Like a flawless solitaire diamond waiting to be discovered, The Maybourne Riviera sits high above Monaco, perched on the edge of a cliff as if anticipating Poseidon, who might reach his hand out of the ocean far below, gently pick it up, and place it in a little drawstring pouch of treasured finds…”
Nicky Summer
BY NICKY SUMMER: From Monaco, as you look up towards the sky during the 20-minute winding drive up the mountain to The Maybourne Riviera, the hotel appears like a tiny gem dropped onto a clifftop. Wow! It’s only when you get there that you realise it’s a fairly normal-sized hotel, with 69 rooms and suites, but its location is anything but ordinary. In fact, there’s nothing ‘normal’ at all about the Maybourne Riviera – from the dramatic contemporary architecture by the legendary Richard Meier to the warm welcome from the staff, to the jaw-droppingly beautiful accommodations and the incredible views from every one of its floor-to-ceiling picture windows…
Wow! The views down on to the beaches on one side and Monaco on the other… Rue de Turbie, where The Maybourne Riviera is positioned, has featured in various films due to its picturesque scenery and iconic status. One notable film that showcases the beauty of Monaco, including its streets and landscapes, is ‘To Catch a Thief’, filmed back in 1954, which was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starred Cary Grant and Grace Kelly…”
Nicky Summer
The first thing that struck me on arrival was the genuine warmth of the staff, as there often is at hotels in The Maybourne Group – think The Berkeley, Claridges and The Connaught in London, plus The Maybourne Beverly Hills. The second thing I noticed is the spaciousness of the lobby – all white, decorated with contemporary art, designer floral arrangements, and accessorised with candles and beautiful, colourful books. Thirdly, the lovely scent in the air and the general ambience – serene and exuding Riviera style…
A warm smile and a polished presence are the first steps to making guests feel at home – it extends beyond ‘courtesy’. At The Maybourne Riviera, it’s not just about providing a service; it’s about creating an experience where every detail, from a friendly greeting to a well-groomed appearance, speaks volumes about the hotel’s care and commitment to excellence…”
Nicky Summer
Up on the 10th floor, I’d been appointed a (James Bond-esque) Panoramic Sea View Suite, which has semi-wraparound views of the ocean that encompass three countries: Wow, yet again! Italy to the east, the Med directly in front, Monaco obliquely to the west, and France just beyond that…
The suites are enormous, with ample entertaining space, a fantastic bedroom, and a spacious bathroom with a dressing area. A wide balcony surrounds the suite, furnished with tables, chairs, and sun loungers. At night, the lights of Monte Carlo sparkle like jewels in the darkness – serious wow factor – and the only sounds are those of birds twittering as they fly past at eye-level and the ocean waves far, far below…
NOTES: I appreciate the small things – which are actually the big things; WiFi access and speed: EXCELLENT! (And this is quite unusual on some parts of the riviera). The Maybourne Riviera also has non-complicated lighting settings (push-button on and off) and easy to use temperature control hardware (up or down). Plus, the soundproofing between rooms is fantastic, I could hear a pin drop. The shower is extra-spacious. Additionally, there are British sockets for those who forget an adaptor, little clips to organise your phone cables, eye masks and makeup remover hair bands – every detail has been thought of… you could live happily here for days and want for nothing!
The art, furnishings, flooring, and elegant accessories are all coordinated to create a fresh, ocean-inspired theme. The marble bath is deep, and there are plenty of mirrors and lighting for makeup or shaving. A box of amenities holds everything you may need during your stay – shoe shine cloths, bath soak, and cotton wool pads. The hairdryer is by Dyson, the automated loo is by TOTO, and the toiletries are by Surrenne and Bamford, which are always appreciated…”
Nicky Summer
During my stay at The Maybourne Riviera, there were a couple of days of rain, which were welcome after a baking hot summer. When I visited the pool area, there was none of the usual buzz associated with high season; however, it gave me the opportunity to have a laid-back discussion with the staff about the beauty of the dramatic overcast skies, the decor and how thoughtfully the space has been designed…
I then made my way to the spa area for a steam and was grateful for the continued peace and serenity; I also checked out the gym, which is situated outside under a canopy overlooking the ocean. While I was there, I decided to explore and discovered the chef’s herb garden (below, right). After the rain, you can just imagine the wonderful scent in the air!
