Waking Up in Riviera Bliss During The Cannes Film Festival: A Luxe Escape to Hôtel Belles Rives, Antibes

hotel shot on Riviera
Mary Zavaglia

Beauty Expert

May 18, 2025

Tucked along the glittering Côte d’Azur, Antibes is where romance, Riviera elegance, and cinematic beauty converge. And waking up at the legendary Hôtel Belles Rives is like stepping into a sun-drenched film scene—waves whispering outside your balcony, vintage glamour around every corner, and a deep sense of calm just minutes from the Cannes commotion.

The Beach Club
The Beach Club at Hôtel Belles Rives

A Hotel with Literary Heart and Timeless Glamour

More than just a five-star stay, Hôtel Belles Rives is a piece of French Riviera history. The former villa of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, the hotel continues to channel the golden age of the 1920s, a century on from The Great Gatsby. This year, it marks the novel’s 100th anniversary with a season of opulent events, from the dazzling Bal des Rêves to live jazz soirées that honour Fitzgerald’s contemporaries.

Yet its charm isn’t stuck in the past—Hôtel Belles Rives is a seamless blend of old-world grandeur and modern-day indulgence.

Where Every Detail Delights

From the moment you arrive, there’s a sense of being looked after. The lobby’s artful design sets the mood: curated contemporary pieces, fresh blooms, and soft light spilling in from the Mediterranean.

Upstairs, each room is a study in serene sophistication. Think velvet Missoni textures, whimsical hand-painted murals, and balconies that open onto sweeping sea views—offering the kind of pause that feels rare and restorative.

My favourite moment? Sitting by the water with a chilled rosé in hand, nibbling on jewel-like amuse-bouches as the sun melted into the horizon.

Spa Rituals and Seaside Serenity

Nestled quietly within the hotel is the Beauty Corner spa, a haven for skin rejuvenation and inner stillness—especially during the glitz and grind of the Cannes season. Under the expert care of Spa Director Julie, guests enjoy bespoke rituals using Valmont skincare, known for its scientific precision and luxe formulations.

From sculpting body treatments to collagen-rich facials, this is the place for red-carpet prep or post-travel renewal.

facial
The Beauty Corner spa at Hôtel Belles Rives

Flavours to Savour

Dining at Hôtel Belles Rives is an invitation to linger and indulge. At La Passagère, Chef Aurélien Véquaud crafts a Michelin-starred menu that showcases Mediterranean seafood with artistic flair. The restaurant is both a culinary destination and a visual feast, with dishes almost too exquisite to eat.

Hôtel Belles Rives
Hôtel Belles Rives: The Bite Sized Amuse -Bouches

For more casual bites, La Plage Belles Rives offers laid-back beachside dining—think truffled burrata, Aperol spritzes, and the salty-sweet perfume of the sea.

In the evening, the Fitzgerald Bar beckons with its Art Deco glow, jazz rhythms, and cocktails that carry a whisper of Gatsby’s era.

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Riviera Adventure, Your Way

The hotel’s private beach is pure Riviera chic, with striped umbrellas and effortless service. Water lovers can take to the sea with the Belles Rives Watersports Club—credited as the birthplace of waterskiing. Guests can book lessons, hop on a boat to explore Cap d’Antibes, or even enjoy spa treatments aboard a private yacht.

From sea to spa, this is luxury that flows as easily as the waves themselves.

Planning Your Riviera Escape?
Explore more or book your stay: bellesrives.com

Mary Zavaglia
Mary Zavaglia

The name Mary Zavaglia is recognized within the Beauty and Wellness industry as the one woman you can trust to make you look and feel good. An authority in all facets of beauty reporting, commentary and direction. Mary is both an award-winning beauty journalist and sought-after consultant for international beauty brands and luxury destination spa resorts. A respected industry expert with insightful knowledge of the beauty world. Mary has been involved in the beauty industry for more than two decades, interviewing some of the most beautiful stars including Australia’s Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Miranda Kerr and Kylie Minogue as well as Hollywood greats such as Julia Roberts, Courtney Cox, Andie MacDowell, Jane Fonda and pop princess Fergie… just to name a few.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

By Mary Zavaglia

Beauty Expert

The name Mary Zavaglia is recognized within the Beauty and Wellness industry as the one woman you can trust to make you look and feel good. An authority in all facets of beauty reporting, commentary and direction. Mary is both an award-winning beauty journalist and sought-after consultant for international beauty brands and luxury destination spa resorts. A respected industry expert with insightful knowledge of the beauty world. Mary has been involved in the beauty industry for more than two decades, interviewing some of the most beautiful stars including Australia’s Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Miranda Kerr and Kylie Minogue as well as Hollywood greats such as Julia Roberts, Courtney Cox, Andie MacDowell, Jane Fonda and pop princess Fergie… just to name a few.

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