Riviera's Coastal Gem
Perched in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, The Maybourne Riviera is a modern marvel offering spectacular sea views from its 69 rooms and suites, some featuring
private pools. The hotel seamlessly blends high-tech wellness with luxurious design, boasting a holistic spa with exclusive FaceGym workouts and an eye-catching turquoise pool. Guests can savor exquisite seafood at the rooftop restaurant, Ceto, led by a Michelin three-star chef, or enjoy the newly renovated beach club accessed via a convenient shuttle. This establishment promises an indulgent and revitalizing escape with prices starting around £700 per night.
Versailles' Royal Retreat
Step back in time at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, situated within the palace grounds. This exclusive hotel offers a glimpse into the lives of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette through its 14 opulent rooms and suites, adorned with gilded chandeliers and marble fireplaces. Dining is a theatrical experience with staff in period costumes serving a five-course menu inspired by the Sun King's favorites, curated by Alain Ducasse. Guests can indulge in a 'king's wake-up call' with classical music and a bubble bath, and enjoy unprecedented access to the palace, including private evening tours of restricted areas like the Hall of Mirrors. Rates begin at approximately £2,500 per night.
Nice's Serene Sanctuary
Hotel du Couvent in Nice's Old Town, a former nunnery, offers a soul-stirring escape with its serene ambiance and beautiful design. Transformed through collaborations with Studio Mumbai and Studio Méditerranée, the 88 bedrooms, including converted chapter rooms and a new wing, feature lime plaster, muted linens, and antique finds. The hotel boasts a subterranean thermal pool circuit inspired by Roman baths and a unique herbalist's apothecary. Its three restaurants highlight ingredients from an organic farm in the Var valley, providing a tranquil counterpoint to the Côte d'Azur's glitz. Accommodations start around £290 per night.
Parisian Grandeur
Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, stands as a 21st-century testament to Parisian grandeur, blending its rich history with contemporary luxury. This iconic landmark, once frequented by royalty, offers palatial interiors and a wealth of architectural surprises. The lobby leads to elegant bars, restaurants, and a spa, with an inviting check-in room adorned with rich wood detailing. The 124 rooms and suites, including those designed by Karl Lagerfeld, epitomize Parisian style, with signature suites offering stunning views of Place de la Concorde and the Eiffel Tower. Prices for rooms start around £1,400 per night.
Bordeaux Wine Estate
Château Troplong Mondot in Saint-Émilion is an exceptional retreat for wine aficionados, nestled within one of Bordeaux's highest wine estates since 1745. Guests can stay in the vine-wrapped Vineyard House or choose rooms in the main Château or the Keys guesthouse, all offering serene vineyard views. Sustainable farming practices are evident, with draft horses used instead of tractors. The property features a charming picket-fenced pool and direct access to the medieval streets of Saint-Émilion. The Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Belles Pedrix, offers exquisite seasonal, local cuisine. This unique estate provides a secluded getaway, with rooms starting from approximately £520 per night.
Provence's Rustic Charm
Capelongue, a Beaumier Hotel in Bonnieux, is a meticulously crafted hamlet that evokes the charm of an ancient Provençal farm, despite being built recently. The 57 airy bedrooms and 19 suites reflect a re-energizing, unpretentious vibe with rattan furnishings and sweeping views of the Petit Lubéron countryside. The rustic stone bistro, La Bergerie, serves delicious Mediterranean comfort food. Guests can unwind by the stone pool surrounded by lavender or explore the nearby village of Bonnieux. This tranquil spot offers rooms starting from around £350 per night.
Corsica's Coastal Haven
Grand Hôtel Cala Rossa, located on an ultra-private beach near Porto Vecchio in Corsica, offers a secluded, castaway-like experience. This Relais & Chateaux property, run by the esteemed Canarelli family, features 40 Mediterranean-themed rooms, with a standout teak treehouse suite. Guests can enjoy daily excursions on a wooden fishing boat, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The hotel's restaurant, La Pinède, serves fresh grilled fish and Corsican specialties. The Nucca Spa provides signature treatments using local island essences. Prices begin around £500 per night.
Saint-Tropez Hilltop Luxury
Château de la Messardière, set on a hilltop overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, provides a dramatic and luxurious escape. Arriving via the hotel's sky-blue Mini-Moke shuttle sets the tone for this cinematic property. Its 103 rooms and suites, re-imagined by Christophe Tollemer, feature soothing tones and ample natural light, each with outdoor space. The estate encompasses manicured gardens, tennis courts, a spa, and a private beach club. Three restaurants offer diverse dining experiences along the panoramic terrace, and a cooking masterclass teaches the art of making tarte tropézienne. Rooms start from approximately £1,900 per night.
Camargue's Unique Romance
Les Bains Gardians in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer offers a truly unique romantic experience, set in stylishly refurbished whitewashed gardian cottages with thatched roofs. The property boasts an on-site equestrian center with wild white horses and a natural reserve, embodying a relaxed, barefoot luxury ethos. The restored 18th-century cottages, situated along canals, offer picturesque views and the chance to spot local wildlife. The restaurant features a seasonal menu with regional specialties, and sunset cocktails by the water are a highlight. Accommodations are available from around £300 per night.
