Hotel Imperial Garoupe by Jamie Dunford Wood

Provencal-style retreat on Cap d'Antibes run by the son of M. Irondelle of Eden Roc fame, set back frm the beach and road behind hedges and walls, an oasis of calm. Low two storey terracotta buildings surrounding lawns and a pool lend a sense of privacy and calm. The 34 rooms are bright and airy, a sense of humour displayed in the hand-painted minibars, the best of the deluxes facing the pool at no extra charge. TVs are old fashioned - clearly, in Irondelle fashion, not a priority.

Good quality repro antiques are scattered about the hotel, and the smallish bathrooms are in old fashioned pink marble. Only the suites have separate showers. All rooms have sit out terraces. It's a short walk across the road to a private beach - charged for - and a charming beachside restaurant - however the beach here is not particularly fashionable or appealing, but the upside is its free of crowds. However, most guests will rest by the pool or lounge in the charming gardens. Public spaces are filled with flower arrangements, a small but important attention to detail that bodes well on arrival.