available.

As if just being in a place like this wasn't revitalising enough, we arranged an in-house massage for my sister and for the hairdresser to come around. Meanwhile, the concierge service had sorted a professional babysitter. She looked totally radiant sitting on our terrace with a cool gin and tonic in her hand and a grin like a Cheshire cat. This is a place that can make anyone feel like a million dollars.

The décor of the apartment was a study in modern elegance. The ubiquitous white of the interior let the sea view take centre stage. The sea felt so close. It was like having one whole wall of blue. Natural materials were used, stone for the floors and table tops. The open plan living area was spacious, bright and fresh-feeling, with modern sinuous lines and an understated luxury. The kitchen came equipped with every utensil you could imagine needing, as well as every amenity, and its wooden cupboards brought a warm feeling. The en-suite rooms were little havens of tranquillity, like stepping into a cotton wool cloud nine. There was a shower and bath in the spacious white bathroom.

This was not an ostentatious luxury, but it was undeniable, woven into every detail.

Needless to say, after a week in the paradise of Corsica, and its gem Residence Dary, my sister was almost as smiley as her little boy. For an utterly sublime holiday with your friends and loved ones, this is the place to be.