Nothing conjures la belle vie like the French Riviera. Washed by the Mediterranean, this dazzling coast draws visitors from all over the world for fun in the (near-constant) sun. It’s the historic haunt of movie stars and artists, and today’s coterie of celebrities cavort with the ghosts of Picasso and Fitzgerlad in see-and-be-seen restaurants and clubs. Needless to say, such a renowned tourist destination keeps raising the bar with luxury hotels. Here’s the latest talked-about addresses.
Nice has long been the gateway for travelers to the Riviera—whether arriving by cruise ship or at France’s second busiest airport. But now massive city investment is transforming it into something more than a launchpad for Côte d’Azur discovery. At a November news conference at Le Train Bleu brasserie in Paris, Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi explained the efforts to boost the city’s appeal—from public works projects to a blossoming hotel sector.
A centerpiece is the 2021 UNESCO classification of Nice as the “winter resort town of the Riviera”—what Estrosi said was the result of a 10-year campaign. At 1,290 acres (just over two square miles), it’s the largest such UNESCO site in France, and its heritage focus highlights the tourist genesis of Nice in the 19th century as a winter destination for aristocrats and royals (Queen Victoria included). Today, the city’s tourism strategy perpetuates this idea. While much of the Côte d’Azur closes up shop in the winter, Nice is bucking seasonality trends and promoting cultural programs and sporting events to lure winter travelers.
Hotels are a big enticement. Historically, Nice lacked luxury hotel inventory compared to glam neighbors Cannes and Monte Carlo. A flurry of new destination properties are drawing visitors, particularly Americans, who are also benefitting from new direct flights. (United will also launch a Washington Dulles-Nice route in May 2025.) Prestigious projects include the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel (the result of a four-year restoration of a historic landmark), the Maison Albar - Le Victoria (debuted in November with the Taulissa rooftop restaurant overseen by celebrity chef Glenn Viel), and the newly restored Le Negresco (a new spa highlights the grande dame’s ambitions to attain “palace hotel” classification).
There’s been lots of buzz about Hôtel du Couvent, which opened in June 2024 inside a meticulously restored 17th-century convent. Part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the project was 10 years in the making—to the tune of 93 million euros—reviving a prime piece of real estate next to the hilltop citadel in the Old Town. With a cloister garden planted with orange trees and terraced gardens with panoramic city views, this serene sanctuary respects the building’s original vocation. In fact, the hotel has a deep sense of place—from its monastic-inspired design by Festen Architure to the onsite herbalist shop. This style of hospitality, championing authenticity, is a reflection of hotelier Valéry Grégo, whose previous projects include Les Roches Rouges on the Riviera, Le Pigalle in Paris, and L’Alpaga in Megève.
Hôtel du Couvent has 88 guestrooms, including 18 suites, decorated with period antiques. The crème de la crème is the two-bedroom Le Jardin Marguerite Suite, which comes with a garden with a grill and outdoor shower. The largest room is appropriately called La Très Grande Suite (1,786 square feet), and it can connect to another suite and / or guestroom. For VIP bookings, reach out to Reservations Manager Emma Margheriti ([email protected]). Tip: The Old Town is pedestrianized, so the hotel isn’t accessible by taxi, but arranges pickup by golf cart at the Old Town’s edge.
Onsite attractions include a bakery with a flour mill, a library stocked with historic books, and a spa inspired by the ancient Roman baths discovered in the city’s Cimiez neighborhood. Overseen by Director Alice Peyret ([email protected]), the spa offers a thermal circuit with a series of pools in a tepidarium, caldarium, and frigidarium. There’s also a movement studio with a daily class program.
The restaurants feature produce from the hotel’s organic farm in Touët-sur-Var. In the warmer months, locals throng the garden café La Guingette, where grilled fish is served with freshly made focaccia. Another local-approved hangout is the Bistro des Serruriers, which has an entrance on an adjacent street.
There’s lots to love about a hotel like this, but we appreciate the attention to detail. Enormous flower arrangements are created daily by local florist Mege Père & fils. At check-in, receptionists wearing flowy, Burgundy-colored dresses serve madeleines hot from the oven. And if you’re keen to explore the region, Head Concierge Nicolas Avril ([email protected]), previously at The Peninsula Paris, can arrange a number of excursions, including boat trips, vineyard visits, and art/history tours of Nice.
Eight miles from Cannes, the village of Théoule-sur-Mer has a postcard setting amidst the red-rock mountains of the Massif de l’Estérel. It’s here next to the petit marina that the Millésime Collection unveiled the Château de Théoule in spring 2024. A turreted stone castle, what you’d expect to see in the Scottish Highlands, commands a privileged seaside location behind grand gates. The property originated as a soap factory in the 17th century, later transformed into a pleasure pad by Scottish lord Harry Leland de Langley in the 19th century.
