There’s nothing quite like a sojourn to the South of France at the height of the summer. Glittering shorelines, the golden summer sun and the never-too-hot heat are all welcoming hallmarks of the region. The diverse activities one is able to partake in while visiting the area is also a major selling point. Whether one’s interest lies in learning about the history of Nice’s old town, savoring the local Michelin-starred cuisine or catching some rays on the beach, there’s something for everyone in the sophisticated, sun-drenched Côte d’Azur.
Our picks for places to stay are equally diverse. Here are our top five recommendations in no particular order:
Hotel Metropole
Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo is a prestigious, Belle Époque-style award-winning luxury hotel set within a glamorous 19th-century building.
Located in the Carré d’Or in Monaco, less than 100 yards from luxury boutiques and the celebrated Casino Square with its verdant gardens, Hôtel Metropole was gifted an extensive facelift in 2004 where its new identity married the hotel’s historical spirit with a contemporary luxury character.
The hotel features elegant guestrooms and suites filled with natural light; two Michelin-starred restaurants, YOSHI and Joël Robuchon; the internationally renowned Métropole Espa hotel spa and a heated seawater pool designed by Karl Lagerfeld.
Chateau Eza
Truly magnificent, Chateau Eza has been described as the most stunning property on the French Riviera. Featuring only 12 intimate rooms and suites, this 400-year-old Chateau offers perhaps the most breath-taking views of the coast available. The former official residence to a Swedish Prince, this property is truly fit for royalty.
Its on-premises restaurant is Michelin-starred and offers stunning vistas of the golden horizons of the Cote d’Azur. Perched atop an ancient rock in the thousand-year-old village of Eze, this property is the crown jewel of the region.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat
The manifestation of the French Riviera’s glamour and timeless chic, this Four Seasons property is the region’s most legendary hotel. Opened in 1908, the Grand-Hotel offers spa treatments, swimming, terrace dining and is a short drive from Nice, Monaco and Cannes.
Featuring 74 guestrooms, 24 of which are suites and a villa, this property is set on 17 acres of green hillside in the ultra-exclusive Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat peninsula. The surrounding blue seas, elegant interiors and façade steeped in heritage has made this property a favourite of the rich an famous for decades. Past guests have included Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Picasso, Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor.
Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez
A luxury design hotel, Hotel Sezz combines comfort and design. This 37 room property is located on 2 acres of lush grounds centered around a 25m pool surrounded by pine, olive and palm trees. All rooms feature 5m floor-to-ceiling French windows offering additional space and light.
Designed by Christophe Pillet, this property enhances the experience with Boffi sinks, Porro furniture, Mazzega lighting and Acqua di Parma products.
Each room features an outdoor cascade shower, private serene garden and some even include a private plunge pool.
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is a member of the Société des Bains de Mer and part of the elite hotel group in Monaco with the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and Monte-Carlo Beach.
Situated on the Larvotto peninsula, the hotel is surrounded by four hectares of gardens and the majority of its 334 rooms offer views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Amenities also include four restaurants; a casino; private helipad and seafront jetty; the renowned cocktail bar, Le Blue Gin and access to a 900 m² spa with a sand-bottomed lagoon, waterfalls and hot tubs.
To find out more about any of the above properties, contact your Personal Assistant for more details.
