About this property
Experience the beauty of south-eastern Corsica whilst staying in luxury at stunning La Tortue Rouge, an exceptional villa with impressive features, a short drive from some of Porto Vecchio’s most iconic beaches.
An exclusive retreat, also well positioned to reach the Forêt de l'Ospédale, La Tortue Rouge offers contemporary living in lavish surroundings and five sumptuous double bedrooms, all with desks, TVs and en suite shower rooms, some also with a terrace. The elegant living-dining and kitchen space is on the very top floor – step out on to one of the glorious terraces and be amazed by the mesmerising Corsican landscapes. A separate annexe offers three simpler bedrooms as well, making this villa ideal for up to 16 guests.
As well as air-conditioning throughout the main villa, guests have use of a high-tech gym and authentic movie room – sit back in one of the ten cinema chairs and choose one of the hundreds of films available to cool off from the warm Corsican sun.
Artwork across the main villa adds to the high-end ambience, not to mention the sauna and indoor hot tub. You can hire a coach for lessons on your professional tennis court, challenge a friend to a relaxed game of ping-pong or play pétanque as the kids have fun amongst the trees in the garden. Then there’s the heated swimming pool and spacious pool house, perfect for sunset aperitifs by the bar.
Every morning your concierge will be on hand to prepare breakfast serving freshly baked bread, pastries and seasonal fruit accompanied by freshly squeezed orange juice, tea, coffee and more. Housekeeping is included six days a week whilst your concierge is also able to assist you with anything else you may need from tailor-made trips to private boat tours and even helicopter rides. Furthermore, why not hire a private cook for a Corsican feast by the poolside.
Some of the island’s most idyllic beaches are a short distance away such as the gently-shelving shores of Pinarellu and the sandy bays and watersports of Plage de Saint-Cyprien and Cala Rossa, with Palombaggia and Santa Giulia a little further south. Porto Vecchio itself is full of charm with its bustling marina and atmospheric old town. Drive as far as Bonifacio, an extraordinary gem with its historic citadel perched dramatically above the town’s limestone cliffs.
Then experience the dense forests and mountainous landscapes of Corsica, also known as L’Ile de Beauté, as you hike, quad-bike or even cycle through the Forêt de l'Ospédale and towards the Col de Bavella, passing the most magnificent island scenery that will take your breath away.
La Tortue Rouge is in south-east Corsica, only 13km from Porto Vecchio and in a perfect position for exploring idyllic sandy beaches as well as the island’s breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
Set in a hamlet of villas, it’s a 1km drive down the hill to the main road that connects you to Porto Vecchio, Bonifacio and towards the north of the island. As well as a bakery and couple of places to eat along this part of road, look out for the delightful market that sometimes takes place by the tourist office, set in the shade of the towering oaks so typical of this area.
This corner of Corsica is home to some of the island’s most famous beaches such as Plage de Pinarellu, Plage de Saint-Cyprien and Cala Rossa, all reached within a 15 to 20-minute drive. In the summer months you can expect to find a range of watersports, boat trips and beautifully positioned beachside restaurants – these are some of Europe’s finest and most stunning beaches and especially popular in July and August.
The harbour town of Porto Vecchio itself is both glitzy and charming whether wandering around its vibrant marina or exploring the heart of the old town, a warren of lanes filled with restaurants, shops and bars. The iconic beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are south of the town whilst boat tours allow you to swim in the crystal-clear sea or experience a range of diving opportunities, perhaps also stopping off at the remote Lavezzi Islands.
Bonifacio (42km) is another incredible gem of southern Corsica with its enchanting citadel perched on its limestone cliffs, again surrounded by wonderful beaches and the well-known 18-hole Golf de Spérone. There are coastal hikes across this part of the island, not to mention horse-riding, rock-climbing and yet more summer watersports.
The dramatic landscapes of Corsica’s interiors should also be explored with scenery that will take your breath away. You’re ideally located for energising walks through the Forêt de l'Ospédale, a forest of pine, oak and beech trees where you will also find outdoor adventures such as quad biking, rock-climbing, zip lines and canyoning. Hike around the reservoir, then towards the waterfall at Piscia di Ghjaddu or visit the enchanting mountain village of L'Ospédale (25km) for lunch in a characterful restaurant with views.
Further north, the Aiguilles de Bavella offers yet more brilliant hikes, natural rock pools and magnificent vistas. Stop off in the picturesque village of Zonza before reaching the rugged landscapes around Col de Bavella where there are a number of fantastic walking trails.
Accommodation
Main Villa Interiors
Top Floor (entrance level)
- Open-plan lounge and dining room with doors leading out to covered partially open terrace with barbecue
- Kitchen, fully-equipped with doors leading to covered terrace
- Bedroom with double bed, desk, TV, terrace and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC. Mezzanine level above (via steep, open-tread steps) to twin bedroom (suitable for teenagers only, max 14 years of age, on request only)
Lower Two Floors (via open-tread stairs)
- Cinema room (10 seats)
- Bedroom with double bed, desk, TV and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, double sink and WC
- Bedroom with double bed, dressing room, desk, TV and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower, double sink and WC
- Bedroom with double bed, desk, TV, terrace overlooking pool and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC
- Bedroom with double bed, desk, TV, terrace overlooking pool and en suite bathroom with shower, double sink and WC
Annexe I Interiors (80m2)
- Lounge area with kitchen
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm)
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm)
- Bedroom with double bed (160cm)
- Bathroom with shower and WC
- Terrace (100m2)
Please note this annexe is simpler than the main villa, ideal for staff or teenagers
Annexe II Interiors
- Gym with sauna and indoor hot tub
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (10x4m, depth: 1.2-1.8m) with gated access and electric cover. Open approximately May to early October. Not heated in July/August
- Pool house with lounge, dining area and bar
- Poolside lounge
- Outdoor shower and WC
- Various terraces for al-fresco dining and relaxing
- Barbecue
- Short professional tennis court
- Table tennis
- Pétanque court
- Garden and children's play area
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning (main villa only)
- Fans (annexe bedrooms)
- Heating
- Cinema room
- Film library
- TV
- DVD player
- Sound system
- Piano
- Wine cellar
- Nespresso machines
- Fitness equipment
- Sauna
- Indoor hot tub
- Tennis court
- Table tennis
- Board games
- Safe (x5)