Growing up, I spent every summer in the south of France. There’s nothing better than the chirping of cicadas and the smell of the warm salty air to instantly transport me back to those childhood memories of family vacations filled with laughter, leisurely home-cooked meals and long afternoon naps on a chaise lounge by the pool. But now, thanks to a trip to the Anantara Plaza Nice, I have new core memories to add to the holiday album in my mind – moments I can flip through whenever the daily grind gets to be too much.
One of the strongest of these is when I first glimpsed the hotel on the iconic Promenade des Anglais. It was like stepping into a dream in which the mesmerising blue hues of the Mediterranean rushed up to meet me as the hotel effortlessly transported me to that beloved bygone era of la dolce vita when the sophistication of the French Riviera was at its peak and la joie de vivre felt like a national pastime.
Originally opened in 1848 as Nice’s first luxury hotel, this 19th-century architectural gem has been meticulously restored to its Belle Époque splendour and serves as an ideal home base from which to immerse yourself in the unique ambience of Le Sud. An enchanting blend of French elegance and Italian flair, with a dégradé of warm hues — from the soft pastels of dawn to the fiery oranges and pinks of sunset — characterises this picturesque city.
The hotel offers 151 rooms, including 38 sumptuous suites, that deftly blend old-world charm with modern comforts, creating spaces where history and contemporary sophistication coexist in style. Each room, many with sea-facing terraces, offers breathtaking views of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. The Baie des Anges Signature Suite and the Presidential Suite in particular, with their expansive living areas and panoramic terraces, are perfect for private, intimate celebrations, or for days spent sunbathing.
Just a leisurely ten-minute stroll from the hotel, the historic Ruhl Plage awaits with its retro-cool blue-and-white striped sunbeds that dot the pebbled shoreline. They offer a serene retreat where the gentle hum of the Mediterranean waves soothes the soul and can effortlessly rock you to sleep if you aren’t careful.
This family-owned gem not only prides itself on delivering a quintessential French Riviera beach experience but also dishes out authentic Niçoise cuisine that captures the savoury spirit of the city. Within the walls of The Anantara Spa at Anantara Plaza Nice, five luxurious treatment rooms await, alongside an invigorating hammam and a rejuvenating sauna, meticulously crafted to elevate your wellness journey.
The spa embraces the sea’s healing powers with top-tier marine skincare products and the finest natural essential oils sourced from the perfume capital of Grasse. Its signature Coucher de Soleil oil wraps guests in a cocoon of relaxation, reminiscent of the Riviera’s breathtaking sunsets. Here, every treatment is a bespoke experience, from soothing massages that melt away tension to facials that illuminate your natural glow. The 24-hour gym is also ready and waiting for those keen to offset any overly indulgent holiday meals.
Speaking of which, a visit to Anantara Plaza Nice’s SEEN by Olivier restaurant is a must. Merging contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views of the city and the Baie des Anges makes for quite the picture postcard moment.
Curated by the renowned chef-entrepreneur Olivier da Costa, this rooftop restaurant serves as a visceral celebration of all five of the senses. The menu features Niçoise specialities and exquisite local ingredients like black truffles from Le Rouret and fresh sea urchins, offering guests a unique gastronomic journey set against spectacular 360-degree vistas.
And when it comes to making memories, Anantara Plaza Nice more than delivers. The hotel offers a number of curated experiences that transport guests deep into the heart of the vibrant culture and history of the French Riviera. Highlights include the ‘In the Footsteps of Coco Chanel’ tour, providing insights into the life of the iconic designer.
Another unique adventure awaits in the medieval village of Biot, where guests can sign up for a glass-blowing workshop and enjoy a traditional French meal. For dining, Le Plongeoir restaurant offers a remarkable experience perched above the Mediterranean, serving up fresh seafood with quite a dramatic backdrop.
Vintage car rentals are also available for guests wishing to explore the Riviera in retro style and try to recreate the glamour of its golden age. Just imagine the sun warming your face as you drive the winding streets, the breeze carrying hints of sea salt and pine, while you navigate through breathtaking landscapes and vibrant coastal towns. Each of these thoughtful activities that the hotel proffers to its guests is designed to weave together the historical threads and modern luxuries of the Riviera into a rich, colourful tapestry of experiences that will eventually fade into poetic memories.
The Anantara Plaza Nice is a hotel that acts like a portal, through which visitors can travel back in time with palatial ease. It encapsulates the essence of the French Riviera, blending its historical charm with all the necessities of modern luxury travel. With its discreet staff and thoughtful services, the hotel has managed to create a charming haven of elegance and relaxing tranquillity.
At first glance, it promises you an unforgettable stay, and by the time you check out, it has more than delivered on that promise.
