A saltwater pool fed directly by the Mediterannean Sea is the most recognizable feature at Hôtel Les Roches Rouges, a luxury property along the Côte d’Azur that’s so glamorous you may feel inclined to snag a whole new wardrobe just to make the trip. Mediterannean gardens and a bright, mid-century atmosphere give the place a sense of sophisticated ease, while a Michelin-starred restaurant and wellness center by French skincare brand Esthederm give an added reminder of luxury. So, for your next indulgent birthday bash, grab a few new sundresses from Moda Operandi, call your best girlfriends, and jet set off to the French Riviera.
Photography by Benoît Linero
Relaxed Provençal Glamour
The seaside resort is a stunner inside and out. The grand, stark-white mid-century building sits just along the Mediterranean, surrounded by gardens, a seawater pool and a lap pool, and multiple cozy lounges where guests can soak up the sunshine or hide under a shade sail. Inside, 49 soft white rooms are minimally decorated with mid-century objects, natural textiles and pops of rich ochre tones and deep blue hues. Whether sea-facing or garden-facing, each suite has a garden or a terrace. For those considering bringing friends along for a birthday extravaganza, the family suite includes two bedrooms and bathrooms along with a cozy lounge space and roomy balcony. 
Beachfront Dining & Three Bars
Traditional Provençal fare fills the menus at both of the hotel’s restaurants. All-day dining at the beachfront takes a casual approach, with offerings like a niçoise salad or catch of the day. The indoor-outdoor dining space at the terrace is the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, which reflects a more formal take on Provençal classics like pouprihoun e tóuteno (small octopus, squid, seaweed), lou mourre de gat (small purple stuffed artichokes), and agnèu (lamb, rosemary and wild garlic). The wine list includes local rosés, whites from Macedonia, reds from Catalan and so on. There are three bars on the property, each utilizing the best of local produce and flavors.As far as bucket list worthy birthday meals go, we’re pretty sure a combination of all of the above will have you lapping up the life of luxury in culinary paradise.
South of France
The Mediterranean beaches and glamorous reputation of the French Riviera draw most tourists to Saint-Raphaël, and nearby towns like Cannes and Saint Tropez offer plenty of dining and activity options. Hôtel Les Roches Rouges offers guests access to an open-air cinema, live music evenings and cooking, sailing or surfing courses. Standup paddle boards, kayaks, and fishing and snorkeling gear are also available. Prefer to keep this birthday party on dry land? Hike or mountain bike the red volcanic rock of the nearby Esterel Mountains. Then again, just lounging by the sea is always a good way to spend a celebratory day.
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