The design throughout the hotel is impeccable – decorated in ocean and sky blues with creams and pale wood… the only dramatic exception being the stunning copper-fronted, scarlet-lit, super-smooth elevators that take you down from 10 to 5 in 3 seconds. Wow!”
Nicky Summer
Le Bar 300 and ‘The Riviera Restaurant’ are located on the same level as reception, Level 5, while the rest of the property stretches down another five floors ‘below ground’, facing the Mediterranean Sea. Both the restaurant and bar, which are adjoined, have been designed to create a cozy contemporary Provençal vibe – F1/Grand Prix-inspired art decorates the walls, complemented by super-comfortable cream leather-upholstered seating and menus adorned with simplistic art featuring coastal drawings, fruit, and flowers…”
The bar menu has a fantastic range of wines, champagnes, spirits, cocktails, and mocktails. I’ve noticed that as more and more people give up alcohol for health and well-being reasons, many hotels, bars, and restaurants are becoming extra creative with their alcohol-free options. I chose the ‘WINTER GARDEN’ (above, left), which seemed appropriate for the timing of this review – it’s a blend of ‘Garden’ by Seedlip, pear juice, green cardomum, lemon juice and egg white. Before that was served, I’d been offered a gesture of a bubbly strawberry welcome drink in a coupe glass, which is very much the ‘slightly retro’ Maybourne Riviera way…
Wow! I love these large Provençal olives with tiny stem attached – they’re delicious and so addictive!”
Nicky Summer
The Riviera Restaurant has a brasserie vibe – smart casual dining with a menu featuring plenty of healthy vegetarian and pescatarian options. I opted for a shaved artichoke salad, followed by lobster pasta; both dishes offered an innovative twist on the classic recipes. For dessert, I enjoyed a pomegranate and cinnamon creation, and the chef insisted I also try his signature lemon meringue dessert with a frozen cream cheese centre…
The generosity of the hospitality at The Maybourne Riviera was overwhelming. I was greeted with a handwritten welcome note from Francisco Garcia, the General Manager, a bottle of delicious alcohol-free champagne on ice, a platter of perfectly ripened fruit and autumnal berries, and the chef’s signature dessert: a lemon éclair. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left, I kept discovering little gifts throughout the suite – a toiletries bag, a monogrammed purse hook, a shoulder bag, and a beach bag embroidered with ‘CITY & BEACH LIFESTYLE.’ The effort that the team at Maybourne put into these thoughtful gestures was incredible…
One of the senior managers mentioned to me that the hotel is now considered a ‘must-do’ by overseas visitors on their list of grand hotels stretching all the way along the coast from Monaco to St. Tropez. Having only opened three years ago, it instantly became a magnet for the rich and famous, with the fantastic reputation of The Maybourne Group preceding it…”
Nicky Summer
Who’d love this hotel? Anyone desiring a flawless experience. It’s ideal for the jet-setter looking for the perfect place to base themselves while hopping all along the Riviera from St. Tropez to Cannes in the summer, as Monaco Heliport is relatively close by, near the Port Hercule area. The aesthetically aware who’d appreciate all the architectural and decorative details. Movie stars, rock stars, sports stars – anyone wanting to get away from it all. It’s also great for locals seeking the perfect date night or weekend escape, honeymoon couples, and the health-conscious. There’s an outdoor gym, a fabulous infinity pool, sun decks, a spa with both a steam room and sauna, and plenty of vegetarian and pescatarian options on all the menus!
There’s even a ‘Healthy Breakfast’ option that includes freshly squeezed juices, avocado and poached eggs on toast, hot drinks, and fresh fruit, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to order in the morning. Plus, the hotel is perfect for anyone visiting Monte Carlo as a guest at one of the amazing gala occasions, sporting events, or shows who wants to feel set apart from the hustle and bustle. It’s also great for anyone who may be on a super-yacht and would appreciate some equally luxurious time on land. To sum up my experience in one word, The Maybourne Riviera is: Flawless!
WEBSITE: http://www.maybourneriviera.com
