The French Riviera is a sophisticated destination with luxury yachts and palace hotels each bringing their own personality, style and panache to the definition of a luxury getaway.
Spurred by a desire to share stunning locations, Bespoke Yacht Charter highlights some of the French Riviera’s iconic hotels and exquisite addresses.
The InterContinental Carlton Cannes is one of the top palace hotels for discerning yacht charter guests who appreciate the ultimate luxury whether at sea or on land. Refined interiors and impeccable hospitality have attracted royalty, film stars and fashionable clientele for over a century.
Located within easy reach of the Palais des Festivals, Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto, the InterContinental Carlton Cannes is one of the French Riviera’s most loved landmarks and does not disappoint in their levels of service.
The Grand Hyatt Cannes Hôtel Martinez brings tranquillity and light to the palm-fringed Croisette with its classy Art Déco façade. Impressive amenities such as Z Plage private beach, excellent Beauty Spa, Kids Club and superb dining blend into a perfect seasonal getaway ideal for making memories before or after a yacht charter in Cannes.
The hotel reopens early March 2018 with renovated rooms by Pierre-Yves Rochon, combining Art Déco and contemporary design in the iconic hues of the French Riviera. Cinematically-stylish, it has played host to many an actress, writer or musician over the years – especially at the tables of La Palme d’Or, their well-regarded two Michelin star restaurant.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, known fondly as the Majestic, absolutely throbs during Cannes events. The place to be seen for client meetings, the Majestic has the right mix of understated glamour – a classy lobby for quick business meetings and all guest rooms and Suites have lush interiors with regal gold, silver and black tones.
As part of The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, special mention should be made of the penthouse Majestic Suite with rooftop swimming pool and the hotel’s trendy summertime bar La Rotonde, ideal for apéritif hour after a day charter.
In 1871, the now famous boulevard de la Croisette was completed, pavements were laid and the iconic palm trees planted. At that time, Cannes was regarded as a winter resort and land in town was selling for only two francs a square metre, and barely more than 50 centimes along the Croisette. A small inn, Gazielle Inn, built up and became the Hôtel Splendid which is located directly across from Vieux Port in Cannes.
Bespoke Yacht Charter’s company values revolve around delivering enriching coastal getaways that beckon any yacht charter client to linger for a moment of reflection or privacy. In a similar way, many writers, artists and musicians have drawn inspiration from the French Riviera, and one of the key players in the history of the region is the Hôtel Belles Rives.
With Art Déco furniture, charming sun-dappled seaside terrace and exemplary cuisine, the Hôtel Belles Rives retains many authentic features and offers views that look out over the bay of Juan les Pins. Triumphantly luxurious, the sea view Zelda Suite – named after F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife Zelda – was opened last year and sports original furniture and Hermès® wallpaper that wouldn’t be out of place in the Roaring Twenties.
Don’t miss a post-charter drink at the Piano Bar Fitzgerald or a gourmet meal at Michelin-starred La Passagère with hand-painted Bernardaud porcelain plates and 1930’s art decorating the dining room.
A notable destination in its own right, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is a jewel in the portfolio of Oetker Collection, a sublime addition to any seaside visit to southern France. The hotel has created a legacy of their own with sophisticated experiences for yacht charter guests who venture ashore, such as a six-course Tasting Menu at Eden-Roc Restaurant or sipping on Champagne overlooking their iconic infinity pool with views out to sea.
For true indulgence, discerning yacht charter clients can combine their Bespoke Yacht Charter itinerary with a Spa, Sushi and Champagne experience or a duo-stay with their sister hotel, the magnificent Château Saint-Martin & Spa.
Charter guests disembarking at Nice Port can head to the Promenade des Anglais, where Le Negresco hotel has been lauded not only for its impressive architectural design but also for its internationally acclaimed art collection.
A delightful location offers up a glittering vista of the Mediterranean Sea, but the real allure lies inside amidst opulent furnishings, graceful heritage and period furniture sprinkled with a hefty dose of eclectic decoration in the brightest hues of pink, blue and gold.
Cuisine is not to be outdone; Le Chantecler has retained two-stars from the Michelin Guide and Brasserie La Rotonde is one of the quirkiest places to eat in the region with mock carousel complete with painted wooden horses.
