Hotel La Roya

An introduction to Hotel La Roya

This splendidly sited hotel - the only one on St Florent's sandy beach - is set to become a minor classic. The site is exceptional: a beautiful grove of umbrella pines and palm trees shades the verdant lawn in front of the hotel, which leads directly to the beach, creating a lovely vista of broad bands of luminous Mediterranean colour: grass green, sandy platinum, shimmering aquamarine and brilliant sky blue, glimpsed between curving tree trunks.

Equally wonderful is the view across the water to St Florent, whose old Genoese citadel stands above the pastel painted fishermen's houses which have now become waterfront restaurants and cafes lining the harbour.

Thatched beach parasols and colonial-style teak garden furniture add an exotic, luxuriant touch to the scene, and this languid ambience is heightened by the open plan design of La Roya around a patio of tropical plants which is open to the sky, as are the staircases and walkways. Exuberant tropical colours and numerous plate-glass windows add a further refreshing element of airiness and ease.

La Roya was reopened to the public in 2001 after a period as a private club-hotel, and the owners have worked assiduously to create a quality 3-star hotel with the potential to go further. A gorgeous teak-decked swimming pool has been installed in the lovely garden, just steps from the beach, and an interior designer has revamped the chic entrance, bar, dining room and terrace. The 31 en suite bedrooms have been freshened up, making them pleasant and attractive, while all have private balconies and sea views.

Breakfast can be enjoyed on your private balcony or under the shade of elegant Italian-style parasols on the terrace, where it is buffet style and much more ample than the standard 'continental' fare. As well as a variety of fresh breads and pastries, there is fruit, yogurt, hams and cheeses: just what is needed if you plan to expend energy on watersports.

Guests on half board can enjoy excellent Mediterranean cuisine from an appetising set menu in the dining room. Between the three watersports centres on the beach almost every type of activity is offered, including catamaran and dinghy sailing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, diving and jet-skiing. La Roya has its own small luxury motor launch for excursions to the Desert des Agriates, Cap Corse and even as far as legendary Scandola. Away from the water, paragliding, mountain biking and riding can be arranged.

To walk along the beach into St Florent requires only a modicum of energy as it takes five to ten pleasant minutes. So if you decide to eat in town, the stroll there and back is romantic and relaxed. La Roya's bar is open all afternoon for ice creams by the pool or on the beach, and in the evening it makes a sophisticated yet restful venue for pre- or after-dinner drinks.

Whether your preference is for long lazy days in the sun, active days on the water or exploratory days in the spectacularly beautiful hinterland, La Roya is the perfect base: quiet and relaxing, very comfortable, and in a unique position with the sea on the doorstep and St Florent centre within easy walking distance.

Find the cheapest late deals to Hotel La Roya leaving in the next six weeks.