Had they arrived a couple of millennia later than they did, the Romans would have describe the Maybourne Riviera—and the way it seems to have grown organically from a cliff-face scored by the winding roads of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin—as “in situ”.
Striking modernist, avant-garde architecture; world-class gastronomy; impeccable service levels, from arrival to check-out, overseen by German general manager Boris Messmer; an atmosphere that is perfect for a regenerative break from life’s hectic pace… The list of draws when it comes to this hospitality gem, following an eight-year overhaul completed in mid-2021, is a lengthy one.
Taking in a breathtaking panorama—carpeted by the glittering Mediterranean and ceilinged by an Yves Klein Blue sky, stretching from the Italian border to Monte Carlo—the hotel also offers inviting views of pine forests, ancient olive groves, lemon trees and small villages with terracotta roofs. It’s difficult to gaze through the floor-toceiling windows of any of the 66 light-bathed rooms without being tempted to take a long walk, possibly culminating in a stroll through the narrow streets of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, from the medieval castle to the old town.
You’ll struggle to leave the premises though: the unique interiors—inspired by the modernist architecture of the region as well as the cultural heritage of the creative luminaries who have frequented it, from Cézanne to Coco Chanel to Le Corbusier—somehow manage to be soothing and yet striking. Pulse-slowing well-being is a priority here: whilst the outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool and gym are par for the course in these parts, the spa—designed by André Fu, who has opted for gentle curves and contours, in contrast to the craggy shapes and textures of the rocks surrounding the premises, to soothing effect—is a game-changer: one which boasts “restorative bodywork and the latest “bioinnovation”, as the hotel puts it.
Developers set out, from the start, to make this a gastronomic destination, and triple-starred chef Mauro Colagreco has come up with two on-site epicurean gems; Ceto, named after a primordial sea goddess in Greek mythology, focuses on responsible fishing and lesser-known marine products such as sea fennel; the Riviera Restaurant offers the Chef ’s unique interpretations of local gastronomic classics such as Artichokes salad, spaghetti al pesto and tarte tropézienne.
Robb Report has taken the unusual step of awarding this establishment a Best of the Best gong for two years running: given its status as the most unique, and endlessly appealing, property in this part of the world, it would be remiss of us not to do so.
From around €2,100 per night for the Riviera Suite, and €600 for a Corniche room; maybourne.com
