Kiwi Curated
Where to Riviera
by Joy PecknoldAn Italian word translated as “coast” or “shore,” riviera has come to mean so much more. Most associated with the Mediterranean from Marseilles, France to La Spezia, Italy, it’s been borrowed by other coastlines around the world known to be balmy and glamorous. Synonymous with summer vibes—sun, sea breezes, swimming, al fresco dining—here are the rivieras most deserving of those precious vacation days.
Where to Riviera
Seeing as “riviera” is an Italian word, it’s only apropos to start there. The Italian Riviera captures nearly all the Ligurian coastline, and that includes the seaside town of Sanremo. Here, Royal Hotel Sanremo serves up Mediterranean Sea views and easy access to those other glamorous riviera endeavors—shopping and gambling. Dating back to 1872, the lavish property has hosted European royalty and aristocracy. Surrounded by a lush subtropical park, it features a spectacular heated seawater swimming pool.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
Picking up where Italy leaves off, the French Riviera or Côte D’Azur stretches to around Marseilles in the west. It’s arguably become the world’s most iconic and the star-powered crowd the city of Cannes draws has certainly helped with that. Sitting seaside just 15-minutes out from the city center, Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa took a storied spot and vibrantly refreshed it to be extra oh la la.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
In the village of Juan-les-Pins on Cap d’ Antibes, Belle Rives Hotel is quintessential French Riviera—Art Deco glamour, Michelin-starred restaurant, sea-facing balconies, a dock with immaculately white lounge chairs and a bar named after a famous writer. In fact, this former 1920s villa is where F. Scott Fitzgerald, along with his wife Zelda, would summer and write.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
You haven’t really summered in style until you’ve Saint-Tropez’d, a place so iconic that a number of songs feature its name. Bolstering its très chic reputation is La Réserve Ramatuelle, set apart 10-minutes up from the city overlooking the Mediterranean from an old hillside fortification. Dressed in light neutrals creating an especially breezy atmosphere, the modern boutique property places special emphasis on quiet privacy, and their magnificent multi-room villas are the deepest expression of that.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
The Athens Riviera stretches from the southern suburbs of Athens to the southernmost point of the Attica Peninsula. Fly into the Athens airport and it’s just a 25-minute drive to the town of Vouliagmeni where Divani Apollon Palace Thalasso has one of the sweetest seaside setups. It boasts a private beach, two outdoor pools with ocean views and a Thalasso Center which harnesses the health benefits of water.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
Covering most of the country’s southwest coast, the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast predominately encompasses the provinces of Antalya and Muğla. Within the latter, tucked in a secluded cove only reachable by boat, Yazz Collective is a truly special riviera experience. Designed to blend in with its environment with minimal impact, the resort is focused on farm-to-table cuisine, complete relaxation and art—they have their own onsite gallery.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
The beautiful beaches in reach of Bodrum are a big draw, and Maçakızı in Türkbükü makes for a most charming riviera experience. Watch the boats come and go in the bay from your sea view room, an al fresco lunch table or dock lounge chair before plunging in to cool off. This spot typifies laidback luxury.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
In Antalya, all-inclusive Regnum Carya Golf and Spa offers a truly over-the-top experience. Its own sort of city, the family-friendly resort includes a water park, private beach, adventure park and Chelsea FC soccer school, to name a few of its many amenities. There’s even a concert stage that’s hosted Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and Tom Jones.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
Delivering an elevated earthiness to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, which stretches from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Etéreo means “ethereal, something spiritual and heavenly,” and is it ever. The dreamy Auberge Resort rises from a protected mangrove forest facing a white sand beach that rolls into the Caribbean. Expect exceptional cuisine, sublime spa treatments and inspiring nature and cultural experiences.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
Perched on the oceanfront with five pools and 11 restaurants, Conrad Tulum ensures its guests want for nothing. After an afternoon at the spa or in the water, revel in the sun dipping below the blue-green Caribbean with a final dip of your own in the balcony relaxation tub of an ocean view room. That’s pure riviera magic.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
Santa Barbara stakes claim to the American Riviera moniker for its coastal address, historical charm and fabulous food and wine scene. Providing chic accommodation to match the vibe is the Hotel Californian. The hotel enjoys a prime location steps from the beach amongst all the art and dining of the Funk Zone. Take in Pacific views from the supremely stylish rooms—the work of celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard—or the rooftop pool.
VIEW HOTELWhere to Riviera
Known for its beach resort towns and with a government project in the works to better connect it, Thailand’s western coastline from Phetchaburi to Ranong has come to be known as the Thai Riviera. Hua Hin is one of its hottest spots, so much so that The Standard brand opened a hotel here. From its sunny yellow loungers to the rounded edge pools, The Standard Hua Hin brings retro Miami panache to the place. It has Instagram-worthy written all over it.
