5* Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica Review
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Sian Victoria © - View of Hotel Marinca & Spa from catamaran, Corsica
Luxury beachfront hotel in Corsica France
The Mediterranean Island Corsica is a luxury tourist hotspot. The French region is recognised for its idyllic coastline and array of sensational beaches, making for a perfect spot for sunbathing due to the island's year-round sunny weather.
As the island boasts a Mediterranean climate, the hottest weather stretches from May to September, meaning you can book a summer getaway in Corsica and experience the best of the sunshine.
As featured in Vogue magazine, this mountainous island has garnered a worldwide reputation for its stunning scenery and the ability to experience French bliss.
I was fortunate enough to stay at the 5* Marinca Hotel in 2018 for 3 nights, as the only UK ambassador of Phyto Paris a luxury haircare brand for their Phyto summer festival. Where I experienced Michelin fine dining and an incredible moonlit beach party in the company of worldwide beauty influencers.
To find out more read on and discover my stay at the 5-star Marinca Hotel in Corsica.
Private beachfront hotel with mountain views
Sian Victoria © - Alfresco dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Private Olmeto beach, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Marinca Hotel is the epitome of luxury with its private beachfront views. Boasting sensational sights across Valinco Bay and its crystal-clear waters, guests can relax on the idyllic sandy beaches under Corsica's golden rays of sunshine while sipping on a cocktail. Take in the gorgeous natural scenery of the lush green mountains and flourishing trees that surround the hotel.
Experience tranquillity like never before; take a dip in one of the four plunge pools that overlook the beautiful sea, then indulge in a wellness treatment at the hotel's very own state-of-the-art spa, Un Monde Ailleurs. From hot stone massages and detox wraps to facials and therapeutic therapies, you can have the ultimate pampering treatment.
Just 6.8km away from central Propriano, the bustling seaside resort, you can travel to the coastal town and take part in adrenaline-inducing water-sport activities and sightseeing of the local attractions before heading back to unwind at the hotel.
And, at only 15km from the prehistoric site of Filitosa, there's no shortage of nearby activities.
Double room with sea view balcony
Sian Victoria © - Double room with balcony, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront balcony, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Balcony views, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
The opulence of the hotel's surroundings and facilities continues with the ‘Design Room’ that I stayed in during my unforgettable trip to the island. Since my stay in 2018, all the rooms have been renovated to encapsulate the ‘chic’ atmosphere of the hotel.
Spread across the floors of an old Corsican building in the Private Domain of Vitricella, guests have the choice of rooms, suites and a villa when staying at Hotel Marinca & Spa.
Complete with a luxurious double bed, perfect for two guests, and an unbelievable sea view on my private balcony, it was amazing to wake up in the morning to the sounds of the waves crashing below.
The cosy yet stylish room came with all the amenities one could need; a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and an open-plan bathroom.
The interior design of the room truly allows guests to feel as luxurious as possible, as they unwind on the dreamy double bed while overlooking the island's picturesque landscapes.
En-suite Star ceiling open-plan bathroom
Sian Victoria © - Ensuite room, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Ensuite room, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Ensuite room, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Ensuite room, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
The open-plan bathroom is a unique feature too. Beautifully contrasts with the white interior of the room itself. The en-suite has sleek black furnishings and an atmospheric starred ceiling that I’ve not seen in a hotel before.
Get ready for a day on the beach or a swim in the hotels pool in front of the mirrors next to the balcony. Then return to your room on an evening to relax in the lustrous black bathtub under the stars, or step into the rainforest shower while helping yourself to the luxury array of complimentary toiletries. You’ll find the toilet hidden behind the shower cubicle next to the entrance of the room.
As the room and bathroom are open plans, I wouldn’t recommend this room if you like your privacy while pampering. So bare that in mind, but it did feel a little tucked away and hidden. It was just me in the room for three days, so it wasn’t an issue for me, but may not appeal to some.
