Situated between Cannes and Nice on France’s salubrious Cote d’Azur, Antibes is one of the great beach resorts of the world. The 16th-century ramparts of its old town and stunning blue waters of its coast have been drawing the great and the good for generations.
The Hôtel Belle Rives (Photo: The Hôtel Belle Rives Courtesy Booking.com)
In luxury terms, Antibes has been in the game longer than most, with many of its hotels boasting storied histories and an eye-watering roster of guests from both past and present. It should come as no surprise that high price tags abound, though here at TravelMag we’ve sought high and low for the very best deals: the places where that price-tag can be felt down to the bed sheets and the luxury Antibes establishments that won’t (quite) break the bank.
The Hôtel Belle Rives
Where F. Scott Fitzgerald began the definitive Cote d’Azur novel, Tender is the Night, The Hôtel Belle Rives remains the archetypal luxury retreat on the French Riviera. Situated directly on the waterfront and with rooms and common spaces overflowing with Art Deco charm, it would make any list of best places in the world to enjoy an early-evening cocktail. There’s no onsite spa, unlike many of its similarly priced competitors, but you can get an outdoor massage on the private dock. The food and views from its Michelin-starred restaurant meanwhile are worth visiting for alone. From 208 euros per night
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel
Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel (Photo: Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel Courtesy Booking.com)
Luxury doesn’t get much more luxurious than this. With two restaurants onsite, including the sumptuous Michelin-starred Les Pêcheurs, its own private sandy beach, spa, and impeccable modern stylings, be prepared for some pinch-yourself comfort. Topping it off are the staff, who are all extremely friendly and accommodating, and put a human face onto paradise. The only downside, it doesn’t come cheap. From 664 euros per night
Thalazur Antibes
Affordable, modern, and still very, very nice, not only is Thalazur Antibes less than five minutes from the beach, but it has its very own heated seawater swimming pool if you don’t fancy fighting for deck chairs in the outside world, or just want to follow up your dip by plunging into a jacuzzi. It may not have quite the level of style as some of the other picks on this list, but you get the same stunning sea views from its rooms and the spa is just as relaxing as in other more expensive properties. From 115 euros per night
Hôtel Sainte Valérie
Hôtel Sainte Valérie (Photo: Hôtel Sainte Valérie Courtesy Booking.com)
Promising smaller scale, more intimate pampering, Hôtel Sainte Valérie is in a family house with a lush well-tended garden and the kind of swimming pool dreams are made of, just back from the beach. Flashes of purple bougainvillea stream across the building itself, the town is nearby, and the breakfast buffet so tasty you’ll find yourself longing for mornings. From 206 euros per night
Hotel Alexandra
Offering unpretentious comfort in an old fashioned building that’s been seamlessly brought into the 21st Century with some understated modern design, the Hotel Alexandra is all about letting guests get the most of Antibes as a whole. Family run, the owners will chat happily about the best beaches in town, rent you bicycles and nautical equipment, lend towels for the beach, and more. There’s also a lovely garden where breakfast is served on sunny mornings. From 103 euros per night