La Villa

Tucked away atop a nondescript road, views over Calvi's Bay and peninsula citadel are first-rate here, where the luxury rating is well-earned. Pristine grounds nestle Roman-style or modern villa structures, fancy outdoor pools with terraces, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Contemporary interiors are modish from statement artwork, ebony-trim inlays, and marbled, terra-cotta, or quilt-effect flooring. Fine furnishings have understated or vibrantly hued elegance, although the entrance's canine statue and decorative ducks at the infinity water feature are bold artsy accents. Vistas are unbeatable from most common areas or rooms, although guests are removed from Calvi here, and shuttles (at a fee) don't run late. They do, however, run to Calvi Beach, where a partnership with U Ricantu Restaurant means free loungers and umbrellas in a private area. Prepare for steps throughout, though, and tote, the restaurant is dinner-only and closed Sundays. Additionally, like much of the region, the hotel is only open late-April through early-October.

Tranquility here is largely thanks to the hill-perched location, but bear in mind there's nothing nearby. The 30-minute walk downhill to Calvi is tricky, so taxis, car rentals, or the hotel's shuttles (fee) are the best bet for 15-minute drives to the town, its beach, walled citadel, train station, and harbor. Guests can use a private beach section at U Ricantu Restaurant, which offers shorefront dining. The town's winding cobblestone streets are particularly beautiful at sunset. Calvi-Sainte Catherine Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Chic rooms are outfitted in minimalist, 2015-renovated decor that varies by room. They offer garden views in lower-tier units, and splendid sea vistas in upgraded categories, which most agree are worth the added price. Expect soft whites, muted grays, or punctuating reds, clean lines in wood and chrome-accented furnishings, and stylish, often colorful artwork. Standard Rooms measure 377 square meters (35 square feet), while One- and Two-Bedroom Suites and Apartments spanning 538 to 2153 square feet (50 to 200 square meters), and self-contained Villas sleep eight or 10 guests. Apartments have full kitchens, dining areas, iMacs, staggeringly huge living rooms, and lounger-flanked terraces, while Villas add on private pools. All-marble bathrooms are swish, with deep soaking tubs, separate rainfall showers, posh toiletries, scales, slippers, and robes.

Phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Nespresso machines, minibars, safes, AC, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi come standard. Furnished outdoor spaces vary in size. Note, there's a fee for cribs, some units require a stair approach, and Villas require a minimum, seven-night stay.

Features here cover all the necessities for a romantic retreat. The highlight here is the Michelin-starred La Table, which is only open for dinner and serves Corsican and French cuisine. Its white-clothed tables and blond-wood chairs are elegant, and floor-to-ceiling windows open onto terraces for bistro lunches. Buffet breakfasts offer made-to-order hot dishes and help-yourself continental options, and all bookings include breakfast. Jo's Bar serves a range of beverages indoors, and the lack of entertainment here mostly suits guests. An outdoor snack bar is popular for al fresco meals as well. 

Surrounded by gardens and furnished terraces, the multiple pools are sleek and heated. They include a lap pool with massage features and an adjacent kiddy pool, and an indoor pool at the spa. Lovely vistas and ample loungers can be found at the former. The sleek spa offers pampering treatments, a glass and lounger-wrapped indoor pool, and two Turkish hammams. Note, alongside the fitness center with Technogym equipment, the spa closes for two hours each day (1 p.m. during our visit). A hair salon, tennis court, meeting room, foosball and pool table, are designer boutique are also available. Free Wi-Fi and parking, plus 24-hour concierge and room service complete available amenities.