A Cheda

From first glance, A Cheda is clearly anything but ordinary, starting with its peaceful and charming garden. Stone paths wind through the property past tall palms, lovely fountains and flowering plants. Hidden nooks with nice wicker furniture are seemingly everywhere. Natural stone walls create quiet and secluded spaces. The outdoor pool is framed by wood decking, while an aged wood building serves as the poolside mini-spa. The transition between outdoors and inside the hotel is seamless, as the cozy lobby and bar also feature lots of reclaimed wood and natural stone. Interesting art pieces and whimsical decorations are both prominently displayed and tucked away and plaster walls and tile floors in warm earth tones cast a glow on the space. The vibe here is friendly, casual, and relaxed and guests -- most of whom are vacationers -- should plan on spending some of their time simply exploring the grounds. 

A Cheda is surrounded by a lushly landscaped, private garden just north of Bonifacio. Despite being near the main road between Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio, it’s a quiet and peaceful setting that guests find relaxing, if isolated, and there's nothing much within walking distance other than a few other boutique hotels. However, it’s only a five- to 10-minute drive or taxi ride into Bonifacio and its bustling harbor, ritzy yachts, numerous restaurants, plus ferries to Sardinia and mainland France, Spain, and Italy. The Sperone Golf Course and beaches are about 15 minutes away by car, and Porto-Vecchio is a 25-minute drive. The Figari-Sud Corse Airport is 19 minutes by car, and travel to the Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport takes about two hours and 15 minutes.

Each of the hotel’s 16 rooms and suites is individually decorated. The decor varies, but in most rooms it reflects the natural surroundings, with liberal use of stone, exposed wooden beams, and light earth tones that brighten the spaces. Most rooms have laminate flooring in a light-wood finish, but some have tile or even polished concrete in the bedroom and living areas. 

Furniture is typically either rustic or ultra-modern, and ceilings are sometimes slanted at angles to create rather low spaces. Whimsical art and decorative pieces add artistic flair. All rooms have private patios set within the garden area with wicker furniture and lots of greenery. Standard amenities include minibars, robes, slippers, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Bathrooms are spacious and distinctive, with beautiful tiling, and many have separate whirlpool tubs and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Robes, slippers, and magnifying mirrors are provided. 

Superior Suites have modern bathrooms and private saunas, while bathrooms in other room types are more rustic, with terra-cotta or natural stone tile. Cozy Rooms are small, with grotto-like, low ceilings and plaster and stone walls, while larger Duplex Rooms (215 to 270 square feet) have staircases that lead up to loft bedrooms. Superior Suites (463 to 495 square feet) have several separate spaces and high ceilings. 

The focus at this boutique hotel is on relaxation and pampering, with amenities to match. The expensive Au Jardin d’ A Cheda restaurant focuses on French-Mediterranean cuisine, and uses herbs from its own organic garden. Both a buffet and an a la carte menu are provided at breakfast. Lunch and dinner are also served, and meal plans are available. The covered deck offers alfresco dining, with live music some of the time. There's also a cozy bar with outdoor service, and room service is offered.

The heated outdoor pool is surrounded by wood decking, stone walls, and greenery; there's also a whirlpool, a mini-spa offering massages and body treatments, and a sauna. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free, and the hotel can arrange airport transfers and other excursions. Laundry service is also available.