We recently had the chance to stay at the Hotel Version Maquis Santa Manza in Bonifacio, and we’re delighted!
Looking for a soothing, natural setting? Don’t hesitate, this establishment has a major asset: a superb view of the Corsican maquis and the sea.
In this article, we share our tips for making the most of your stay. We’ve also included plenty of photos so you can make up your own mind.
This review is completely independent, we stayed anonymously and paid our bill in full.
Why stay at Hotel Version Maquis (Santa Manza)
If you’re looking for peace and comfort, this is the place to be. In fact, it’s included in our selection of the best hotels to stay in Bonifacio and in our article on the most beautiful hotels in Corsica. Here are the hotel’s 3 main assets, in our opinion:
- an exceptional setting: the hotel is located in an unspoilt natural environment. It is part of the Corsican maquis. We could even make out the sea in the distance behind the lush vegetation.
- a large, cocooning room: the rooms are spacious and well-appointed, offering optimum comfort and a warm ambience. It was hard to leave the bed, which was particularly comfortable and wide.
- a soothing atmosphere: the hotel is particularly suited to relaxation and meditation. There’s no better place to relax and enjoy the local flora. Comfortably installed on the terrace of our room, we were able to listen to the sounds of the surrounding nature.
See more photos of Hotel Version Maquis Santa Manza!
Is Hotel Santa Manza worth it? Our review
Of course, we loved this hotel lost in the Corsican scrub! The main attraction is the view over the lush vegetation and the calm that prevails. Lovers of green spaces and tranquillity, we were charmed by this establishment. Located outside the city center, it offers a unique vacation setting.
Our room was very comfortable and well equipped. The large bay window allowed us to enjoy the spectacle of the surrounding nature. It was really pleasant and soothing. We also found the staff very helpful and attentive. In short, we highly recommend Hôtel Version Maquis Santa Manza for a relaxing stay in Bonifacio.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
EN South Corsica
- Introduction to canyoning at Pulischellu – see photos + availability
- Complete canyoning experience at Pulischellu – see photos + availability
- Via Ferrata near Porto-Vecchio – see photos + availability
- Sea kayaking under the cliffs of Bonifacio – see photos + availability
Decoration and atmosphere
The hotel’s decor is elegant and natural. It blends perfectly into the Corsican maquis. We particularly liked the fact that shrubs were integrated directly into the outdoor terrace. It gives the place a certain cachet, don’t you think? The colorful world is very soft within the establishment. Shades of green and brown dominate, with a few colorful touches like the blue chairs.
Common areas are fitted out with noble materials such as wood. The furniture is modern and refined. We fell in love with the magnificent wooden table you can see in the photo below. In this space, entitled La Table d’Hôtes, we also really appreciated the different shapes of the lighting fixtures. Does it make you want to sit down and eat?
The general atmosphere of the hotel is one of relaxation. For us, it was the perfect place to recharge our batteries. We liked the relaxed atmosphere and felt very comfortable. The terrace, pool and Table d’Hôtes helped us relax. How can you resist a sight like this?
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The room
Our room was pleasant. The decor was an invitation to relax. We particularly appreciated the play with wood and textures. The bed completely seduced us. It was large and the cushions soft. It was very difficult to get out the next morning!
In addition to its natural setting, we noticed a few artistic touches. For example, we were astonished by the foot of this luminaire set with little bells. It’s quite a unique decoration, isn’t it?
In the room, there was a kettle, water, coffee, tea and sugar. We took the opportunity to drink a Corsican herbal tea, comfortably seated on the terrace. Along the wall, we also tested the wooden desk. Placed on the counter, we noticed a rather special tissue box!
The view from our room was truly incredible. We spent a lot of time on the terrace, contemplating the Corsican landscape. Once again, we felt deeply relaxed. The hotel has managed to respect the scrubland and establish itself brilliantly! We highly recommend a stay here if you’re visiting Bonifacio.
Check availability at Hotel Version Maquis Santa Manza!
The bathroom
Our bathroom was particularly large. It included a very comfortable shower for relaxing under the hot water. The square showerhead gave amplitude to the water jet. Unfortunately, the sky was overcast during our stay, but we would have loved to take a shower in the infinity pool!
The bathroom was modern and well equipped. The hotel provided us with bathrobes, towels, slippers and treatment kits. Even from here, we could see the Corsican maquis through the bay window!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
The breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is a buffet with regional flavors. Here you can sample local products such as jams, spreads, yoghurts, charcuterie and cheeses. In fact, we tried the Corsican spread and it was a real treat!
You’ll also find a wide choice of sweet and savoury products: pastries, various breads, brioches, cakes, cereals, fruit, homemade pies and fresh salmon. The chef who runs La Tables d’Hôtes offered to cook us eggs. For drinks, there was a selection of Palais des Thés tea and coffee. We also opted for a Jean-Louis Bissardon blackcurrant juice.