The lightning wasn’t the best either, so the bathroom mirror wasn’t great to look at when applying makeup and it wasn’t the best to photograph either. Hence the poor-quality photos. The mirror next to the double-door balcony provided natural light so I found it more ideal to get ready there.
However, the rooms have been updated since my visit so the dark bathroom area at the back of the room may no longer be the case.
Gastronomic Restaurant, Beach Dining, Breakfast & Bar
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront fine dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront fine dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront fine dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront fine dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront fine dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
The ultimate holiday getaway in this beautiful hotel would not be complete without a fine dining experience. Choose from a myriad of eateries within the hotel during your stay, including a Gastronomic Restaurant, a beachfront restaurant, a bar and a tasting area, where you can take away local cuisine.
The Gastronomic Restaurant, known as La Verrière, allows one to indulge in some of the best gourmet cuisines while overlooking panoramic views of the stunning Valinco Bay. With each dish prepared by award-winning chef Jean-Luc L'Hourre. You can treat yourself to some of the finest French cuisines. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner like never before.
If you're sunbathing on the beach and fancy a bite to eat, you can visit the beachfront restaurant, The Paillote. Explore an extensive menu of cuisines, from Mediterranean plates to Italian delicacies, allowing you to enjoy some of the finest cuisines while overlooking the crystalline turquoise waters.
After taking part in fine dining, head on over to the Panoramic Bar. Overhanging the Valinco Bay and relaxing on the terrace while sipping a bespoke cocktail.
On our first press evening, we enjoyed a private three-course meal under the stars. We didn’t choose from a menu, we just let the organisers know of our dietary requirements before we arrived. So, I requested vegetarian meals; however, a fish course was presented to me. A few other guests I was with had the same issue.
Sian Victoria © - Dining on the beach, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Phyto Summer Festival event, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Beachfront dining, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
We were made aware by others that France and this case the French island of Corsica consider vegetarians to eat fish. I’m not a pescatarian and didn’t want to cause a fuss so I just nibbled the bits that didn’t contain fish. So, if you are vegetarian or vegan make sure when ordering what your requirements entail to prevent confusion.
On the last day, for lunch, I ate salad and French fries at the hotel restaurant on the beach. Breakfast each morning was lovely too, we would eat beautifully presented platters of fruit and croissants in a private accommodation across the road from the hotel’s entrance overlooking a swimming pool and views out to sea.
Besides a boat ride, the top highlight of my stay at one of the best five-star hotels in Corsica was a mesmerising fine dining beach party under the stars with nothing but the moonlight reflecting on the calming sea and a pathway of candles lining the way to a gorgeous table display. Where the hotel’s restaurant served us a variety of dishes before hosting an evening filled with dancing and glasses of wine.
These eventful experiences were arranged for the Phyto Summer Festival and are not standard guest experiences. But I’m sure there wouldn’t be any harm in asking to dine in this secluded beach area. It certainly makes the perfect backdrop to propose.
Spa & Wellness at Hotel Marinca
Sian Victoria © - Spa & Wellness, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Spa & Wellness, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Spa & Wellness, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
The fully serviced spa and wellness centre at the Hotel Marinca has everything one could need for a perfect relaxation experience.
Explore 3 treatment rooms, a Himalayan salt wall sauna, a hammam, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness room, among many more amenities. The hotel's spa stretches outside – with an outdoor jacuzzi and a solarium, where you can take in the sea view from all around.
The spa truly has something for everyone, offering packages for couples or those seeking a professional massage treatment. So, you can, immerse your senses at the spa and improve your well-being with the myriad of services and facilities on offer.
With a full itinerary during my stay, there wasn’t time for me to experience the spa. But I did have a peek and use the showers to freshen up before leaving to get my flight to Paris and connecting flight to London.
There’s also an outdoor massage area among the tranquil gardens so that you can listen to nature and the crashing waves. Near here is where I watched a groundskeeper decorate water displays with colourful petals from a variety of flowers. It’s these little unique touches that make the resort feel that extra special.
