Hotel Review: Tiara Yaksta, Théoule-sur-Mer, Cannes, France

The most romantic hotel in Europe? Sharron Livingston went to find out.

Published 18 May 2012 in Travel Articles

When love is in the air and a get-away in on the cards, it's only natural that you want a hideaway in which to immerse totally in the joys that such amour may bring. And so we headed for Tiara Yaksta boutique hotel.

The ride from Nice Airport was a pleasant tootle along the twisty N8 coastal road. We were heading for the tiny town of Théoule-sur-Mer, an area with lovely red rock inlets and where they say, the water quality around its cliffs is the best in Europe.

We had chosen the hotel for its discreet location and found it was so hidden that I passed it at least three times. But no matter, the iconic views over the yacht-dotted seas and hilly Côte d'Azur backdrop made the detour well worth while.

We eventually spotted the small turning that leads the way to this stone, terracotta-hued property.

Part of the charm is that it's built into the hillside and that it overlooks the azure waters of the Mediterranean sea. The website says it has the accolade of being the most romantic in Europe - and those views certainly help.

We were warmly greeted as we walked into the small but beautifully scented reception and led to a gloriously located terrace with - it has to be said - those views, for a welcome glass of champagne. It was a lovely touch.

There are just 21 rooms over three levels and the décor throughout has more than a dab of eastern promise – tiled floors, richly coloured walls, exotic artworks, opulent dark wood furniture, and enrobed beds - all add to a sense of romantic occasion.

Our room had en suite with a bath, all the mod cons, a set of music cds and a cd player. Its small balcony with a table that looks out onto the ocean was a great space for an early evening aperitif.

Not much goes on in the area other than a sprinkling of shops and bars, but the hotel's heated infinity pool and luxurious day beds set in the hotel gardens is a restful way to while away the time. Their sister hotel down the road, the Miramar, has a beach for guest use.

There are no major monuments or sights to visit except for the surrounding landscape where a hike into the hills and forests behind the town would no doubt, be great way to feel at one with nature.

For us though, that was a tad too much excetion and in any case for a little action the pull of St Tropez was compelling.  So we caught the ferry at Saint-Raphael (around 20 minutes drive away) for a day out in this chic Riviera town.

We later returned grateful to experience some peace and quiet once again and enjoy some fine dining at their L'Or Bleu restaurant and a final night-cap overlooking the the Med. on their terrace.

RATES: From 200 euros plus 29 euros for breakfast. Check prices and availability here.

How to get there?

Get a flight to Nice, then rent a car at Nice Airport. Tiara Yaktsa is about 40 minutes drive from the airport.

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