Those looking for luxury on the French Riviera do not have search very far. The region is littered with some of the most exclusive five star hotels anywhere in France, if not Europe, and choosing where to go when money is not object can be harder than you might expect. So to help those looking for perfection, we have short-listed our five favourite hotels on the French Riviera which are listed below.
La Residence de la Pinede is a fabulous five-star resort situated on the outskirts of the quintessential French port of Saint Tropez. The hotel opened in 1936 on Plage de la Bouillabaisse and has still managed to hang on to its own private section of white sandy beach. Perhaps the hotel’s piece de resistance is its gourmet restaurant, La Vague d’Or, which is one of the few restaurants in the world to be awarded three Michelin stars. www.residencepinede.fr
Hotel Byblos is another of our favourites in Saint Tropez which is located right at the heart of the action near the centre of the old town. The hotel has been a favourite with the international jet set ever since it opened in 1967. We are sure this is something to do with the fact that the hotel is also home to the Caves du Roy, a legendary nightclub where generations of stars have danced the night away. www.byblos.fr
La Villa Belrose is an exceptional Relais and Chateaux hotel that is located on a hill near the town of Gassin, overlooking the Golf of Saint Tropez. The hotel is the ultimate in tranquillity, and boasts a wonderful spa which offers a huge range in treatments as well as a stunning swimming pool. www.villa-belrose.com
Chateau St Martin & Spa is another Relais and Chateaux hotel, also located on a hill but this time above the artists’ mecca of Vence, beyond Cannes and just before Nice. The five star hotel has been built on the site of a former residence of the Knights Templar on the road to the Col de Vence. The hotel was recently named as the most ‘charming hotel in Europe’ in the annual Villegiature awards. Its facilities includes five excellent restaurants and bar areas, 46 rooms and suites and a helipad .There is also a luxury spa with treatments by La Prairie from which non-residents can also benefit. www.chateau-st-martin.com
Hotel Hermitage in Monaco is our pick of a number of breath-taking hotels in the Principality of Monaco. This incredible looking hotel in the heart of Monaco was built in the Belle Époque style in the 1890s by architect Nicolas Marquet with the participation of Gustave Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame. Particularly stunning is the Salle Belle Époque which has a beautiful terrace overlooking the port. www.hotelhermitagemontecarlo.com. La Costa Properties Monaco have properties to rent in the Monaco Principality.
