Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel

"Make a beeline for the iconic early-20C Grand-Hôtel du Cap Ferrat. The swish hotel, a favourite with international VIPs, stands at the tip of an exclusive peninsula overlooking the Mediterranean and hidden from view by lush gardens. You have a choice between a stunning dining room or an exquisite terrace shaded by tall Aleppo pines. At the helm of the kitchen, chef Yoric Tièche (born in Aix-en-Provence) finds his inspiration in Provence’s culinary roots, creating superb dishes out of Mediterranean produce. Highlights include red mullet lacquered in sweet harissa, served with a crunchy socca of chickpeas and a floral bouquet of aromatic herbs. The knockout desserts by pastry chef, Pierre-Jean Quinonero, are equally worth writing home about, illustrated by his mandarin and lemon tartlet, to name but one of his fiendishly appetising creations." - Michelin Inspector

"Set back above the rocky coast of lush Cap Ferrat, nothing quite tops the period piece grandeur of this white 1908-built seaside palace and 14-acre sprawl of manicured gardens and pines, or the glam Dolce Vita vibe of the Club Dauphin’s heated seawater Olympic-size pool. But add to that an ever-evolving reinvention of old and new— Belle Époque allure mixed with clean line modernity, from the sunlit Pierre-Yves Rochon designed suites to two meticulously restored 1900s-built private villas, tucked away near the lighthouse. For a memorable in-the-garden dining experience, the new La Table du Potager, perched on the edge of bluff in the neighboring heights, is where Michelin-star chef Yoric Tièche works wonders with freshly plucked herbs, fruit and vegetables. Price: From about $851 per night Address: Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, 71, Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat" - Lanie Goodman

"Set the scene.At the tip of a lush peninsula, this opulent seaside palace is a one-of-a-kind Riviera vestige of tranquil days gone by, when Europe’s aristos wintered in the dazzling sunshine. Even King Leopold II of Belgium, a regular to the Cap Ferrat in the 19th century, would still be impressed by the 14-acre blooming gardens and flowering succulents, designed by French landscape architect Jean Mus. What’s the story?The hotel’s storied past (regulars once included Aristotle Onassis, Charlie Chaplin, Marc Chagall, Jean Cocteau, Robin Williams, and Paul McCartney) means the livre d’or guest book is a veritable museum piece, with doodles by Picasso and Jean Marais. Somerset Maugham, who at one point, lived down the street, often strolled in for a drink at the bar. But there’s nothing staid about the atmosphere; among the endless series of renovations, the massive refurb by Pierre-Yves Rochon in 2009 brought the décor into the 21st century with pristine white rooms and botanical-themed spa. Managed by Four Seasons since 2015, the impeccable service is another draw. What can we expect from our room?Most of the 74 rooms and suites are similar in décor, with parquet floors, classic lines from the Riviera’s '40s and '50s heyday, done in pale, earthy tones and a splash of jade and turquoise. It’s all jazzed up with reproductions of modern artwork from local residents such as Matisse and Chagall. The upper suite 306 is the most sought-after for its dreamy terrace with a sweeping vista of the Mediterranean. How about the food and drink?Michelin-starred chef Yoric Tièche, who arrived in 2017 and heads the hotel’s three restaurants (the poolside Club Dauphin, the patio restaurant La Veranda, and the intimate gastronomic Le Cap) is a wizard at injecting modernity into his native traditional Provençal dishes. The lunchtime two- or three- course prix fixe menu ($75 to $86) includes starters such as a niçois trouchia—a Swiss chard tart with summer truffles—followed by Scorpion fish swimming in a spicy sea of baby veggies and bouillabaisse. Finish with award-winner pastry chef Florent Margaillan’s original spin on tarte Tropezienne, a flaky round pastry oozing with orange blossom-infused pastry cream and pistachios. Breakfast isn't included, but the gargantuan spread of homemade cakes, crepes, smoked salmon, and hot dishes will keep you going until late afternoon, at the least. Anything to say about the service?Smooth and attentive to your heart’s most whimsical desires, no matter the hour. The concierge organizes everything from a ride down the coast in a classic vintage car, to boat excursions to the Italian Riviera or the Lérins Islands near Cannes. What sort of person comes here?European sophisticates en famille, film, rock and sports stars incognito, political bigwigs, and foodies. What’s the neighborhood scene like?Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is just a 10-minute drive from Beaulieu-sur-mer, where there's a smattering of high-end shops, some lovely cafés in the market square, and a few notable portside restaurants. A spin to Monaco is de rigueur for the young and restless. Tell us about the spa experience.Among a long list of body and facial treatments by eco-luxe Australian company Sodashi, the French holistic brand Biologique Recherche, the star 90-minute signature treatment by Swiss company Dr. Burgener, “The Gardens of the Cap”—an anti-aging plumping facial made with extracts of plants from the hotel garden, a fragrant mix of crimson roses, lemons, honey, and lavender that leaves you feeling aglow. Anything you'd change?Not a thing. Anything we missed?Ocean access is difficult on the jagged rocks, but head to the nearby private pebbly beach, Paloma, a turquoise cove with a superb waterside restaurant featuring the grilled local catch of the day. A final note: is it worth it?To daydream with impunity is a luxury, and this is one place to do it. The spirit of the Riviera lives on in all its nostalgic glory combined with a savvy team, mouth-watering cuisine, and spellbinding views." - Lanie Goodman

"Though many of the world's most expensive hotels are rather new, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat opened in 1908, and its guest register includes such names as Winston Churchill, Marc Chagall, and Elizabeth Taylor. The palatial grande dame of the French Riviera, now a Four Seasons property, sits atop a Mediterranean-facing cliff — a funicular transports guests down to the pool, beach club, and Club Dauphin restaurant, one of three on the property. While the standard guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, it's the suites that really dazzle with their broad terraces, some of which have panoramic views from Monaco to Nice." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"From Emily’s swish sea-view suite to the water’s edge swimming pool and gleaming lobby, the grand residence at the tip of the Cap Ferrat peninsula encapsulates the timeless luxury of the French Riviera."