Beach & pools at Hotel Marinca
Sian Victoria © - Outdoor swimming pool, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Infinity pool, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Olmeto beach, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Outdoor swimming pool, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Outdoor swimming pool, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Perhaps one of the best features of the hotel is its choice of pools and beaches. With 4 luxurious pools overhanging the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea in the hotel's lush garden, you can take in the sea breeze and relax.
If you fancy a spot of sunbathing, you can decide to head down to the Hotel Marinca's private beach. Enjoy a range of water-sport activities if you fancy having a jampacked day of fun, or, if you simply want to unwind under the summer sun, you can relax on the golden sand while helping yourself to the drinks on offer at the beachfront bar.
Whether it's a swim in the pool or the sea that you want, you'll never be stuck for choice at the hotel. And, as there are several beaches nearby, you'll be spoilt for choice.
The hotel is in a gorgeous location surrounded by lush green mountains, crystal-clear waters, some rugged rock formations, and beautiful desert-like sand. Making it the perfect holiday destination to escape to.
Activities to experience at Hotel Marinca
Sian Victoria © - Beach party, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Phyto Summer Festival beach party, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Moon beach reflection, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
To ensure you make the most of your time on the beautiful island of Corsica, the hotel provides guests with the opportunity to book an array of activities when staying at the accommodation.
If you're planning to have a romantic getaway with a partner, there are plenty of things you can get up to. Try out the sunset boat, travelling on the idyllic waters of the sea at the most romantic time of day, or the Sea Excursion Aboard Marinca – where you can enjoy authentic Corsica cuisine on board a boat with your partner, sailing across the waters.
If instead, you want something more adrenaline-inducing, guests can have a go at riding a horse on the beach, trying their hand at golf or rock climbing or even having the experience of a lifetime high up in the sky in a helicopter or doing a parachute jump.
For our itinerary, Phyto Paris had kindly organised a catamaran where we spent a couple of hours at sea a short sail away facing the hotel with closer views to admire the sublime wild and natural landscapes of the country that is often named the ‘Island of Beauty’.
So, there we go, a review of my experience at the Hotel Marinca on the stunning island of Corsica and what you can get up to when booking a stay at this 5-star hotel. The Hotel Marinca allows you to experience a chic getaway like no other.
The hotel is located over an hour from Ajaccio airport. To get there you’ll ride along lots of winding mountainous roads so be prepared for that. I and a fellow member of the press who I was in the vehicle with did feel unwell and we were told that two other members driving behind us had to stop the journey to be carsick.
Sian Victoria © - Olmeto private beach, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Olmeto private beach, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Olmeto private beach, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Catamaran cruise, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
Sian Victoria © - Catamaran cruise, Hotel Marinca & Spa, Corsica
The hotel in Croatia boasts a range of facilities that certify its status as a luxury hotel. It's also dog-friendly so you don’t have to leave behind your trusted companion. Overall, I had an unforgettable time at the hotel and would certainly love to visit again one day to experience it fully as a holiday destination rather than a work trip.
The only annoying issue of the trip was that Phyto Paris generously gifted me over £500 worth of hair care products that were waiting for me in the room upon my arrival. Sadly, they couldn’t fit in my hand luggage, and I couldn’t pay extra for check-in luggage as there was no time to wait around in Paris before my connecting flight to London. Thankfully, I only made the flight because airport staff were waiting to give me a ride to check into my next flight.
So, the press event organisers gave my two bags of gifts to the hotel reception who were arranging to send them to me via post. After not receiving them, I contacted the hotel directly a month later and they said they had posted them. I asked if they had proof so that I could check if they had the correct address and they never replied.
Because of this, I couldn’t review the products that I was kindly gifted and besides the obvious expense of the products I don’t understand why the hotel reception was dishonest in this way. Nonetheless, the hotel and its location are magnificent it was just the service that let it down in some areas.
But it certainly wouldn’t stop me from booking an independent stay myself in the future.