By Ema Lynnx
In Nice, some addresses naturally connect with the sea. Others overlook it. Located opposite the Bay of Angels, a few steps from the Promenade des Anglais, theAnantara Plaza Nice The hotel embodies that rare alchemy between heritage, horizon and lifestyle contemporary. Behind its fully restored Belle Époque facade, this five-star hotel cultivates a luminous elegance, punctuated by the infinite blue of the Mediterranean and the gentle way of life of the French Riviera.
Its location is one of its major assets, placing travelers at the heart of a city that can be explored as much on foot as by sea. In just a few minutes, you can reach Old Nice, with its maze of narrow streets lined with weathered facades, the Cours Saleya market where the aromas of Niçoise cuisine fill the air: fresh flowers, steaming socca, local olives, sun-ripened fruit, or Castle Hill, a verdant viewpoint offering one of the most iconic panoramas of the Riviera. From its heights, the Bay of Angels unfolds in all its curve, while the ochre facades and Baroque domes recall the city's Italian heritage.
The sea is never just a backdrop: it accompanies every moment of your stay. At dawn, runners pound the Promenade des Anglais, the first bathers settle onto the private beaches, and colorful fishing boats leave the port of Nice to head out to sea. From the hotel, a trip to Port Lympia opens the way to other horizons: Villefranche-sur-Mer and its deep harbor, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and its legendary villas, or even Monaco, accessible in just a few minutes along the Moyenne Corniche, one of the most spectacular roads in the Mediterranean.
This proximity to the vast landscapes of the French Riviera extends the experience beyond the city. Inland, the perched villages of Èze, La Turbie, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence offer a more rugged and artistic perspective of the Côte d'Azur. With their galleries, foundations, and artisans' workshops, they serve as reminders that Nice was one of the great centers of 20th-century creativity, from Matisse to Chagall, whose museums can now be visited as luminous retreats.
At the top of the hotel, the rooftop offers a truly unique vantage point overlooking this stunning landscape. SEEN by Olivier It has become one of the city's most sought-after gastronomic destinations. Suspended between sky and sea, it offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Angels, from the rooftops of Old Nice to the hills that define the French Riviera. By day, guests savor sun-drenched cuisine, open to the surrounding landscape. At sunset, the place transforms: expertly crafted cocktails, a hushed musical ambiance, and the soft light on the sea. Sunset then becomes a ritual, almost a daily spectacle, as the Alps plunge into the Mediterranean.
In contrast to this vibrant atmosphere, the hotel offers another form of escape: wellness. The Anantara Spa embraces a holistic approach, true to the group's philosophy. Designed as a soothing haven, it invites guests to slow down and reconnect with themselves, far from the bustle of the terraces and beaches. The personalized treatments reflect the Mediterranean spirit: after a day immersed in the sea and culture, time stands still in the warmth of the hammam, the precision of a signature massage, or the tranquility of the jacuzzi.
This ongoing dialogue between the hotel and its surroundings gives the address its unique character. The morning can begin with a swim facing the Promenade des Anglais, continue with a visit to the museums of Nice or a boat trip to the coves of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, before concluding on the rooftop facing the lights of the bay.
The Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel offers more than just a view of the Mediterranean. It provides a comprehensive way to experience the Riviera: from Belle Époque heritage and artistic culture to hilltop villages and the breathtaking seascape. This hotel appeals to both seasoned travelers to the French Riviera and discerning guests seeking a well-rounded stay, where the destination itself becomes a complete experience.
Photos: Patrick Koune
