French Riviera Hotels|Èze-Bord-de-Mer, France

Le Cap Estel

Name: Le Cap Estel
Telephone: 33-4-93-76-29-29

A secluded seaside sanctuary on the French Riviera

VERIFIED LUXURY

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In a region defined by ritzy resorts, the intimate, 20-room Le Cap Estel has managed to remain something of a secret on the French Riviera. The turn-of-the-century estate is the opposite of the Côte d’Azur’s see-and-be-seen mentality. Shielded from view, the seafront hotel sits on a private peninsula spanning nearly five acres in Eze-Bord-de-Mer, sandwiched between glitzy Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Irish publisher Frank Harris, a close friend of Oscar Wilde, transformed former pig pastures into a haute winter escape for wealthy Americans in the early 1900s — and the exclusive enclave changed hands a few times leading up to end of World War II. But for nearly half a century, from the 1950s on, the Florentine-inspired main villa with its Greek temple-style columns was a meeting place for everyone from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles, who found inspiration here for their hit song “Michelle.”

The rollicking parties have since subdued as Cap Estel’s Eden-like oasis of rose gardens and waterfalls has emerged as a seaside sanctuary where wellness is at the forefront. But indulgences still abound in the form of world-class La Table du Cap Estel and a secluded private beach unlike any other on the Riviera.

Our Inspector's Highlights

Rooms and suites are spread across four floors of the pale pink Manor House, all of which feature terraces with 180-degree sea views; housed in contemporary pavilion Les Jardins, at the boutique hotel’s entrance; and three deluxe rooms are at foot of the beach. Two of the most specular suites, however, are in Le Parc — carved into the sea wall, with balconies and private suspended above the waves.
The outdoor infinity pool (along with a Jacuzzi) is built into the tip of the cape and shows off sweeping vistas of the Mediterranean Sea, nearby towns like Cap d’Ail and, on a clear day, the island of Corsica. The spa’s expansive indoor pool is equally as impressive, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony hovering over the sea, making it feel as if you’re on a yacht deck.
A path leads from a lantern-lit cave down to the pebble-lined plage, where you can bask in complete privacy on the sunbed-clad perched wooden deck.
The spa’s heated pools, outdoor Jacuzzi, hammam and sauna — complete with panoramic sea views — form a sumptuous water playground perfect for lingering before or after a Sothys skincare treatment or massage. If you want to indulge in a blow-dry, the hair salon offers appointments by reservation.
On the ground floor of the main, neo-classical Manor House, chef Patrick Raingeard — who cut his teeth under acclaimed French chef Alain Passard — helms fine-dining La Table du Cap Estel, which celebrates flavors of the Côte d’Azur with local touches, like langoustine roasted with thyme flowers and barbajuan fritter-inspired stuffed zucchini flowers. If the four-, five- or seven-course tasting is too extravagant, you can order dishes à la carte, or dine casually in the gardens on fresh, light fare at Mediterranean-style Le Ficus.

Things to Know

Cap Estel’s location near Monaco is a great base for exploring both the French and Italian Rivieras, since it’s just a short ride to Liguria’s gorgeous seaside towns like San Remo, nicknamed Italy’s Monte Carlo.
The summer “Nuits Dime On” concert series brings a mix of local and international acts ranging from blues guitarists and string and brass arrangements to indie-pop and DJ sets at a stage on the lawn under the stars.
The French Riviera hotel can arrange a yoga instructor for a session in the gardens and personal trainer at the expansive fitness studio overlooking the sea. Other activities include tennis on the private court, boules and snorkeling off Cap Estel’s own beach.

Amenities