It is an institution on the heights of the Semper Fidelis city. One of those family adventures that sees happy days pass by, and the memories of grateful generations. The summers here carry the scent of immortelle with a pronounced taste for contemporary art, and as a backdrop the vision of an eternal citadel and the Monte Grosso mountain range. Beyond this breathtaking panorama, contemporary lines and a sense of hospitality that has become legendary, Villa Calvi is above all one of the rare emblematic addresses that steps out of its comfort zone with enthusiasm and curiosity. Arty, epicurean and increasingly sporty, the Pinelli family cultivates a sense of the immutable but has no equal when it comes to sensing the spirit of the times…
An emblematic address
One only needs to lend an ear, to let oneself be carried away by the anecdotes of Jean-Pierre Pinelli, visionary owner and hotelier, to verify the undiminished appeal of this site for over 30 years. Nestled in the midst of more than three hectares of Mediterranean gardens designed by Bruno Dumoustier, landscape architect from the School of Versailles, Villa Calvi owes its uniqueness to everything it brings together: a panorama summoning history (a 12th-century citadel with its town unfolding its ochre facades along the hillside), the azure horizon and the island’s highest peaks, around a hundred endemic species scattered among the rooms — olive trees, strawberry trees, lavenders, cypresses, umbrella pines, oleanders…— and a contemporary approach that combines graphic lines, works by artists and open-plan spaces. Over time, Villa Calvi has established itself as a destination in its own right.
A Family Story
No soul worth its name without a true destiny. That of Villa Calvi begins with the personality of Jean-Pierre Pinelli, a local child, who after his baccalaureate leaves to join his family in Africa, even becomes a bush driver before returning, out of nostalgia, to his native Balagne. After creating a first small pavilion-style hotel and then another on the port of Calvi, he yields to his intuition: Corsica deserves quality hospitality. “There was little tourism at the time and yet, the island already had everything going for it… It was the right moment to seek out a new clientele, to conceive an address that would contribute to the island’s reputation in the same way that other mythical hotels made the reputation of Saint-Tropez, Marrakech, etc…” confides this visionary. He then inaugurates a first 4-star building, intimate, yet bringing together the codes of luxury hospitality that he had observed in Paris, Saint- Barth and elsewhere… It is 1989 and Marion, met during outings in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, joins him. From the outset, the bet of developing this hotel venture together in the heart of a territory boasting some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, villages and among the most distinctive gastronomy, feels like a natural choice. While Villa Calvi joined the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection in 1995, Jean-Pierre Pinelli founded the Cercle des Grandes Maisons Corses in 2010. Joined since 2019 by their children — Marie, a graduate of the École Hôtelière de Glion, who went through prestigious groups such as Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons, and now heads development and the entire commercial strategy — and Antoine — a passionate lover of contemporary art and the initiator of the art gallery at the beating heart of the hotel — they never stop renewing their vows: to stay one step ahead, to make Villa Calvi an eternal surprise without stripping it of its history.
The charm of an intimate hotel, the atmosphere of a village
While the original building had only 25 rooms and carried the codes of a coastal Provence style, contemporary lines asserted themselves from the very first renovation phase in 2000. Since then, the hotel has aligned itself with the perpetual motion of two generations of hoteliers. With discreet architectural forms that find their place naturally within the vegetation, lending the entire estate the feel of a village. Today, there are 48 rooms and suites, and 2 private villas, ranging from 35 to 600 m². Though each is different, they share a common spirit: the ease and relaxation of one’s own home away from home. Because attention to detail and service takes nothing away from the desire to rediscover the conviviality and functionality of a family holiday house. Sensitive to fine materials, design pieces, comfortable seating and lighting fixtures that hold the secret of evenings that linger, Marion continuously refreshes each space, introducing as needs arise an ephemeral lounge, a private dining room… And from the Pool Bar to the suspended terraces, from the outdoor lounges to every small balcony, the view over the Bay of Calvi remains unobstructed. A signature in itself.
Sport and Wellness, at the heart of our values
While Villa Calvi remains one of the most beautiful postcards of Corsica, it is today committed to offering far more than an epicurean image, by inaugurating a new routine in its lifestyle signature, aimed at a holistic approach to well-being. Integrating sport as a wellness and anti-ageing ally when practised with balance, without excess and by varying pleasures. Connected on all sides to nature in the midst of three hectares of maquis, Villa Calvi is the ideal setting in which to gently reconnect in a dream environment, far from the coastal whirlwind even in season. This is why, in addition to the tennis court, the five swimming pools (including an indoor pool and a 25- metre lap lane), Villa Calvi offers aqua bike and yoga classes, and remains the first hotel in France to equip itself with its own private Pilates studio.
A Private Pilates Studio That is Expanding
Convinced that well-being comes through physical exercise adapted to one’s own pace and needs, Marion has chosen to champion the benefits of Pilates. A practice suited to all generations and levels of physical fitness, aimed at working the deep muscles, those of the core, which constitute the body’s energy centre, to gain strength and stability. A discipline that also helps delay mechanical ageing without the risk of injury.
