The Beauty of Corsica

When Henri Matisse spent time in Corsica he called it the isle of beauty. When you arrive at this largely unspoiled destination and see the stunning cliffs, mesmerizing views and turquoise water, you will have little choice but to agree.

Your honeymoon in Corsica will provide a wide range of...

adventure, history, and relaxation in a beautiful setting. After your arrival in Europe, you'll hop on a short flight (45-90 minutes) to Ajaccio and pick up your convertible for a short drive to Le Maquis, one of the island's top resorts, named for the unique floral vegetation everywhere here. Equipped with two pools, a spa, excellent exercise facilities, and an extremely private beach, Le Maquis is the perfect place to begin your honeymoon.

Your four nights here will focus on relaxing in your sea-view room and the lovely resort grounds, but there will be plenty of excursion opportunities as well. Try visiting Filitosa to see Neolithic statues of faces and warriors. Tour the capital of Ajaccio to see the birthplace and home of the famed French leader Napolean Bonaparte, as well as the Fesch Museum of Fine Art. Once you're oriented to the main island, visit the nearby Iles Sanguinaires, pristine islands of red stone cliffs covered in maquis, inhabited by diverse wildlife and intriguing ruins.

After four nights in Porticcio, it's time to travel to the...

northern coastal town of Calvi. The easy three hour drive will allow you to explore the interior of Corsica, taking in rugged mountains and scenic forests. Pack a lunch before you make the journey and stop midway through to have a picnic or go for a short hike, a classic Corsican activity. Calvi is a historically romantic place: Princess Grace and Prince Ranier of Monaco honeymooned here, and celebrity visits are not uncommon. The diverse landscape and rich mutli-cultural history make this northern area very compelling.

In Calvi, La Villa hotel offers...

elegance and beauty, along with modern amenities. Set on hillside, you'll be treated to fantastic views of a 13th century citadel as well as the yacht-filled Calvi Bay, yours to savor after check-in. Here you can relax and also embark on wonderful excursions, such as hiking and viewing wildlife in the Reserve Naturelle de Scandola. Many of the best sights are only accessible by boat, which makes them more adventurous and memorable. Here, you'll have the opportunity to go horseback riding through the Desert des Agriates, an uninhabited landscape covered in wildflowers and the remains of ancient farms and granaries. Also, cozy up in the secluded Plage de Ravelletta, a gorgeous beach romantically nestled into the cliffs, with beautiful turquoise water.

After four nights of glamorous dining and interesting and unique sightseeing, it is time to check out of La Villa and begin your journey home. To make logistics easier and more relaxed, you might consider spending your final few nights on the mainland. Most commonly, guests arrive through Nice or Paris, and an evening on the Cote d'Azur or on the Left Bank could be a wonderful end to your honeymoon. We would be more than happy to arrange accommodations and activities in either of these cities.

Who will enjoy this trip:

Those seeking beaches and unspoiled European atmosphere. Travelers looking for a unique fusion of French and Italian culture. Those who enjoy discovering hidden backcountry vistas and delightful villages well off the beaten tourist track. Honeymooners seeking exclusivity and privacy in their accommodations.

Who should avoid this trip:

For those who are looking for intense nightlife or a multitude of shopping outlets, Corsica may not be the right fit. Clients coming from abroad who don't want the extra flight segments required to get to this secondary destination should look elsewhere as well.