Hôtel Les Mouettes

Novelty isn’t everything. Hôtel Les Mouettes, right on the Ajaccio Bay waterfront on the west side of Corsica, is nothing if not a classic European seaside hotel. This sort of thing is less about concept and more about execution, and the charm of Les Mouettes is in the details.

It starts with a location at one end of the Route des Îles Sanguinaires, the seaside road that traces the bay’s northern side. You’re just across the road from a small private beach, and a short drive from some quite good wild ones. And while Ajaccio itself is not exactly Shanghai, you’ll be grateful for the slight remove from the city center — here it’s the Mediterranean, not the metropolis, that sets the tone.

Also present is a picture-perfect little pool deck and a wealth of lounging spaces. The rooms are pure unfussy comfort, in sunny southern hues and Riviera-style décor. In classic French style there’s no restaurant, but arguably no need for one, as you’re surrounded by excellent options. And when it comes to leisure, just about anything you can name can be arranged — from in-room spa treatments to snorkeling, diving, boat hire, golf, tennis and more.

Please note: Hôtel Les Mouettes is opened from the end of March until mid-November.

How to get there: Hôtel Les Mouettes is located 16 minutes away, by car, from Ajaccio - Napoleon Bonaparte Airport.