Don’t be fooled by the modest entrance of this exceptional Riviera gem, for beyond this book’s cover lies an intoxicating story that you won’t be able to put down.

If the wonderful reception staff don’t manage to immediately melt your heart, the view of the beautiful gardens as you pass through the hotel’s lounge area most certainly will. And what will also unfold before you is some drop-dead, chic interior design that manages to combine modern and contemporary with a touch of 1950s Riviera glam. You’ll immediately get the feeling that you are entering a private villa rather than a hotel. Everything here is very much on a human scale, including the absolutely natural, professional and highly attentive service that’s extended to guests from each and every staff member.

And essentially, this is one of those rare hotels that works perfectly for both families and couples, each looking for quite different things from their vacation experience. A formula often like oil and water (they simply don’t mix), here it works, all gently managed and curated by the aforementioned stellar staff.

For those looking for oceans of marble, massive public spaces, multiple dining venues and more bling than a Hollywood star at the Oscars, they will not find it here. Instead, they will discover a Belle Epoque era hotel that quite simply wraps itself around you like a cashmere blanket, soothes and lets you know that you are well and truly on holiday. Quite simply, I found myself constantly smiling, and what more can you ask of any hotel?Hotel Royal-Riviera is a name that’s synonymous with seaside luxury in the South of France. Built in 1904, the hotel perfectly blends the mesmerising natural beauty of Cap Ferrat with the much-coveted French Riviera glamour, resulting in a stay that’s as stylish as it is refreshing.

Behind dreamy Victorian exteriors of pink and white, the hotel mixes Hellenistic design with sleek, contemporary flair. From the get-go, expect Doric columns, dark wooden accents, plenty of marble and plush furniture seemingly everywhere you look – all before getting to the rooms themselves. For those, you’ll either venture deeper into the main building or traipse through a lavender-perfumed garden to the delightfully Provençal Villa Orangerie. 

In the villa, brightly coloured rooms and suites are contemporary renditions of the classic Riviera vibe; the light wood furnishings, potted orchids and accents are just the right mix of rustic and elegant. Charming private terraces feel pleasantly secluded among the flowers and cypress trees. Rooms in the main house feel restful and modern. Large french windows let in plenty of natural light, illuminating whitewashed walls and crisp colour palettes. From your private terrace or balcony, you’ll have views of the sea, gardens or mountains.

A fabulous breakfast buffet is held on the hotel’s sea-view terrace each morning; in the evenings, the space turns into outdoor seating for the excellent La Table du Royal. In the summertime, live music is held three evenings a week on the terrace, though the stately dining room is a perfectly lovely option if you prefer air conditioning. A marvellous Mediterannean menu changes every three days, meaning you needn’t venture elsewhere for dinner if you prefer to stay put. Should you want something a touch more casual, the poolside Jasmin Grill & Lounge serves a lunchtime buffet (and an excellent burger). The oh-so-trendy Le Cap Bar, with its Colonial-meets-modern-luxe aesthetic, is a perfect spot for a postprandial drink indoors or out on a terrace overlooking the garden. 

One thing Hotel Royal-Riviera is particularly adept at is catering to a vast range of guests. It manages to be an enticing spot for a couple’s getaway while also being an excellent option for families. Indeed, children are properly spoiled at the hotel – lavished with gifts, treats and plenty of ice cream. Adults are spoiled, too, with a posh boutique, enormous pool and a private sandy beach where you can lounge with a cocktail under a cheekily fringed, blue-and-white-striped parasol. Show less