Villa A Tiria, Domaine de Murtoli

What is Murtoli? A hotel, a private villa, a B&B, a romantic escape, a restaurant with rooms, a family holiday, the venue for the most fabulous 40th-birthday party ever – it’s all of these. Just the right raggedy side of exquisite, it hits every high note.
Tatler Travel Awards 2010.

Set on the dramatic south coast of Corsica, Domaine de Murtoli is a unique 5* hotel concept with a collection of twenty rustic chic shepherds properties ranging from two person Bergeries to a fortress styled Maison de Mâitre, sleeping from a romantic two to a party of sixteen. The perfect escape from everyday life.

The houses are dotted over this extraordinary estate consisting of 2,000 hectares of wild Corsican countryside with the Ortolo River running through giving guests the perfect escape from everyday life. Choose to be beside the beach (3km of pristine white sand) or set further back in the ‘maquis’ with the mountains stretching away into the distance. The beautiful stone-built houses are reminiscent of 17^th century Corsican architecture and the walls will keep you warm in winter and cool in the summer. Built using local masonry found on the estate, and fitted out with salvage materials from chestnut floorboards and cast-iron baths to stone sinks, antiques sourced from the mainland, each has a unique atmosphere and can be rented individually or together for a large family reunion

They are rustic and simply furnished but extremely well equipped with summer kitchens and lovely shady outdoor dining and sitting areas. Most have pools, and some of the houses have annexes – perfect for nannies or teenagers. All are completely private and peaceful. ‘We want guests to feel they are coming home, that this is their own family house in the country,’ says Canarelli. ‘You can’t have that sense of ownership without a sense of space.’

Taking a holiday at Murtoli is exactly what you make of it. A totally out of the ordinary experience. There are three wonderful restaurants to choose from and numerous activities. Ride along the 3 kilometer beach or in the maquis, go fishing, play golf, enjoy the spa treatments on offer or just while away the days on that perfect beach or beside your own completely private pool. Out of season, Murtoli is renowned for its hunting and there is a huge variety of game. It is worth noting that access to each house and round the Estate is in general along rough dirt tracks so a 4X4 car is essential.

Breakfast is delivered to the houses each morning and then it is for you to decide whether to take advantage of the shopping being delivered to your house and self cater or order in dishes prepared by the Murtoli chef, Dine in one of the three restaurants – the Beach, the Grotto and the Farm (Michelin–starred chef Mathieu Pacaud works his magic at the Farm) or your own private chef can be organized for the duration of your stay.

This is an unmissable holiday of discovery and yet just as perfect for a family with small children. Talk to Sarah who knows it well so she can point you in the right direction.