The crowning glory of the Negresco is the immense collection of artistic treasures including a royal portrait of King Louis XIV (The Sun King), a Baccarat crystal chandelier in the Salon Royal, prints by Salvador Dali and a bronze bust of Joan of Arc.
An icon since it opened in 1908, the Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat is beautifully situated on the Cap Ferrat peninsula. Some traditions remain, such as the magnificent Villa Rose-Pierre set in Mediterranean gardens next to the hotel, stylish Suites, the funicular ride to Club Dauphin and swimming lessons from celebrity swim instructor Pierre Gruneberg.
However, yacht charter guests can also partake in a private dinner party at Villa Santo Sospir where Jean Cocteau once lived, or an astronomy session in the Hotel’s gardens with a world-renowned scientist and a dinner under the stars. Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat boasts everything you’d need to create a sanctuary nestled in amongst the buzz of the Côte d’Azur in high season.
La Réserve de Beaulieu has attracted the world’s aristocracy since the early 20th century who came for a seaside séjour paired with fresh seafood from the restaurant. Guests have included Sir Thomas Lipton, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin and Rita Hayworth who no doubt revelled in the sea views over the Baie des Fourmis in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
It will be a hard call to stay onboard your private yacht and soak up the views on the sundeck with bespoke catering, or dock at their small pier for some poolside lounging and a meal at their Michelin restaurant, Le Restaurant de Rois.
What really puts Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on the map is their ability to exude excellence year-round. From all season Spa packages to fantastical Christmas displays, they have an edge over many luxury hotels in southern France.
Bespoke Yacht Charter loves the Hermitage’s child-friendly attitude (ideal for guests on family yacht charters looking for a luxury option on land), their stunning Gustave Eiffel centrepiece stained-glass dome, direct access to wellness treatments at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo and the stylish ambiance of lobby bar Le Limùn that is a super spot for a shore excursion treat where you can enjoy a glass of rosé Champagne and delicious pastries during a decadent afternoon tea.
If you can’t quite imagine being away from the standards of the luxury superyachts berthed at Port Hercules, reserve a stay at the Hermitage on the seventh floor. Here, you’ll be suitably impressed in the beautifully-appointed Princely Diamond Suite with three terraces boasting port views, antique vases with fresh flowers, Maison Françis Kurkdjian bath products and a VIP welcome that includes Ladurée macarons and vintage Champagne. Simply divine!
Monaco is no stranger to classical architecture and buildings of grandeur, so it would be unjust to not include Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo in our article about top luxury hotels on the French Riviera.
Crafting the simplicity of romance of a bygone era, you’re in for a special experience as soon as you get to the cypress-fringed forecourt entrance. Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo signifies comfortable surroundings, clean lines and noble furnishings – think marble, mahogany and upholstered chairs rather than gilded drapes, crystalline sculptures and the bling factor that can accompany the best of Monaco’s premium accommodation.
Of course, we can’t mention the Metropole without speaking highly of the Karl Lagerfeld-designed Odyssey pool area or Monsieur Joël Robuchon and his culinary influence on the hotel’s signature restaurants.
One of the finest five-star addresses in Monaco, Hôtel de Paris is the grande dame of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group with storybook charm that can’t be matched.
The elegant façade facing Café de Paris, beautiful lobby, sumptuous Suites, legendary wine cellar, La Salle Empire, exceptional restaurants and Bar Américain aren’t out of place in one of the most dynamic yachting regions.
A four-year period of renovations sees the hotel add another ace card to their luxury profile; from February 2018 they will start taking bookings for a new Diamond Suite (with a nightly rate in excess of €30,000) on the top two floors bearing the name of Princess Grace, who was fond of the hotel.
The hotel will stay open as renovations continue until the last quarter of 2018, with much anticipation for the developments at Hôtel de Paris. It’s a truly fascinating hotel where Belle Époque nostalgia and modern comforts sit comfortably side by side.
Today, a new generation of yacht charter guests pursue an adventure in timeless elegance and Bespoke Yacht Charter is happy to help our charter clients enjoy the art of living while on yacht charter to the French Riviera.
Written by Rebecca Whitlocke on behalf of Bespoke Yacht Charter.
To discuss luxury yacht charters and itineraries in the south of France, please contact:
Alexander Coles
