Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Hotel Royal-Riviera
Elegant Respite
What it is
A glamorous 96-room hotel on the sea, with four bars and restaurants, a marine spa with a sauna and hammam, an al fresco pool open year round, and a private beach.
What it isn't
Lacking in provenance. The hotel was originally built in 1904 and is the very place where famous dancer Isadora Duncan and Paris Singer—heir to the Singer fortune—fell in love.
What we think
One expects to have a bit of pampering in the French Riviera, but the guest experience here is another level. For one thing, even the 215 square foot Standard Room Bedroom was painstakingly designed: with LED lights hidden in graphic stripes within the walls, marble lined bathrooms with Lalique amenities, fluffy robes, wood floors, and views of the surrounding mountains. If you need a bit more room to roam, you can’t do any better than the 592 square foot Sea & Garden View Suite: it has a private terrace with daybeds and an al fresco dining area overlooking the red terracotta rooftops, palm tree-lined outdoor pool, and glimmering Mediterranean Sea beyond. Traveling with littles? Expect V.I.K. (very important kid) treatment that includes a stuffy at check-in, hotel passport, kids menus, and even lollipops—with your approval, of course.
You're here because
Each and every room has zippy free Wifi and (phew!) individually controlled air conditioning systems.
The Moment
From your table by the pool at Jasmin Grill, every morsel tastes divine—but it’s this croque monsieur with truffle butter that Francophile dreams are made of. You ask the waiter for another flute of Louis Roederer champagne, s'il vous plaît. This is living.
Restaurants & Bars
- La Table Du Royal - Mediterranean cuisine
- Jasmin Grill & Lounge
- Le Cap Bar
Location
Tucked along a private cove of Fourmis Beach, about a half an hour’s drive from the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport.