Luxury hotels on the Cote d'Azur
Simply rolling these two words off your tongue conjures up images of sensual sojourns. The shimmering Cote d'Azur, often referred to as the French Riviera, is a riveting riot of haute 'Mediterranea' with a seriously pampered climate. Technically, it stretches from the wild and untamed Rhone delta, where the long flat sand beaches are often deserted, to the sophisticated glitz and glamour of France's most notorious beach resorts and coastal towns such as Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Antibes, as well as another country, Monaco with its prized casino capital - Monte Carlo. Most days azure waters are kissed by carefree yacht swank beneath priceless indigo skies, while rivalling sports cars meander the lush hillsides topped with quaint medieval villages. For many the 'azure coast' provides all the possible coastal glamour you could ever wish for while for others the breathtaking and dramatic vistas, from picturesque villages, hold the key.
If you are looking for the Cote d'Azur's finest luxury hotels, then our guide will make happy reading, with each 5 star* gem personally reviewed and regularly visited to ensure we only ever offer you the best luxury hotels.
*Interestingly, in France there is no 5 Star hotel category. The highest luxury hotel rating is '4 Star Luxe', which equates to international 5 star standards.
Cap Estel
There is a lavish history to Cap Estel: it was built as a datcha, or summer home, in the 19th Century by a Russian prince, on a large peninsula about two hectares in size, between Monaco and Nice. The most exhilarating factor about staying here is its extreme proximity to the sea; this hotel really does have the waves crashing against some of its suites' foundations (ours included) and, it has its own private beach...
Chateau Eza
Chateau Eza - a sensational result using the finest ingredients from 12 centuries. The weather was on our side, as it so often is in this part of the world and, with views like this, the sun is a distinct advantage. Photographically you could not go wrong: every picture is sensational, but actually being here is even more spectacular. There is a peace and serenity at Chateau Eza that comes from both ancient walls - some over 1000 years old - and perfected standards...
Le Saint Paul
A little inland from the sultry Cote d' Azur coastline sits St-Paul-de-Vence, pretty as a postcard, mysteriously medieval and untainted by the worst of the last century or centuries. This peachy hideaway is only fifteen minutes from Nice airport, so arriving in time for lunch is no hardship and, within seconds of being here, you unwind. A chilled beer, watching boulle in dusty lime-tree lined squares with locals, is commonplace in villages in France, though here it feels more authentic than most...
Port Palace
Just how swish can a palace by a port get? It has the unmistakeable style of the best of the sixties combined with a priceless view. Here, super yachts compete with super liners and all this rivalry was laid out an anchor's throw from our uber-chic, sun-filled suite. I surrendered. Gone was the past, and it was time to live the life of Posh or Mr Craig and boot it up to the Casino to win enough loot to shop at the nearby designer boutiques. Neither happened, but it just might for you...
Hotel Metropole
The Hotel Metropole, located just steps from Casino Square, is the ideal urban resort in the heart of the vibrant principality of Monte-Carlo. Gastronomic 2 Michelin star dining, timeless furnishings and a sumptuous spa combine for perfect five star luxury...
Villa Marie
Villa Marie is set on the outskirts of St Tropez and is a refreshing, stylish and luxurious retreat overlooking the most photographed beaches in Europe, Pampelone, and set amongst beautiful pines and lush gardens with a spa that is pure bliss...
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