La Plage Casadelmar is first and foremost about the beach. It is also a hotel with a holiday home feel nestled in an unspoiled natural setting. It comprises four villas and a main building, a swimming pool, and a sand beach. The hotel exudes an atmosphere of absolute refinement, but La Plage Casadelmar’s greatest luxury is its location.
The beach
A fine sand cove edged with pine trees and red rocks in the Bay of Porto-Vecchio. Sunloungers lying in the shade of woven grass parasols provide an enchanting opportunity for relaxation. A stone’s throw away, small, unspoiled inlets of crystal-clear water are waiting to be discovered.
The terrace overlooking the small white sand bay is worth a visit for the view alone. A pathway leads through the pines to the beach bar shaded by large sheets of stretched canvas. Uncomplicated gourmet cuisine is served in the relaxing shade of the restaurant or on the dazzling terrace. The market-inspired menu showcases excellent produce, subtle Mediterranean flavors, and authentic spit roasts.
The hotel sits on a sandy cove, at the end of a peninsula, edged by pine trees and framed by rugged mountains. The coast here boasts some of the finest white-sand beaches and clearest turquoise waters in Europe, easily rivaling the Caribbean. It’s a 15-minute drive to the lively marina and hilltop old town of Porto Vecchio, and a 45-minute drive to Figari airport, so car hire is advisable though a couple of beachfront restaurants are a 10-minute stroll along the sand.
It’s no surprise that this is a member of the Design Hotels group. The Instagrammable clean-lined architecture uses natural materials such as volcanic rock, 300-year-old oak, resin, and glass throughout to effortlessly blend with the surrounding terrain. The result is an ambiance that feels ultra-luxe, with zen-like tranquility.
A small team of staff is friendly and attentive. The elegant heated pool overlooks the sea, and the private beach, lined with sun loungers beneath pretty tiki umbrellas, is regularly raked to look pristine. Because the water is so incredibly clear, warm, and shallow, it’s an ideal spot for snorkeling. Water skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and boating excursions can all be arranged. A complimentary six-minute speedboat transfer zips back and forth across the bay to the hotel’s glam five-star sister hotel, Casadelmar. Guests can book its ESPA spa for treatments and use the gym.
The rooms and suites all have spacious terraces with day beds. It’s a shame that only four have fabulous sea views; others overlook the gardens. Book room № 40 if you can- it’s the only sea view room that sits on the beachfront, it will be a joy to nip into the sea in just a few steps. Each room feels like a cooling dose of aftersun, with clean lines, neutral tones, rattan headboards against white walls, dark wood wardrobes, and smooth tiled floors. Beds are crisp and sumptuous with high-thread count linen. All have satellite television and a minibar. Bathrooms are hidden behind stylish glossy sliding doors, with large showers and a selection of ESPA toiletries.
My suite at Casadelmar provided a magnificent view, each room and single villa has a panoramic view of Porto Vecchio, the sea, and the property. I was welcomed with a bottle of Rosé which I enjoyed with my first Corsican sunset on my private sun deck, and I ordered in-room breakfast my first morning to soak up the early morning sunshine on the same deck. The room, with an artsy feel, was the perfect respite with a King-size bed, seating area, and generous bathroom. Bold pops of color, comfortable and approachable design, and lots of space for one, made it an easy and happy place to be.
A true Corsica luxury hotel, the property’s upscale design is modern, with clean lines and a beautiful mix of glass and wood, blending seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The décor, thoughtful and whimsical, is modern too with an artistic edge. I loved watching how the infinity pool absorbed the light surrounding it as it changed; the reflection of the sunsets on the water was like watching a painting in motion, and I appreciated very much how the design was an invitation to drop into this island life where water is part of life here.
Restaurant
The hotel’s hip restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes beneath a canopied deck for al fresco beachfront dining. Lunches include fresh seafood salads and fish of the day; while dinner is smart and refined with menu highlights such as local foie gras and lamb cutlets. The lounge bar has an Ibiza vibe about it, sitting on wooden decking in front of the restaurant; it’s an ideal spot for sundowners. For a blowout meal, hop on the complimentary boat to Le Casadelmar, the only two Michelin-starred restaurants in Corsica. Breakfast is presented on afternoon tea-style stands, laden with pastries, bread, cakes, and fruit. A special effort was made to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Beautiful contrast and complement is the casual yet luxurious design and décor of La Plage. Private boat rides from the dock of Casadelmar to the beach of La Plage leave on-demand for guests to enjoy the beach and The Grill for a quick and easy Corsica day trip activity close by.
On my second night, I was treated to the culinary experience at Casadelmar’s 2-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. Italian chef Fabio Bragagnolo brings a simple, Mediterranean flavor to the daily menu and believes in “respecting the ingredients to bring out all of their flavors.” The entire dining experience felt like I was walking into a work of art in motion: the too-good-to-be-true backdrop of the sun setting over the sea, each course an event, and a staff that knows what you need before you do. I was greeted with a glass of bubbles and enjoyed the aperitif slowly as the masterpiece began to unfold around me and with me all at once. When it was time, I was escorted to my table, the very best one on the terrace overlooking the sea and with only one seat. I mention this because it struck me how thoughtful even this detail was. The feast that ensued was one creative vegetarian work of art after another.
STAYING ACTIVE AT LA PLAGE
Of course, the options to move here, at both properties, including all water sports. In addition, and the current priority, the properties are hosting regular yoga retreats that include daily yoga, a carefully curated local experience, healthy cuisine, and options to find other adventures off-property. I explored the yoga spaces at both properties on my own during my stay, my midday look at the open-air practice room overlooking the sea at La Plage left me wanting to grab a mat and sit quietly and take it all in: the breeze, the smell and feel of the salty air, the color of the sea that I can’t quite find a word to describe, the natural sounds, all of it mesmerizing and absolute perfection. Both days I wandered down to the outdoor sun deck and yoga platform at Casadelmar for my personal practice. It was private and quiet both early morning and just before sunset, the absolute perfect place for a yoga start and end each day.
CORSICA TOURS
There is plenty to do on the water at Casadelmar, skippered boat trips are common, and itineraries can be created for any type of local adventure. Gourmet tours of the surrounding area, helicopter tours, golfing nearby, scuba and waterskiing, along with canyoning, hiking and even renting a bike and/or jet ski is possible. Yoga retreats are hosted throughout the year and offer guests a full package of wellness.