We fell in love with the muesli roasted by the chef at Restaurant Version Maquis Citadelle! We added dried fruit, hazelnuts and a little Corsican yoghurt to delight our taste buds. We strongly recommend you try it out.
Enjoy the view of the pool and the maquis from the outdoor terrace as you enjoy your breakfast. The lighting was exceptional and the terrace completely empty when we woke up at 7.30am.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Corsica
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- 130+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 220 photos to help you choose
The equipment
The establishment boasts an infinity pool with a breathtaking view of the Corsican maquis. It blends in perfectly with the lush green backdrop. The blue of the water and sky blended together as we arrived. Unfortunately, we were too late, and shortly afterwards the weather turned cloudy. The pool terrace has plenty of comfortable deckchairs.
If you’re looking for relaxation, you can also take advantage of the Hôtel Version Maquis Citadelle spa. The 2 establishments belong to the same hotel chain and are located 6km apart. There’s nothing like a massage to get your day off on the right foot! Particularly in this natural setting, which immersed us in total relaxation.
For outdoor sports enthusiasts, the hotel provides electric bicycles. Indeed, the establishment is isolated in the Corsican scrubland, but is still close to a beach. It’s a 40-minute walk to get there. We appreciate that the hotel offers this solution. If you want to get to the beach without taking your car, that’s perfectly possible too. The resort offers a free buggy shuttle service to Plage de Canetto.
Do not make
THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE
On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi.
So our trip began with a “card blocked” call… Not funny at all!
Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry.
The restoration
You can dine at the hotel’s Tâble d’Hôtes. We were charmed by its warm atmosphere. Thanks to the large wooden table, we felt right at home. You can come and eat there, or be served directly in your room. The hotel bar offers a menu of homemade snacks and daily specials in the image of Corsica.
In fact, we had a home-made quiche with burrata cheese and salad in our room. The dish was simple, but very good. The products were top-quality, and the burrata particularly creamy. We especially loved being able to contemplate the view from the terrace of our room and eat in peace and quiet. However, remember to order before 8pm.
History
Version Maquis is a luxury hotel chain based in Bonifacio in southern Corsica. Located in the heart of the maquis, Hôtel Version Maquis Santa Manza is a haven of peace lost between the beach and the town. The architecture of the establishment blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings of the region. There are 3 room categories: the superior room, the deluxe room and the sheepfold. The sheepfold is the largest, with a surface area of 40m2 and a private terrace with jacuzzi. For the ultimate in relaxation, we highly recommend a stay here. You’ll feel right at home – and that’s the hotel’s motto!
Practical information about the Version Maquis Hotel (Santa Manza)
Type
Hotel Santa Manza is a 4-star establishment with an incredible infinity pool. Set in the heart of the Corsican maquis, it’s just 2.9km from Canetto Beach, which can be reached free of charge by buggy from the hotel. Given the quality of the services and facilities on offer, the value for money is very attractive.
See current offers at Hotel Santa Manza in Bonifacio!
Where the hotel is located
Hotel Version Maquis Santa Manza is located in Canetto-Pertuso.
(20169) in Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud. It’s about 8km from the city center.
- Driving time from Porto-Vecchio: 30min.
- Driving time from Ajaccio: 2h30min.
- Driving time from Calvi: 3h40min.
- Driving time from Bastia: 2h50min.
- Driving time from Corte: 2h20min.
These journey times are approximate and depend on traffic density.
How to get there
To get to Corsica, you have 2 options: plane or ferry. If you choose the ferry option to get to Corse-du-Sud, you can arrive in Ajaccio. It’s a 2h30 drive to Bonifacio.
See available ferry schedules and book.
You can also land at Sud Corse Figari airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from the town. You can then hail a cab or take a bus to Bonifacio. See the official Tourist Office website for a list of possible bus routes.
We strongly recommend that you have access to a car for your trip to Corsica. If you want to see Corsica’s exceptional landscapes, you’ll need a car. On the other hand, if you want to stay in town, you can walk to most tourist attractions from the hotel.
Parking
The hotel has free parking for guests. Bicycles can also be parked at the hotel, and electric charging stations are available.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
For people with reduced mobility
The establishment is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Right from the entrance, there’s a long series of steps to access the hotel’s various areas.
What’s more, the ground is not very stable. We had to walk over spaced slates to reach our room.
Is Hotel Version Maquis Santa Manza family-friendly?
The hotel offers a babysitting service. They’re welcome here. If you have a newborn baby, you can request a cot. However, you’ll need to plan ahead, as they are subject to availability. It’s also a great place for couples to recharge their batteries. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing.
All our tips in this article were put into words with the help of Élisa.
