#1 hotel in the world: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France

Last updated . 18 September 2018

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France was ranked #1 in our countdown of the 100 Best Hotels and Resorts in the World.

“The most breathtaking views of the sea” Kirstie Clements

Tradition, position and Côte d’Azur cachet – Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has it all.

Occupying a 19th-century chateau, the iconic hotel is surrounded by meticulously groomed gardens and century-old pine trees on the French Riviera. A recent refurb has re-imagined the hotel at its Gatsby peak, retaining the traditional South of France elegance but restoring its legendary pizzazz.

It’s all about the views

The incredible views of the French Riviera are best taken in from the iconic heated infinity seawater swimming pool carved into the rock face – or while basking in the warm Mediterranean sun in one of the 33 quintessential, rustic seafront cabanas.

The rooms

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s 117 guestrooms are in three different locations: the main Hotel du Cap, the original Villa Soleil which exudes historic glamour, the Eden-Roc Pavilion with the sea right below, and Les Deux Fontaines Residence, the more private part of the hotel with its particularly fresh and light interiors.

Eden-Roc Villa, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France

The shining jewel in the hotel’s accommodation has got to be the Eden-Roc Suites. The suite is the height of luxury, occupying pride of place atop the Eden-Roc Pavilion and commanding unrivalled views of the Lérins Islands and the Mediterranean Sea. The perfect place to enjoy spectacular sunsets, this unique 100sqm suite has a fabulous teak terrace, which extends to a graceful pergola and a Jacuzzi. The Eden-Roc Suite is a profoundly glamorous space, ideal for hosting a private dinner.

The family villa is called Villa Eleana, and as the name suggests, is it’s own private property within the hotel grounds. It features three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a magnificent living room, a private study, top specification kitchen and private swimming pool. Guests of the villa will also enjoy a personal butler and the use of a cabana for the duration of their stay, and may also request the services of a private chef if desired.

Villa Eleana, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France

The food is on point

Eden-Roc Restaurant, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes, France

The two main options for guests of the hotel are the Eden-Roc Restaurant and the Eden-Roc Grill. The restaurant features views of the Lérins Islands, and epitomises the elegance of the French Riviera. Enjoy the freshest seafood and Mediterranean flavours daily for lunch and dinner and there is a sophisticated buffet available, as well as the option to dine a la carte.

Eden-Roc Grill is perched on the tip of Cap d’Antibes, overlooking the seawater pool below. As the name suggests, diners can experience sumptuous grills, risottos and light salads with fascinating depths of flavour and “Sushi by Koori”.

Guests are also welcome to enjoy 24-hour room service, dishing up some of the finest cuisine straight to your room, or villa, to be enjoyed around the pool with family.

So much to do, so little time

There’s also tennis, endless watersports, luxury yachting, a gym, yoga and a wellness centre to fill guests’ days before they indulge in a Dom Pérignon at the Champagne Lounge, followed by tapas and sushi at the on-trend Eden-Roc Grill.

The on-site Spa Eden-Roc is run in conjunction with skincare super brand, La Prairie and offers some of the most pampering treatments of any hotel in the world, such as the Caviar Instant Lift Facial. Prior to treatment, guests can relax in the sauna or steam room. The stunning duo cabin is designed for couples’ treatments, and the halotherapy sea salt wall is deeply beneficial for respiratory and skin treatments.

Plenty for the kids, too

Throughout June, July and August there is a full calendar of creative and fun activities for the little ones to take part in in the afternoons, from 3pm-7pm. When they’re not hanging out at the kids club, it’s common to see kids in one of the luxury family villas at the hotel. The hotel also has stunning gardens, perfect for families to guests to relax, stroll – and even get lost in.

It’s had some famous guests

Churchill, JFK, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Picasso, Scott Fitzgerald, Audrey Hepburn and other luminaries have stayed here. These days it’s a sanctuary from the glaring lights of Cannes for many a Hollywood A-lister.

If only these walls could talk…