With the silver peaks of the Balagne and the crystalline reflections of the Mediterranean as a backdrop, Villa Calvi establishes itself as far more than a hotel: a wellness sanctuary, a suspended interlude where body and mind come to be reconciled, in a hushed and luxurious atmosphere. Here, time slows down. Everything is designed to encourage inner harmony, between tailor-made sporting experiences, exceptional treatments and moments of reconnection with oneself.
From dawn, the whisper of the maquis accompanies those who choose to awaken in the gym, bathed in natural light. A refined, uncluttered space, equipped with high-end cardio and muscle-strengthening machines. Here one encounters both regular intensive trainers and travellers in search of gentle movement, each guided at their own pace.
Villa Calvi offers group Pilates classes every Tuesday and Friday, led by certified instructors. These sessions allow guests to gently strengthen the body, improve posture and unwind in an elegant and convivial setting. For a more personalised approach, private Reformer Pilates classes are also available on request. Led by professionals, they offer a tailored, targeted and effective workout.
Non Nearby, the Villa’s spa extends this immersion in well-being. A range of ALAENA-signed treatments comes to elevate relaxation rituals, all orchestrated by an expert team attentive to the needs of the moment. Guests may also enjoy free access to the heated indoor pool at 28°, as well as to the two hammams, to fully extend the relaxation experience in an elegant and restorative setting.
For those who prefer the aquatic element, the heated indoor pool becomes the stage for a singular appointment: aquabike. Twice a week, the water comes alive to the rhythm of pedalling. A gentle yet remarkably effective activity, aquabike tones, drains, lightens the body and stimulates circulation, with no impact on the joints — the perfect opportunity to combine sport and relaxation.
Among the most anticipated wellness appointments, the retreats organised at Villa Calvi offer true bubbles of reconnection. During the Pilates retreat led by the renowned Eva Winskill of Fit Studio, each stay becomes an invitation to slow down, breathe and refocus. These holistic interludes, conceived in the spirit of a Mediterranean art de vivre, unfold within an exceptional natural setting, conducive to introspection, renewal and the awakening of the senses. Rare experiences, at the crossroads of body and soul, to fully find oneself again between sea, sky and mountains.
Thus, Villa Calvi transcends the classical idea of hotel luxury to offer its guests a true well-being experience. Between enveloping treatments, mindful sporting practice and soothing landscapes, everything here works in concert to regenerate energies and restore the fundamental balance between body, soul and environment. A refuge for those who aspire to live fully, in complete lightness.
A Spa bathed in light
With a fully equipped pedicure cabin, a space dedicated to manicures, a 14- metre indoor pool, two hammams, a fitness room and 4 treatment cabins including one double, the fully glazed spa facing nature is a unique haven. A natural extension of the gentle yet toning lifestyle championed by Marie and Marion Pinelli. No impersonal protocols here, but tailor-made treatments and programmes. To elevate this experience, the Villa Calvi spa has chosen to collaborate with ALAENA, a French cosmetics house born from a passionate family story. Inspired by nature, the territory and artisanal know-how, ALAENA offers treatments that blend scientific precision and sensoriality, highlighting carefully selected natural actives. Passionate and involved, Marion has developed her own 100% organic home fragrance range with the house 100bon — the result of a long creative process inspired by walks through the maquis, in the rain, under the full sun…steeped in immortelle and eucalyptus.
Art, Villa Calvi’s New Area of Expertise
It is perhaps one of the strongest signatures of this contemporary retreat… The monochrome ducks floating on the main pool, signed by artist Julien Marinetti, the XXL canvas by street artist JonOne serving as a preamble to a stay entirely placed under the sign of art, and a bold commitment to spectacular pieces that challenge and question.
The story begins somewhat by chance 15 years ago, when a Czech couple — clients and friends — approached Marion and Jean-Pierre to hang a few canvases. The success wasimmediate. So much so that chance became a ritual with the artists whom the house invites to exhibit, notably JonOne, then an emerging future star of street art. Until Antoine, sensitive to the work of Julien Marinetti and an inveterate geek, became his agent after introducing him on social media. Very quickly, this lover and accomplice ofartists became caught up in the game and nurtured seriousambitions for those he spotted. What finer gallery than theheart of the hotel — a dedicated 700 m² space at thecentre of a natural pathway leading to the restaurant andterraces? The clientele was rapidly won over by the sharpand coherent selection of around ten artists: Fred Allardand his inclusions of luxury accessories, Hom Nguyen forhis acrylic, charcoal and Indian ink portraits, JérômeRevon for his assemblages of photographic prints,Stéphane Cipre and his aluminium sculptures… Antoinehas since opened a second gallery in Monaco and has nointention of stopping. With some thirty artists in residence,this convinced entrepreneur and art lover harbours theambition of taking art out of traditional galleries to investfurther in unusual exhibition venues — more accessibleand less intimidating galleries within hotels themselves,contemplative and more “relaxed” spaces by definition.
