The Place
Antoine and Lili de Rocca-Serra opened this place in 1988, near their home village of Levie in the Alta-Rocca mountains. They’ve created a rustic retreat with luxurious – but not overwhemingly so – spa facilities, and beautiful grounds. It’s remote, even for Corsica, but this is part of the charm. Perhaps most will want to soak in the complete peace; if that’s not for you, staff can organize walks, riding and picnics.
In keeping with many Corsica hotels, the decoration in the bedrooms shows an earthy elegance: muted greys on the walls and headboards; dark wood cupboards and floors; slate in the bathrooms. Our reporter enjoyed the powerful shower and aromatic bath products. In the hotel’s grounds are also two characterful treehouse-suites, one of which would suit a family, with its own sitting room, terrace and bunk beds.
A large part of the place’s charm lies in its open-air restaurant, which displays photographs of the Rocca-Serra family, and has a wonderful, large fireplace and lovely views. Standing out on the set menus were Corsican soup, superb local salami, slow-cooked lamb and profiteroles. The restaurant is popular with locals and can fill up in the evenings: when we visited, it was with mainly older couples.