VIEW HOTELSeeing as “riviera” is an Italian word, it’s only apropos to start there. The Italian Riviera captures nearly all the Ligurian coastline, and that includes the seaside town of Sanremo. Here, Royal Hotel Sanremo serves up Mediterranean Sea views and easy access to those other glamorous riviera endeavors—shopping and gambling. Dating back to 1872, the lavish property has hosted European royalty and aristocracy. Surrounded by a lush subtropical park, it features a spectacular heated seawater swimming pool.
VIEW HOTELPicking up where Italy leaves off, the French Riviera or Côte D’Azur stretches to around Marseilles in the west. It’s arguably become the world’s most iconic and the star-powered crowd the city of Cannes draws has certainly helped with that. Sitting seaside just 15-minutes out from the city center, Tiara Miramar Beach Hotel & Spa took a storied spot and vibrantly refreshed it to be extra oh la la.
VIEW HOTELIn the village of Juan-les-Pins on Cap d’ Antibes, Belle Rives Hotel is quintessential French Riviera—Art Deco glamour, Michelin-starred restaurant, sea-facing balconies, a dock with immaculately white lounge chairs and a bar named after a famous writer. In fact, this former 1920s villa is where F. Scott Fitzgerald, along with his wife Zelda, would summer and write.
VIEW HOTELYou haven’t really summered in style until you’ve Saint-Tropez’d, a place so iconic that a number of songs feature its name. Bolstering its très chic reputation is La Réserve Ramatuelle, set apart 10-minutes up from the city overlooking the Mediterranean from an old hillside fortification. Dressed in light neutrals creating an especially breezy atmosphere, the modern boutique property places special emphasis on quiet privacy, and their magnificent multi-room villas are the deepest expression of that.
VIEW HOTELThe Athens Riviera stretches from the southern suburbs of Athens to the southernmost point of the Attica Peninsula. Fly into the Athens airport and it’s just a 25-minute drive to the town of Vouliagmeni where Divani Apollon Palace Thalasso has one of the sweetest seaside setups. It boasts a private beach, two outdoor pools with ocean views and a Thalasso Center which harnesses the health benefits of water.
VIEW HOTELCovering most of the country’s southwest coast, the Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast predominately encompasses the provinces of Antalya and Muğla. Within the latter, tucked in a secluded cove only reachable by boat, Yazz Collective is a truly special riviera experience. Designed to blend in with its environment with minimal impact, the resort is focused on farm-to-table cuisine, complete relaxation and art—they have their own onsite gallery.
VIEW HOTELThe beautiful beaches in reach of Bodrum are a big draw, and Maçakızı in Türkbükü makes for a most charming riviera experience. Watch the boats come and go in the bay from your sea view room, an al fresco lunch table or dock lounge chair before plunging in to cool off. This spot typifies laidback luxury.
VIEW HOTELIn Antalya, all-inclusive Regnum Carya Golf and Spa offers a truly over-the-top experience. Its own sort of city, the family-friendly resort includes a water park, private beach, adventure park and Chelsea FC soccer school, to name a few of its many amenities. There’s even a concert stage that’s hosted Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and Tom Jones.
VIEW HOTELDelivering an elevated earthiness to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, which stretches from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, Etéreo means “ethereal, something spiritual and heavenly,” and is it ever. The dreamy Auberge Resort rises from a protected mangrove forest facing a white sand beach that rolls into the Caribbean. Expect exceptional cuisine, sublime spa treatments and inspiring nature and cultural experiences.
VIEW HOTELPerched on the oceanfront with five pools and 11 restaurants, Conrad Tulum ensures its guests want for nothing. After an afternoon at the spa or in the water, revel in the sun dipping below the blue-green Caribbean with a final dip of your own in the balcony relaxation tub of an ocean view room. That’s pure riviera magic.
VIEW HOTELSanta Barbara stakes claim to the American Riviera moniker for its coastal address, historical charm and fabulous food and wine scene. Providing chic accommodation to match the vibe is the Hotel Californian. The hotel enjoys a prime location steps from the beach amongst all the art and dining of the Funk Zone. Take in Pacific views from the supremely stylish rooms—the work of celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard—or the rooftop pool.
VIEW HOTELKnown for its beach resort towns and with a government project in the works to better connect it, Thailand’s western coastline from Phetchaburi to Ranong has come to be known as the Thai Riviera. Hua Hin is one of its hottest spots, so much so that The Standard brand opened a hotel here. From its sunny yellow loungers to the rounded edge pools, The Standard Hua Hin brings retro Miami panache to the place. It has Instagram-worthy written all over it.
VIEW HOTEL