Fabio Volontè – Executive Chef
Fabio Volontè, born in 1991 in Como, has nurtured a passion for cooking since childhood. He held the position of executive chef at the restaurant Imperialino, a gastronomic restaurant with a garden offering a breathtaking view over Lake Como, located within the Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA in Moltrasio. His international career has led him to work alongside great names in gastronomy, perfecting a cuisine rooted in tradition while adopting a contemporary and innovative approach. Today, he is executive chef of Hôtel Villa Calvi, where he infuses a contemporary Mediterranean gastronomic identity.
Fabio Volontè’s cuisine is anchored in a sincere and sensorial approach, where clean and precise flavours take precedence. Each dish rests on a masterfully controlled balance between three essential elements: the main ingredient, the accompaniment and the sauce. Respectful of the product, he highlights raw ingredients without superfluous transformation. His commitment to sustainability is expressed through the use of fresh, local and seasonal produce, as well as a genuine concern for limiting waste.
Finally, his culinary vision is built on strong human values: team spirit, transmission and shared creativity within the brigade.
A Rich and Demanding International Career
Fabio Volontè’s journey has been built through experience in prestigious establishments across Europe, where he refined his technique and culinary sensibility.
- – Gordon Ramsay au Trianon (2 Michelin stars, Versailles): under the direction of Simone Zanoni and Pietro Volonté, he discovered the exacting standards and rigour inherent to haute gastronomie.
- – L’Olivo Capri Palace (2 Michelin stars, Capri): an immersion alongside chef Andrea Migliaccio, between Mediterranean refinement and mastery of marine flavours.
- – La Réserve Ramatuelle (2 Michelin stars, Ramatuelle): as sous-chef, he played a decisive role in the achievement of the second Michelin star.
- – Pierre Gagnaire: a formative experience within the creative and rigorously organised universe of the multi-starred chef, where cooking becomes an art in perpetual evolution.
Drawing on this career, Fabio Volontè today embodies a new generation of chefs: committed, conscious and driven by a taste for the authentic.
A Sustainable Approach Consistent with Its Environment
“My vision of cooking demands consistency with seasonality. I avoid using out-of-
season produce, which allows costs to be kept under control while guaranteeing
optimal freshness. I place great importance on using ingredients in their entirety,
minimising waste and maximising their potential.”
A Commitment to the New Generation of Chefs
Fabio Volontè has been a mentor in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, accompanying Danilo Vella, recent winner of the S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibility at the Italian final.
“Being a mentor is an enriching experience that pushes me to pass on my
knowledge and support the talent of new generations. For the final, we prepared
with technical rigour, optimising every step of the process in order to guarantee
an excellent result.”
A Culinary Vision for Hôtel Villa Calvi
As executive chef of Hôtel Villa Calvi, Fabio Volontè brings a contemporary Mediterranean gastronomic identity, inspired by Italo-French culinary culture. His approach favours the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean with a focus on local Corsican, Italian and French produce, while integrating innovative techniques. The culinary concept is built on sharing and conviviality, with a selection of sharing dishes that celebrate the richness of the terroir. Fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, refined sauces, textures and flavours crafted with precision to offer an immersive culinary experience. This gastronomic vision is also expressed through a constant search for balance between tradition and modernity, combining natural fermentations with subtle pairings of citrus fruits and Mediterranean spices. The objective is to create a refined, authentic and unforgettable culinary experience, faithful to the warm and prestigious spirit of Hôtel Villa Calvi.
The experiences of Villa Calvi, or Corsica discovered differently
A local child himself, Jean-Pierre has passed on to his family a love of Corsica and a taste for shared experiences. While the warm welcome and exchanges between guests and owners are part of what sets this family address apart from all others, the discovery of authentic Corsica is another. Exploring an original corner of land or sea is part of Villa Calvi’s signature. Among the codex of “memories” and a few never- seen-before experiences, the aim is…
- A charming table set in a secret corner of the maquis by Jean-Antoine Ottavi. This aesthete has no equal when it comes to unearthing paradisiacal and unspoilt spots even at the height of the season, for a memorably surprising effect. Vintage crockery, antique linen, fresh flowers and a wow-worthy staging.
- A boat trip into the Scandola nature reserve, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site… or a picnic in the bay of Girolata, accessible only by sea or on foot.
- A visit to the finest vineyards of the Balagne with our head sommelier, and in particular Culumbu, set amidst its works of art. Or Clos Landry for its cellar right by the sea, with a breathtaking view as the backdrop for tasting.
- Hikes with Césaire, sports coach and local child, who leads us along paths unknown to the general public.
- A tour of the magnificent villages of the Balagne and the most typical auberges, accessing secret spots to enjoy the island’s most beautiful sunsets.
- Making the most of Verso Sera, a must for aperitifs by the pool. Four evenings a week at the hotel, Vincent, a DJ from Saint-Florent, comes to animate the terrace.
The year 2025 was marked by the organisation of two four-hands dinners withnationally renowned chefs — true culinary dialogues in which creativity and expertise respond to one another with every dish. These exceptional evenings were elevated by Billecart-Salmon and Ruinart, whose champagnes brought elegance and effervescence to the specially conceived menus. Guests thus experienced a unique event, where gastronomy and prestigious bubbles intertwine to celebrate the art of the table.
