Having been 'burnt' in the past by hotels not living up to their internet photos and reviews, my partner and I were not only relieved, but truly delighted when we rounded the bend into the quaint villlage of Eccica Suarella, only 15 minutes' drive from the largest city in Corsica.

This immaculately renovated, family-run boutique hotel sat proudly and neatly among the few tourist-free streets of houses, village square complete with drinking fountain, and laneways into the woods.

The building from the 1700's has been lovingly and immaculately restored and decorated with a mix of modern and period pieces and artworks, collected over 20 years by the owners, Muriel and Christian. The result is luxurious simplicity. Each suite has a different colour theme, and comprises a huge living area and bedroom, with a modern bathroom attached. I could happily have lived there!

The staff, service and friendliness were exceptional and personable. Christian and Muriel live in the village, and are wonderful hosts, even sharing a bottle of red pre-dinner, whilst struggling through conversations in a mixture of english and french!

From the pool and spa, to the breakfast with starched white tablecloths in the garden, this place was truly picture perfect. Oh, and don't forget to eat at the restaurant, where the food was far better than any well reviewed restaurant in town.

Go, and enjoy!

My wife and i spent 2 fantastic nights at Carpe Diem and felt we had stumbled onto something very special. It is a true family run hotel in its first season. They spent a year rennovating an old mansion with just six enormous and beautfully decorated rooms that combine features of the original 300 year old building but with cool modern touches. The breakfasts and dinners were also outstanding. The owners couldnt have been more welcoming or helpful. In hindsight we were pleased we did not stay in Ajaccio itself which we found to be fairly charmless, but used it as a base for exploring the west coast. It is not cheap but none of the luxury hotels on the island are. Strongly recommend staying there.