There’s something especially cinematic about waking up in Antibes—the sea sparkling just beyond your balcony, the hush of waves lapping against the shore, and the soft elegance of a hotel steeped in old-world charm.
While the buzz of Cannes swirls just down the coast, my stay at Hôtel Belles Rives has offered the perfect escape: peaceful, poised, and undeniably luxurious.
From buttery croissants to sea-breeze spa moments, here’s a glimpse inside this glamorous hideaway that feels more like a well-kept secret than a hotel.
A Storied Setting with Riviera Soul
The French Riviera has long been a haven for poets, painters, and pleasure-seekers, but few places capture its spirit like Hôtel Belles Rives.
Perched directly on the water with its own private dock, this legendary retreat has welcomed literary icons and luminaries for nearly a century. This year marks a particularly poignant milestone—the 100th anniversary of The Great Gatsby, a novel penned just steps from where the hotel now stands.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Riviera legacy lives on here, not only in the atmosphere, but in a cultural calendar worthy of a Gatsby fête. From April’s decadent Bacchus Dinner to June’s Fitzgerald Prize and Bal des Rêvesgala, Hôtel Belles Rives continues to blend timeless glamour with modern Riviera sophistication.
With events like jazz nights honouring Cole Porter, live beachfront music on the summer solstice, and yacht regattas dotting the bay, the hotel is a portal to an era of elegance—with all the ease of contemporary luxury.
From Arrival to Enchantment From the moment we pulled up outside, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The fluttering flags lining the entrance set the tone—a grand yet welcoming arrival. Inside, the lobby revealed a blend of eclectic minimalism: striking artworks curated with a burst of blooms as its centerpiece, and soft sunlight pouring in from the sea-facing windows.
My very first experience set the tone: I was seated right by the water’s edge, handed a crisp French rosé, and served delicate, bite-sized amuse-bouches that were almost too pretty to eat. Upstairs, my room felt like a spread straight out of Veranda magazine—soothing, elevated, and utterly charming. A hand-painted elephant mural added a whimsical touch, while Missoni velvet furnishings played elegantly against a serene, sea-washed palette.
But the true showstopper? My balcony. With sweeping views of the Côte d’Azur, it brought to mind A Room with a View — the kind of place where the world pauses and the Mediterranean does all the talking. The Beauty Corner: Spa Serenity by the Sea Tucked discreetly inside the hotel is the Beauty Corner, a favourite of returning guests and festival regulars alike.
During Cannes, it becomes a retreat for those seeking a moment of stillness and restoration. I met with Spa Director Julie, who introduced me to their philosophy of refined, personalised care — all delivered with the signature elegance of the Valmont skincare line.
Their Tailor Made Facial Ritual began with a double cleanse and a de-puffing lymphatic massage, finishing with a collagen-rich mask that left me radiant just in time for red carpet interviews. The slimming body ritual was equally transformative, leaving me light, energised, and completely revived.
Riviera Dining, Reimagined Dining at Hôtel Belles Rives is a multi-sensory experience.
The Michelin-starredLa Passagère, helmed by Chef Aurélien Véquaud, delivers a Mediterranean seafood menu with artistic flair — the kind of meal that lingers long after the last bite. At the Fitzgerald Bar, jazz, cocktails, and Art Deco ambience swirl together for evenings that feel plucked from a 1930s Riviera dream. For something more casual yet equally captivating, La Plage Belles Rives offers sun-drenched lunches and starlit dinners with your toes in the sand.
My tip? Go for the truffled burrata, paired with a spritz and that unmistakable scent of sea and sunscreen.
Beachside Bliss and Nautical Thrills
The hotel’s private beach, complete with iconic striped umbrellas and effortless chic, is the epitome of Riviera leisure. TheBelles Rives Water Sports Club, where waterskiing was famously born, adds a dash of heritage and adrenaline to the mix.
Waterski lessons are available starting at €50—and they even have a “Water Ski Butler” on hand. Want to explore the coastline? Step aboard from the hotel’s private dock for a dreamy day trip to the Lérins Islands or Cap d’Antibes.
Yachting guests can even enjoy custom spa treatments onboard, or have their provisions delivered directly from the kitchen.
It’s seamless glamour—French Riviera style.
You can book your stay here: https://www.bellesrives.com/en/
