Elite Traveler May-June 2015

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2015 ISSUE 3 117

One week Monte Carlo, St-Jean-Cap- Ferrat, Saint-Tropez

THE DETAILS ONE WEEK STAY HOTEL METROPOLE MONTE-CARLO 4 Avenue de la Madone Monte Carlo

facial treatment for that super-glam glow. Avoid the traffic and book a helicopter to Grimaud, near Saint- Tropez with Héli Sécurité, and escape the crowds at the minimalist gem, La Réserve Ramatuelle on the rocky coastline west of the Pampelonne beaches. Each of the vast 19 suites has a south-facing terrace, but families may prefer the ultra-private garden villas. The star attraction is the 10,000 sq ft wellness center with customized programs (think luxury boot camp), hydrotherapy sessions and massages with luxurious La Mer products. Eric Canino’s flavorsome, but featherlight Mediterranean dishes have just earned La Voile at La Réserve a Michelin star – and is the place for the health conscious. Ask concierge Jacky Grenon to book you in for lunch at Le Club 55, where gracious owner Patrice de Colmont knows the favorite tables of his glittery clientele. La Vague d’Or, in Saint-Tropez at the Résidence de la Pinède, is where three-Michelin star chef Arnaud Donckele dishes up an eight-course tasting menu: baby lobster and red mullet garnished with pearls of caviar and seaweed salad; pasta stuffed with black truffle and foie gras with basil-spiked violet artichokes, and a lime-infused, green apple, rhubarb soufflé. Designer boutiques abound inMonaco and Saint-Tropez. Don’t miss the new pavilions on the Monte Carlo Place du Casino, with an exclusive selection of shoes at the Chanel boutique. In Saint-Tropez, Christian Dior is housed in an 18th century honey-colored stone hôtel particulier, with a garden restaurant.

Fast cars, shiny yachts, turquoise waters, spa pampering and a large dose of far niente – guiltless lazing about – is all part of Riviera life. Arrive in a Bentley or Ferrari, arranged by Luxury Rental, and stay for a night or two at the Hôtel MetropoleMonte Carlo behind the buzzy Casino Square. This Jacques Garcia-designed, Tuscan-style palace is a stylish urban oasis that combines a peaceful ESPA (fitness studio and treatment rooms), outdoor lounge and pool, two superb restaurants (Joël Robuchon Monte Carlo and Yoshi) and comfortable rooms, and is only steps away from the luxury boutique-lined streets. Book the gold neo-baroque penthouse Carré d’Or suite, a favorite with visiting celebrities who party on the terrace overlooking the casino. Head concierge Serge Mandina will arrange anything your heart desires: lessons in a Formula 1 race car, a flight in an Albatross L39 fighter plane, jetski, or a helicopter ride. For a more restful trip, head down the coast to the beautifully renovated stately old world palace of the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat, now run by Four Seasons. Surrounded by lush gardens, this was a hangout for Jean Cocteau, Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin. Spacious suites have private plunge pools and the lovely four-bedroom, pink marble Villa Rose-Pierre has its own tennis courts and a staff of seven. Down by the rocks, the legendary Club Dauphin has an Olympic-size seawater pool that is a joy. Other highlights include talentedMichelin-starred chef, Didier Aniés who offers private cooking classes, and the Carita spa, offering a three-gold

+377 93 15 15 15 metropole.com

GRAND HOTEL DU CAP FERRAT Boulevard du Général de Gaulle Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat +33 493 76 50 31 grand-hotel-cap-ferrat.com LA RESERVE RAMATUELLE Chemin de la Quessine Ramatuelle +33 494 44 94 44 lareserve-ramatuelle.com

EAT JOEL ROBUCHON Hotel Metropole Restaurant Robuchon 4 Avenue de la Madone Monte-Carlo +377 93 15 15 10 joel-robuchon.com LA VAGUE D’OR Résidence de la Pinède Saint-Tropez

+33 494 55 91 00 residencepinede.fr

CLUB 55 Boulevard Patch Plage de Pamelonne, Ramatuelle +33 494 55 55 55 leclub55.com LA VOILE La Réserve Ramatuelle +33 94 44 94 44 lareserve-ramatuelle.com SHOP CHANEL MONACO SOULIERS Pavilions, Place du Casino Monte-Carlo +377 93 50 55 55 chanel.com

“The Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat was once a hangout for Jean Cocteau, Somerset Maugham and Charlie Chaplin”

CHRISTIAN DIOR 48 Rue Gambetta Saint-Tropez +33 498 12 67 67 dior.com

Top spots Top: Hôtel Metropole. Above: Pool villa at Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat