G I A N – L U C A  B E R T I L A C C I O 

Interview} Ken Waller 

Photographs by}  John Russo 

Location} Casadelmar, Corsica, France

 

KW: Can you give us a brief background on yourself and how you found your way to working at the property? 

FR: I’ve been working 35 years in the hotel business. Venice, London and Paris the most important experiences and from the opening here in 2004 at Casadelmar and La Plage Casadelmar sister hotel.

 

KW: Has your role been the same at the property, or have you worked in other roles at the company?

FR: Yes GM since the beginning.

 

KW: Can you tell us the brand philosophy at Casadelmar ?

FR: Casadelmar puts design in the heart of nature. The hotel is an ode to nature, magically melting into the landscape. It gives pride of place to the sea by integrating it into the heart of its aesthetic from the moment guests arrive. Designed by renowned landscape architect Jean Mus, the Mediterranean gardens form a precious backdrop that sets the scene for a constant dialogue between flora and fauna. The minimalist wood and glass architecture, refined decor and spectacular views throughout create an atmosphere of calm and comfort.

 

KW: What makes your property different from staying at other resorts in the region?

FR: At Casadelmar, the sea belongs to everyone. All rooms and suites open onto magnificent terraces with commanding panoramic views of the bay.

 

KW: Can you tell us about the Beach Club? 

FR: The spirit of Casadelmar, but on the beach! Just a 5 minute boat ride from it’s sister hotel, the hotel restaurant La Plage Casadelmar opened in 2012. The guest accommodation comprises twenty-one guest rooms and suites. the private beach on the white sandy cove offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Porto-Vecchio. La Plage Casadelmar exudes an atmosphere of unparalleled refinement, but its greatest luxury is its location.

 

KW: What about your property keeps guests returning for multiple stays? 

FR: Our places provide a strong feeling of well-being and serenity.
The complementarity of the two establishments as a resort is a force of attractiveness.
Elegance, breathtaking views, high gastronomy, well-being … Casadelmar is a paradise regained where guests come to recharge their batteries.
At La Plage Casadelmar, our services are oriented towards making our customers feel as if they were in their own vacation home. With much conviviality and simplicity, we are out for excellence.

 

KW: Tell us about some of the unique curated experiences the property offers?

FR: Taking dinner on an unforgettable gourmet journey under the stars around the Mediterranean by Casadelmar’s 2-Michelin-starred chef, Fabio Bragagnolo. Going for a picnic in a secret cove or having lunch in a typical restaurant in Sardinia by magnificent Itama yacht available for daily charter.  Celebrating unique wedding or anniversary in dream location. An opportunity to make own event “made-to-mesure” on the beach. Enjoying holidays in precious intimacy in the private villa overlooks the bay that offers all the services of the hotel. Hidden in the gardens, with private swimming pool brings together three of the hotel’s most beautiful suites.

And much more…

 

KW: What are some of your chef’s local specialties?

FR: The 2-Michelin-starred Casadelmar restaurant offers an unparalleled experience driven by chef Fabio Bragagnolo’s delicate, meticulously-prepared cuisine, inspired by the shores of the Mediterranean. Its menu combines local products from Corsica and its native Italy.
his cuisine highlights the fishing products that he selects with jealous care: fish, crustaceans and shellfish that he prepares in his own way, such as red prawns, picked from the vegetable garden and caper ice cream, local cuttlefish in two ways or the nasturtium ravioli with wood-fired langoustines, bitter Sicilian almonds and clams.

 

KW: What are some of the unique treatments?

FR: The spa offers a wide range of natural treatments and traditional therapies based on the rituals developed by British skincare and spa specialists ESPA.
But it also offers a special treatment made with essential oils from Corsican shrubs grown in Casadelmar’s own herb garden, such as everlasting flowers, lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme depending on the season.

 

KW: We have stayed at the world’s top hotels, and I must say your property is by far the top of the top. The grounds are breathtaking from the staff, which is on their “A” game at all times, and the suites are simply magnificent. How have you maintained such a high level of consistent perfection in an ever-changing hotel market? Is there a secret to your success?

FR:  Thank you so much! The hotel is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. Throughout all these years, we have been keen to maintain high standards. we have enlarged, renovated, improved… “everything must change so that nothing changes” ! Casadelmar is affiliated with “Leading Hotels of the World” which imposes the most elite quality standards. it helps maintain excellence.Listening and paying attention to customers are essential. The staff stands out for their ability to listen, their responsiveness and their absolute discretion. a personalized service, adapts to the profile and expectations of each person thanks to proposals that anticipate preferences, whether they follow a lifestyle or spiritual convictions.

 

To learn more about Casadelmar follow them @casadelmarhotels