Hello everyone!
I’ve been away for a while due to ill health – thank you all for your lovely messages – but I’m back with hotel-going vengeance! No time to waste, pack your suitcase.
First stop is South of France, what could be more perfect? Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa looks out over the cobalt blue water of the Mediterranean and is the ultimate un-wind spot.
You can dip into the Riviera glam of Cannes. It’s all rather ‘yah’, but we all like a little of that now and again, so make sure your suitcase is packed with those jewelled sandals and gorgeous handbags!
If that gets too exhausting, this is the ultimate retreat. A discreet 59-bedroom hideaway set into the cliffs, a ten-minute drive from the pretty fishing village of Théoule-sur-Mer and close enough to Cannes for when you need that full-on glamour fix.
In its own coastal cove, it’s a blissful little spot where you can make the most of the enclosed gardens, pool and calm waters.
Lay your head >>
Some 30 spacious interconnecting room and suite options mean it’s an ideal choice for families.
Interiors are luxurious, inspired by signature Mediterranean colours and design with an oriental touch. It’s glamorous, chic and rather special.
Best room > The Miramar Suite has two elegant lounges, a dining room, sophisticated double bedroom and pergola terrace; this is a gorgeous room. Breathtaking views over the blue of the Mediterranean and panoramas of the surrounding tropical gardens. The suite has direct lift access to the spa and private bay area. It’s rather special. Very nice for honeymooners.
Sip & snack >>
The Beach Bar is the pool and seaside spot for a cooling drink or refreshing beer or as I enjoyed, some fabulous de-tox smoothies. The informal atmosphere is perfect for day time relaxation before candlelight and cocktails in the evening, with a DJ mixing laidback music in a spectacular water-side setting. The evening by the sea on the terrace is beautiful so peaceful it feels heavenly. G&T and fabulous seafood canapés come highly recommended.
Dine >>
Situated on the 4th floor, the Bistrot M offers uninterrupted sea views, and an opportunity to discover the specialties of Provence. With a menu of hand-picked ingredients, food is accompanied by delicious local wines.
For Cote d’Azur vistas, the more formal L’Or Bleu is an intimate choice for evenings. Located at the top of the cove with sensational panoramic views, Chef Fabrice Giraud creates spectacular gourmet Mediterranean dishes in a dreamy sea-meets-sky setting.
If you’re a seafood lover you must have the prawns, they are simply amazing grilled to your liking.
Do This >>
Go shopping along Cannes’ La Croisette, visit the local daily flower market or drive to the medieval hilltop village of Saint-Paul de Vence, which inspired Picasso and Matisse.
To be honest though, few things beat just lying by the pool looking over the sea being served cocktails. Fabulous and a perfect people-watching spot.
Spa time >>
I tried a fabulous treatment that was totally relaxing; the spa area is small but there is a great treatment menu and hairdressing can also be arranged. For sporty folk there’s a mixture of facilities, tennis courts, table tennis and fully equipped gym. Massages can be organised in the gardens of the hotel, and can be customised to suit your needs.
Eat Local >>
Aux Bons Enfants is lovely for a fun evening offering traditional Provencal cooking. Close to the Forville market, it is a tiny, local bistro with a daily market menu. Owner Luc Giorsetti – the third generation of Giorsettis – has no phone or fax. He accepts neither cheques nor credit cards but you can book in person and pay by cash.
Food highlights include classics like aioli, daube of beef, brandade of cod and traditional local fish delicacies.
Find it at 80 Rue Meynardier, Cannes
www.aux-bons-enfants.com
Fill your basket >>
Forville market can be reached by walking up the Rue Gazagnaire, nearly opposite the bus station. There is also one hour free parking at the Forville car park. In the market you will find a riot of colour, smells and tastes with flowers, fish, fruit and vegetables.
Gambetta market is at the other end of town, walk past the railway station going east along Rue Jean Jaures to Place Gambetta. In addition to all the great foods here you will also find clothes, shoes, jewellery and leather goods.
La Bocca market is a short bus ride away, Ligne 1 or 20. Fish, flowers, fruit and veg, deli counters etc can be found here.
Wow factor >>
The hotel can organise transfers by boat or helicopter.
For a day to remember, you can set sail in the morning from the hotel beach then head for the beaches of the Lerins Islands with a picnic lunch at the beach with your personal maître d’.
Return to a couples’ massage and finish the day with dinner in the private gardens with a sea view. About as romantic as it gets!
Get there >>
Nice is the closest airport, fly direct from Newcastle with easyJet, transfer is approx. 30 minutes.
Details > Nightly rates at Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa start from €160 based on two sharing and €€450 for a family of four in a junior suite seaview room on a B&B basis.
Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa
47 Avenue de Miramar, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer, France
www.miramar-beachspa.tiara-hotels.com
