The Manor

Smart B&B with sparkling pool in colourful grounds, on the edge of gorgeous Calvi

Shipwrecked sailors washed ashore on Calvi’s sandy beach would pray to God no-one came to rescue them. This is one of those gorgeous Mediterranean towns with an ancient citadel teetering above the water, a buzzing harbour full of fancy boats, and a wild headland filled with interesting diversions. It is the St Tropez of Corsica, though if offered the choice of a week in either, you’d probably plump for Calvi: smaller, prettier, much less crowded and a far lovelier beach.

As for The Manor, this smart B&B stands on the edge of town with orange and lemon trees scattered through its 5 acres of manicured gardens. It tends to attract an older crowd, and chief among its virtues is the swimming pool terrace, where breakfast is served in summer. You can top up your tan on sun loungers, hide in the shade of a palm tree, or jump into the hot tub and bubble away; there’s an honesty bar, too, and lunch and dinner can be arranged if you want. Four bedrooms come in simple, traditional style: happy colours, tiled floors, the odd antique. None are huge, but all open onto an interior balcony, where walls of glass slide back and bring the outside in. Each room has its own space here with sofas or armchairs, then screens to offer a little privacy. Finally, fabulous views of sea and sky that follow you around, and Calvi’s delicious restaurants, which wait to impress.

Highs

• Calvi is the star of the show, a gorgeous old town surrounded by the sea
• The peaceful heated pool, its covered bar and the manicured gardens - perfect for lazy days
• The majestic stone house, with its huge upper terrace and long views over pine trees to the citadel and sea
• Delicious dinners on request; perhaps langoustine soufflé, lamb tagine, then a chocolate fondant
• The excellent Calvi jazz festival, which passes through in June

Lows

• Prices soar in summer, but the same can be said of most hotels on the island
• The 2 smallest rooms are really quite small and have private rather than ensuite bathrooms, one step across the corridor; go for the bigger rooms, which are much lovelier
• You’re on the outskirts of town; it's 1.5km into the centre of Calvi or to the beach, so quite a stroll
• The wind can blow and when it does, it usually lasts all day
• Lunch is only served in high and peak season