You and your Wedding chooses Bella Marina Villa

Paradise on earth (in just two hours):

A new breed of discerning brides and grooms are shying away from exotic long-haul destinations and going for equally stunning places closer to home. The Mediterranean island of Corsica – just a two-hour flight away is only half the size of Wales but offers a mix of mountainous regions, fertile plains, ragged coastlines and tranquil lakes and rock pools. The Corsican people are fiercely independent with a strong culture and resistance to mass tourism – so it really feels like you’re experiencing true life rather that just another tourist resort.

It’s in the south of the island where you’ll find some of the most iconic beaches and captivating towns. Porto Vecchio is split into its 16th century Old Town perched high on the hill, ad the harbour with its St Tropez glamour. Here you can wander around, sampling the delicious ice cream or dine at the nautical-themed restaurant Le Bistro with its dark wicker sofas overlooking the bay. The apple tart with honey liqueur ice cream is a must.

The cobbled town is a combination of trendy boutiques, craft stores and ancient buildings with an imposing clock tower in the main square, and open-air cafes which serve wonderful coffees and pastries. Corsica is full of traditional artisan foods and delis – look for L’Orriu which sells Produtti Corse (Corsican produce) such as honey vinegar and almond biscuits. There are also plenty of superb restaurants such as L’Antigu which offer gorgeous views over the twinkling harbour.

For beach lovers, there are many choices but Palombaggia is by far the most alluring – golden sand and turquoise sea reached through a beautiful pine wood with a funky café and Kalliste Plongee the local dive operation, should you fancy it. Another must do adventure is a winding drive inland to Zonza and up to Solenzara for a sexy dip in the crystal clear emerald rock pools. If you go even slightly out of high season, you’ll be able to find a pool to yourselves for skinny-dipping and flat areas among the rocks to sunbathe….

Around these inland areas are ‘Ferme Auberge’ – family run farm inns with small restaurants. The set menus feature local organic delicacies such as Corsican cheeses and fig jam. Ferme Auberge Pozzo di Mastri is a particularly good one. And if you like trying local wine, there are about 80 or so vineyards open to visitors.

A day out to Bonifacio is a must. You can explore the maze of boutiques and pavement cafes within the towering ramparts and dine at the wonderful Archivolto Restaurant next to the old church.

For more adventurous honeymooners, the region offers kite surfing, windsurfing, boat charters, horse riding, helicopter trips and quad biking. However one of the most satisfying options is a simple walk. An easy option is the route from Bonifacio Town to Capu Pertusato Lighthouse. This one–hour, steep climb takes you along cliffs with awesome views of the straits and Sardinia. For more adventure the overnight walk to Monte Incudine – the highest peak in Southern Corsica at 2134m

Where to stay:
Bella Marina : Part of the Coastline villa collection, Bella Marina is high on a hill in a secluded residential area just outside Porto Vecchio. This pretty four bedroom villa has the most incredible views from its veranda and tumbling gardens of the Gulf and marina of Porto Vecchio. Bedrooms are rustic and fairly basic but with lovely touches such as pale turquoise shutters opening onto little verandas and L’Occitane en Provence goodies in the bathrooms.

You’ll find a fantastic food hamper ready and waiting with fresh bread, olive oil, cheeses, ham, eggs, biscuits, salad, tea, coffee and most welcoming, a bottle of rose wine! Or you can be more specific and pre-order online and throughout your stay from in-villa WIFI.

The villa has a well-equipped kitchen, but you can book Coastline chef, Tom, to cook you a romantic dinner worthy of any top restaurant. How about asking for a tasty Bonifacio salad (broccia cheese, aubergine, peppers, charcuterie, leaves and fig oil)? Tom shops at local markets and is more than happy for guests to tag along to discover where all the best food can be found. He can even recreate a dish that you’ve had in a local restaurant.

You can live like the A-list with a “Pamper by the Pool” spa or beauty treatment at your villa. Run by Rachel, who comes with everything from a massage table to Circaroma organic products, treatments include a wonderful hour-long body brushing and massage treatment. There is plenty for boys too with a Fireman’s facial and mechanic’s manicure – just in case he’s a little bit squeamish.

Coastline offers seven nights in Bella Marina from £1187 per person, based on two sharing. This includes return flights from Gatwick, car hire for the week, twice weekly maid service and complimentary concierge service. A private chef and a candlelit meal for two costs from £70, plus the cost of the ingredients. Beauty treatments start from £35 for a facial. For brides and grooms with young children, Coastline has qualified nannies who will meet you at the airport and entertain your little ones at your villa. From £70 for half day; £125 for a full day; £520 for five days. Evening babysitting is also available.

You and your Wedding May - June 2008