Millésime’s modus operandi is to create beautiful hotels that are akin to maisons, complete with a metal key for your room. The portfolio includes the Château de Sacy in Champagne country, Château Léognan in the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards and La Villa des Orangers in Marrakech. This latest property required a two-year restoration, carefully preserving the site’s historic details, while transforming it into a pied-à-terre for luxury travelers. There are 34 rooms and 10 suites spread out between the castle building and adjacent villas. Marie-Christine Mecoen, the group artistic director and formerly an antiques dealer, designed the interiors with a whimsical mix of antique furniture and bespoke pieces. Booking Tips: The Maison des Pêcheurs, home to three suites, is ideal for groups of friends traveling together. Duplexes in the main chateau, such as No. 22 (La Sauge), can accommodate families. Contact Sales Manager Stéphanie Carpentier ([email protected]) for VIP bookings.
You could spend the day luxuriating on site. Take a dip in the sea-facing pool, or descend the tower stairs to reach La Plage Blanche beach club, where an attendant will set you up on a lounger beneath a parasol. The Éc(h)o Spa—equipped with a sauna, steam room and Nordic baths—offers treatments in collaboration with Kos Paris and MyBlend by Clarins. A popular choice: The 90-minute Coquillages d’Azur, which includes a hot seashell massage and facial using the myBlend LED mask technology.
Serious food pilgrims shouldn’t miss a meal at Mareluna restaurant, where you can watch the lights of Cannes glittering across the bay while you tuck into locally caught seafood. But if you’re itching to explore, Head Concierge Rodolphe Folcheris ([email protected]) can organize private boat trips, or advise on the best nearby hiking trails.
High in the pine-covered hills outside Saint-Tropez, La Réserve Ramatuelle set the new standard for quiet luxury when it opened in 2009. Classifed a “palace hotel,” this soul-restoring retreat—part of Michel Reybier Hospitality—has a devoted following of regulars who return every season. They come for the sublime setting (the vistas of infinite sea and sky set you dreaming), they book for the next-level facilities (the Nescens Spa is built into the rocks), but above all, they appreciate the staff (friendly and attentive, without being intrusive). No one will forget your name here, but if you happen to forget a beach bag, a luxurious La Réserve tote will magically appear in your hands. (Note: These leather-handled bags, along with the covetable toiletry bags found in your room, are now available in a newly launched online boutique: shop.lareserve.com.)
The original modernist building was reimagined by star architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte by integrating it into the natural setting while maximizing views of the Big Blue. The 19 light-filled rooms and eight suites were redesigned by Jacques Garcia in 2024; wall frescoes conjure iconic Riviera artists like Jean Cocteau. The feel is of a private home, with a carefully curated bookcase, stocked fridge, and all the accoutrements your heart desires. Some rooms have outdoor gardens and terraces for admiring the sea views with a glass of Michel Reybier wine in hand.
In addition, the 13 stand-alone villas are always in demand, with an average stay of 10 to 12 days, and some booked annually by the same habitués for the entire season. Privileging privacy, the villas come with special services (grocery shopping, private chefs), and also have access to all hotel facilities. For VIP bookings, reach out to Senior Sales Manager Louise Lagravère ([email protected]). The concierge team, led by Philippe Chauve ([email protected]), can also assist with any number of requests.
Food is central to the experience at La Réserve Ramatuelle. Eric Canino, who trained under legendary chef Michel Guérard, holds two Michelin stars at La Voile restaurant. Signature dishes like the spice-encrusted bluefin tuna, and the chicken and lobster, are menu musts. During the summer season, there are four F&B outlets, including a Japanese rooftop restaurant. No matter your dinner feast, breakfast is worth getting up for. Pair your café crème with a glorious array of homemade breads (or go for the mango-topped chia pudding) and watch the sun’s sea reflections through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
La Réserve Ramatuelle is also renowned as a holistic wellness destination, surrounded by nature. The Nescens Spa showcases the healthy aging expertise of Switzerland’s Clinique Nescens, and a variety of boot camps and better-aging programs are offered throughout the season. Craft your own program—fitness coaches and yoga therapists are on hand—or if you’re in need of a little pampering, contact Spa Manager Zoé Peralta ([email protected]) for treatment recommendations. (The Better Aging Nescens body massage is the most popular.)
When you want to hit the buzzy Saint-Tropez scene, a courtesy shuttle can take you into town. It’s also an easy drive to the mythical Pampelonne Beach, where La Réserve’s beach club—designed by Philippe Starck—was an instant hit when it opened in 2019. Whatever your whimsy, La Réserve Ramatuelle is a place where you want to be fully present, soaking up every second of the Mediterranean good life.
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