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The Maybourne Riviera

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

A dazzling design temple on its own rocky pedestal

Set the scene: Cantilevered across the cliffs of the glittering Côte d’Azur, with Monaco’s purring soundtrack on one side and the Bellini-coloured townhouses of Menton on the other, this 300m high villa is a lair of superlative seduction. Unlike the Maybourne group’s cosy London outposts, the stark modernist style of The Maybourne Riviera, all clean-lines and cut glass, creates a sleek temple to art and design.

More on that design: The arresting exterior by veteran French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte has ample floor-to-ceiling windows and Colgate-white colouring that allows the bright, elegant light of the French Riviera to filter into minimalist interiors. The spa is an André Fu design, and other world-leading studios – including Rigby and Rigby and Bryan O’Sullivan – have had a hand in finessing its stylised, pastel-kissed look. Guests with no limitations should book one of three panoramic suites that serve 360-degree views of the glittering coastline – all 67 other rooms promise private terraces and, for a few, plunge pools.

A world of art: Step into the lobby and you’ll find The Couple, a Louise Bourgeois sculpture suspended from the ceiling. The welcome offers a sense of the hotel’s expansive art collection, which includes works by Clara Claus, Susan Elias and Matt Jukes dotted throughout the property.

Kitchen chat: Culinary excellence is where the Maybourne group excels. Two top chefs helm the hotel restaurants. At Ceto, Mauro Colagreco replicates the success of Mirazur in Menton (No. 1 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019), serving seafood grill and sophisticated dishes inspired by the coastal views. Down by the pool, Jean-George Vongerichten oversees La Piscine, where his famous truffle pizza is one of multiple moreish, luxurious dishes served up for a sparkling, tanned clientele. Colagreco also oversees The Riviera Restaurant on site.

Where’s the water? 300m below. The newly opened Maybourne La Plage is a Riviera pastiche of fringed parasols, magnums on ice, tangerine sun loungers and enticing infinity pool waters. The bar serves a killer spicy margherita, beloved by the yacht set.

Key Information

• Rooms: 67
• Starting Rate: $650
• Dining: Ceto, Riviera Restaurants
• Drinking: Le 300
• At the Hotel: Beach, swimming pool(s), spa/wellness centre, fitness centre, pet friendly, family friendly
• 1551 Rte de la Turbie, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
• +33 4 93 37 50 00
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