Nestling in a little wood of firs and palms on a private estate with its own white sandy beach the Cala Rossa looks out across the crystal clear waters to Porto Vecchio and is a haven of relaxation

Situated on the southeast coast of Corsica where the beaches are soft and sandy and the waters calm and clear, clear blue, the luxury hotel Cala Rossa looks out to Porto Vecchio, across the beautiful bay. The interesting craggy coastline hides many lovely coves and beaches and framed by the mountains behind, provides the beautiful setting.

The hotel is set back from the water with only the shanty-style decking and beach bar showing behind the thatched beach parasols. Pathways lead back through gardens alive with colour and shaded by fir trees and palms to the terrace and sympathetically low-rise hotel. The restaurant, bar and several rooms give directly onto the garden and the lobby areas and spa also occupy the ground floor. The indoor pool, hammam, sauna and jacuzzi are there for guests’ enjoyment and treatment rooms abound in this impressive complex. There are many room types and formats to suit all parties and all combine a certain rustic charm and traditional decoration with comfort and modern conveniences.

Days are spent on the beach or terraces, wandering along the coast and swimming in the fabulously clear waters or there are many watersports or tennis, golf and squash to occupy one. Guided walks can be arranged up in the mountains with a picnic lunch, quad-biking across the Corsica maquis or one may charter the little fishing boat whose skipper will point out deserted beaches and perfect lunch spots along the way.

The chef produces fantastic cuisine here - a modern interpretation of Corsican specialities - so that the plentiful activities which are available become a welcome source of some form of excuse!