Hotel A Piattatella

A Piattaletta means “hideout” in Corsica, and this hotel lives up to its name. Between the isolated location and wooded property where trees and greenery screen outdoor areas, guests are invited to escape everyday life and relax. Wooden terraces, stone walls, and vines creeping up buildings preserve the natural feel, and large boulders are a nod to the property’s origin as a quarry. The hillside location offers breathtaking valley views, and every outdoor space is designed to take advantage of this stunning feature. Interiors are elegant and minimalist: bright spaces typically have a white-and-gray palette, with accents in black and stone. Local artists have contributed to design features, including headboards in the rooms, light fixtures, sculptures, and photographs on display. Couples are drawn here for the romantic, private atmosphere and consistently friendly service from staff and the couple who owns the hotel. 

Hotel A Piattaletta sits on a hillside to the south of Monticello on France’s island of Corsica. There’s not much nearby, beyond a tennis club and equestrian center a four-minute walk down the narrow road. Trailheads for hiking and horseback riding through the natural terrain can also be found in this area. It is a 15-minute walk down a steep roadway into the center of Monticello, or an easier four-minute drive. The coastal town of L’lle Rousse offers restaurants, shops, and beaches an 11-minute drive from the hotel. There’s also a beautiful golf course a 15-minute drive away, in the valley. Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport is a small airport a 40-minute drive from the hotel, and the larger Airport Bastia-Poretta is a 75-minute drive away. 

The elegant, minimalist design of common areas extends to rooms. A white-and-gray color scheme is softened by light-wood furnishing and trim, and punctuated with black accents for a stylish look. Design features contributed from local artists elevate rooms with unique touches in shelving, headboards, furnishings, or frames, depending on the room. Rooms are designed for two or three guests, equipped with two twin beds and a sofa bed. Furnished balconies all overlook the valley and are roomy enough for a lounger. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, Nespresso machines, iPod docks, and safes. Sleek bathrooms have rainfall showerheads in the large walk-in shower, and some have separate soaking tubs. Hairdryers, robes, and slippers are provided, as are a full range of free Algotherm toiletries.

Everything needed for a relaxing vacation is available, with options to suit individual tastes. A delicious breakfast buffet is available daily, or guests may choose a la carte. Lunch and dinner are made-to-order, served on a lovely terrace or in rooms. Guests find the food good, but pricey for what is offered. There’s also a cozy bar and library off the restaurant, housing a few seating areas arranged for couples. 

Two small infinity pools -- one heated -- and an outdoor whirlpool offer lovely spots to relax and take in the stunning views. Each is on its own beautiful deck, surrounded by greenery for a private feeling. Guests can book a spa session with one of several specialists for a variety of treatments, beauty services, and massages. The spa also includes a modern steam room and sauna. There’s a small indoor fitness room with a few machines, plus a terrace and an outdoor clearing with more exercise equipment. On-site parking is free, and the free property-wide Wi-Fi has a strong, reliable signal.