Corsica: a dream getaway at the Hameau de Saparale

You thought you knew everything about Corsica, its paradisiacal coves, its character villages, its magnificent maquis… Here we give you the best kept secret of the South: Le Hameau de Saparale, in the valley of l’Ortolo, between Bonifacio and Sartène. Half an hour from Figari airport, this surprising address will soon establish itself as a must of the Île de Beauté.

This domaine de Saparale, it’s a dream pursued for more than 25 years by Philippe and Julie Farinelli to restore all the nobility to the vines certified HVE (high environmental quality), then to this former private hamlet from the 19th century which was nothing but ruins when Philippe inherited it. In the middle of nowhere, the Domaine de Saparale extends over a thousand hectares planted with vines, fruit trees and olive trees surrounding the maison de maître, not to mention the bergeries, the cellars and the wine storehouse grouped around a shaded little square. A bit aside, L’Orangerie overlooks the swimming pool with, as a backdrop, the magnificent mountains. Not a building in sight, not a sound of engine, just the murmur of water and the mixed scents of immortelle, eucalyptus and prickly fig. Ideal green destination for a reconnection to real life, time seems to stop there.

Granite and brick walls, wooden beams, old tomettes floors and noble materials were chosen to restore the buildings of the Hameau. The maison de maître and the suites on the square house 16 rooms (around €260) and suites (around €650) with the spirit of the past, summoning the best of modernity. The walls – lime-painted in subtle colors – and the furniture and objects hunted by Julie, very involved in the project, compose a perfect harmony worthy of the greatest decorators.

Special mention for the bathrooms open to nature, very luminous with, in each, antique basins and furniture that make them unique. On the top floor of the main house, the master suite is worth the detour with its panoramic view and private jacuzzi (around €540).

With their private heated pool and hammam, the three bergeries, lost in nature, are real simple and luxurious refuges benefiting from full hotel service and able to accommodate from 2 to 6 people (around €615 for two nights). The plus: the wild Spa with a cabin in the open nature, under the shade of a tonnelle near the pool, for personalized massages. One can also opt for outdoor yoga classes or continue with a targeted training or wellness program prepared by a fitness coach.

On the pretty square of the hameau, the restaurant Sopravigna offers a light seasonal cuisine made of local and organic products constantly renewed according to the market under the guidance of chef Jeremy Viven, formerly of the domaine de Murtoli and the Grand hôtel de Cala Rossa. On the menu: ewe’s milk tomme soufflé to die for (€18), fresh and tasty local catch fish with a drizzle of the estate's olive oil, a delight (€35), porcelet confit (€29). To end beautifully, it’s hard to choose between the myrte soufflé with its homemade ice cream (€14) or the strawberry salad à la façon du chef with his homemade brioche (€15). Special mention for the organic cuvées, white, red and rosé of the highest quality, from the estate’s cellar. Our reco? Depending on the weather, choose to sit under the tonnelle or in the cosy room with its beautiful fireplace.

Reserved only for the guests of the Hameau de Saparale and overlooking the pool, L’Orangerie offers continuously a fresh and light cuisine to enjoy with the 2024 rosé of the house. One enjoys a veal tartare from the valley of l’Ortolo and ewe’s tomme (€15), a gravlax of local catch (€16) or a seasonal gaspacho prepared on the spot (€12). To finish: delicious homemade ice creams (€3.50) or fruit salad (€9).

Beautiful hikes are offered on foot or on horseback, as well as gastronomic tours with themed tastings, vineyard tours and cooking classes led by Philippe Farinelli. And then, if you miss the sea, the wildest beaches of the South of the island like Roccapina or La Tonnara are 15 minutes away.