Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat: 7 ways to rediscover the artists’ favourite, the Côte d’Azur, in princely style

A sublime location, luxuriant gardens on the Cap Ferrat spur, and artistic guests... The renovation work completed in 2009 rejuvenated the hotel without changing its character, opting for clean lines, gentle colours, and quality materials. The interior designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon, drew inspiration from the 40s and 50s to get the utmost from the location’s main asset: the light which attracted the hedonistic painters that helped launch the Côte d’Azur!

Overlooking the sea, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat has expanded its footprint with La Résidence, a new wing containing 16 rooms and 8 suites (the original building houses 33 rooms and 16 suites), designed especially to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Our favourite rooms? The suites with private infinity pools and 30m² terraces, accompanied by the panoramic views one would naturally expect.

Picasso jotted a quick sketch in the swimming instructor’s guest book, instead of a signature. Open since the 1950s, the Club Dauphin is an institution with its almost full Olympic-size heated seawater pool, whose turquoise colour accentuates the deep blue of the sea below. This double azure line is the perfect horizon for hedonists who like to lounge around as they look down on the waves.

A regular guest, in the 1950s Coco Chanel helped launch the fashion for afternoon tea, and would definitely approve of the new version. More gourmet than ever before, this typically British afternoon snack has been given a French touch with a new “choux bun bar”. Citron de Menton, of course, but also goat’s cheese and truffles, these delicious treats can be savoured in the plush setting of La Rotonde, designed by Gustave Eiffel, with its exceptional sea views.

Why stay swaddled up in a cosy spa when the views are so good outside? Everything you need is found here, within a private 1200m² garden with five marquees where guests can enjoy an outdoor massage. It also boasts an open air fitness suite where you can sculpt your muscles while enjoying Mediterranean vistas worthy of a Signac landscape.

Jean Cocteau is the very soul of Le Cap, the hotel’s fine dining establishment, and owner of one Michelin star. One wall features a mural evoking its individual style, and the delicate dishes inspired by local Mediterranean fare are served on white tableware decorated with sea gods and goddess. This is a nod to the artist who tattooed the neighbouring Villa Santo Sospir, his holiday home in the area, with mythical figures.

The Salon des Collections has some prestigious bottles on display: 158 Château d’Yquem (from 1854 to 2011) and 21 Château Lafite Rothschild, dating between 1799 and 1899! The head sommelier hosts tastings.

It doesn’t get better than this: renting out the Villa Rose-Pierre all for yourself, a beautiful historic building covering some 550m², nestled into a pine forest and boasting panoramic terraces, tennis courts, fitness suite, and sauna! The interior is designed by Alberto Pinto, and the full hotel service is, like the space itself, exceptional.