The Island of Corsica with Mark Warner
After a short, two hour flight from London and a mere half hour transfer, I arrived at Mark Warner’s San Lucianu Beach Resort on the east coast in time for lunch!
The hotel adjoins the beach and is not large, the 95 rooms ensure you are never far from any of the facilities. Excellent for the times you arrive for an activity and realise that your water bottle or one sailing shoe is still in your room!
You have the choice of standard rooms in Corsican style facing the stunning mountains and the sunset, or the superior, newly upgraded, sea view rooms. I opted for the latter for the view and for the sound of the sea as you drift off to sleep with the added bonus of the amazing sunrises. Family, interconnecting rooms are also available.
Full board is included with meals served on four nights and three night’s buffet, one of which is a barbecue. Wine is included with lunch and dinner and this summer there is the option to upgrade to an all inclusive drinks package.
Some choose to simply chill and relax, however, for many, the emphasis is on the activities offered! From road cycling and hybrid bikes to tennis to fitness classes to sailing, windsurfing, kayaking to stand up paddle boarding down to table tennis, boules and more! Again, something for everyone. Tuition also available together with organised bike rides ranging from The Grand Tour at 91.4 km to my kind of ride, the 5.8 km to the ice cream parlour! There are also two swimming pools available, with one specifically for adults.
No pressure to take part but a chance to try something new, improve an existing sport or refresh an interest from previous years.
Children are also well catered for with clubs according to age that go beyond the normal art, singing and games activities to sailing and windsurfing etc.
A drink at the beach bar, the classes, the social tennis and the social table for dinner all ensure that solo travellers (and couples) are never without new friends for long!!
From the hotel a short walk along the beach takes you to the little town of Moriani Plage or, in the other direction, to a marina. If you want to see some more of the island, the walk to the waterfall is a must, not forgetting to stop at the cool (in both senses!) riverside café with its hammocks and quirky furniture. There are various excursions on offer such as the day trip to Bonifacio to see the harbour, citadel and old town. A boat trip there is a must, to see the rock formations and the unbelievable houses hanging from eroded cliffs.
Finally, a big ‘thank you’ to the wonderful team led by manager Wayne, who go ‘overboard’ to ensure you a fantastic holiday!
Whatever your activity level, you cannot fail to have fun at San Lucianu!
Now, which one of the remaining five resorts shall I try next?