no alt text

Best places to stay:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Wealthy Russians have been frequenting the Cote d’Azur since the days of the tsars. This grand Russian-built villa, established in 1899 on a private peninsula 10 minutes from Monaco, became a favourite jet-set hideaway in the 1960s.

Extensively remodelled in 2003, it’s now a modern boutique hotel with just 18 rooms, including sprawling Presidential suites complete with private terraces.

The setting is just as enchanting, surrounded by the sea, views and century-old trees, with a spectacular pool terrace jutting out over the headland, filling your view with shimmering ocean. The gym and a full-service spa are both right by the water, adding to the luxurious atmosphere.

You do need a car, as it’s out of town and not well connected by public transport – many guests choose to helicopter in (which the hotel can arrange). Don’t miss the spectacular views from hilltop Eze, just up the road. Book a meal in the hotel restaurant, too – the setting is gorgeous and the produce comes from the hotel’s own vegetable garden.

Stay here for old-fashioned glamour, truly magical views, a private beach and a gorgeous infinity pool.

Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...

Check pricing & availability on:

Key facilities

Airport transfers: Not available
Beach: Onsite
Fitness centre
Fitness classes
Golf course
Hot tub
Kids club
Parking: On-site (free)
Pool (adults only)
Pool (indoor)
Pool (outdoor)
Pool (kids)
Spa
Tennis courts
WiFi: Free
Yoga

Food & drink

All inclusive
Kids menu
Restaurant on-site
Self catering
*
Additional charge

Room types

Apartments
Bedrooms
Cabins
Suites
Tents
Villas
Yurts

Room facilities

Air conditioning
Flat screen TV
Jacuzzi (private)
Pool (private)
Tea & coffee making facilities
WiFi

Bedding options

2+ bedrooms
3+ beds
Connecting rooms
Rollaway/sofa bed

Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[4.3 miles]

The world’s most prestigious automobile races, with a track winding through the winding streets of this billionaires’ playground. Monaco is the height of Formula One glamour.

Best for ages: 13+ | £50 | 4 days

Monaco Oceanographic Museum

Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[4.3 miles]

Founded in 1906 by Prince Albert I, Monaco’s Musee Oceanographique is one of the oldest scientific marine institutes anywhere. Spectacular aquariums and treasures from ocean voyages, located in a remarkable wedding-cake building cascading over cliffs.

Best for ages: 4+ | £12

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France[4.4 miles]

A remarkable fantasy villa, complete with exquisite exotic gardens, built in 1912 by the flamboyant art collector Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild to house her fabulous collection of 18th-century art and furniture.

Best for ages: 18+ | £13

Monte Carlo Casino

Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[4.9 miles]

The world’s most famous and prestigious casino – in one of the world’s casino capitals – oozes glamour, history, and class.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first

Gorgeous and secluded white-sand beach nestled in between jagged cliffs
Experience

Mala Beach

Monaco , Cote d'Azur, France[1.4 miles]

A stunning white sand and pebble beach under pale golden cliffs just west of Monaco. Accessed by steep steps, this shallow cove is both glamorous and exclusive. Mala has two public areas and two chic beach clubs: Eden Plage and the Reserve de Mala – both romantic at sunset, serving cocktails by candlelight and playing music after dark.

Best for ages: Any | Free

Website >
Overview >
Path through a garden with giant plants and cacti on each side
Experience

Exotic Garden of Monaco

Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[3.5 miles]

If it all gets too much, head to the stunning 75-year-old Jardin Exotique, with its surreal collection of cacti, a stalactite Observatory Cave inhabited 250,000 years ago, and an anthropology museum. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Guided tours on Saturdya by appointment.

Best for ages: 8+ | £6

Website >
Overview >
Large white villa built on a pinnacle stretching out into the sea
Experience

Villa Kerylos

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France[3.6 miles]

Built in 1908 in an ancient-Greek-style, this villa in a ravishing seaside garden setting features replica 2nd-century AD interiors typical of the island of Delos. The project of two scholars obsessed with the period.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

Website >
Overview >
Ancient stone monument of the Trophy of Augustus in Le Turbie, French Riviera, France
Experience

Trophy of Augustus

La Turbie, Cote d'Azur, France[3.7 miles]

High above Monaco, Emperor Augustus erected a 147ft monument in the 1st century BC to celebrate his victories over the Ligurian tribes. In spite of damage over the centuries, it is still a remarkable sight, with breathtaking views.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

Website >
Overview >

Monaco

Cote d'Azur, France

The Riviera’s Never Never Land for the rich, offering bling, glamour, sights, high-roller casinos and entertainment galore.

Website >
Overview >

Nice

Cote d'Azur, France

The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.

Website >
Overview >