It was late on a summer’s night when we arrived at the Hotel Hermitage in Monte Carlo, a Belle Époque jewel amongst the Monte-Carlo SBM properties; the Hôtel Hermitage is in the very heart of the Principality of Monaco. Have you ever had one of those trips where everything just seems to fall into place? The kind where you leave for the flight home and can’t quite believe what just happened, like you’ve been living in some kind of dream-like state?
The Hotel Hermitage offers a cosy and discreet version of European luxury. As soon as you step through the doors the charming interior and gentle approach of the concierge and porters make it impossible not to feel a weight lifted from your shoulders as you enter a world of romance, luxury and pure relaxation.
It all began when a small discreet inn surrounded by olive and orange trees was situated a few steps away from the lavish Hôtel de Paris. The inn belonged to Mr Vincent Benoist, director of “Les Princes”, a restaurant in London. Benoist asked architect Nicolas Marquet to build a luxurious neo-classical hotel on the adjacent meadows.
The Hotel Hermitage was completed in 1900. some of the facades of the buildings are said to have been inspired by the Princely Palace of Monaco, the dome of the winter garden was designed by Gustav Eiffel (you can guess from the name which other famous landmark he’s responsible for)
Since its creation the Hotel Hermitage has been lavished with love and maintained in perfect condition, restored and renovated when needed and adored by all that have had the pleasure to work and stay in such palatial surroundings.
In the 1980s, the Hôtel Hermitage was awarded the Gault et Millau Trophée Renaissance for the best period décor; the selection committee included the Duchess of Bedford, Paloma Picasso, Baroness Edmond de Rothschild, Karl Lagerfeld, Helmut Newton and Ruggero Raimondi.
Shown to our room we hurried straight on to the balcony to take in the view. The sight of the Mediterranean Sea instantly washed away all the stress and tension from the long working week and journey from England. The colours and light on the Riviera are unparalleled, it’s no wonder so many famous artists have used this glistening stretch of coastline as their inspiration.
The suites at the Hotel Hermitage are steeped in history yet provide everything the modern traveller could wish for. We stayed in the Exclusive Room with sea views, from the bunch of roses on the dresser to the small box of Laudaree macaroons placed at the bedside, the attention to detail throughout the Hotel Hermitage really has to be experienced to be believed. Prince Louis de Polignac lived all his life at the Hôtel Hermitage and it’s easy to see why!
Waking up to the glowing Riviera sun, sloping onto the balcony wearing a plush white hotel robe is a pleasure so simple yet so great that I start to reminisce about it whilst I’m stood there with my feet on the warm marble balcony staring at the yachts setting sail for the day.
Breakfast is served under the glass winter garden dome. Red roses are displayed throughout the hotel giving off the most beautiful aroma. Life at the Hotel Hermitage is easy. Ditching our everyday to-do lists and hectic schedules for lunch at the beach club and a day of romantic surprises and fine dining seems like a fair trade. A shuttle is available to take guests around the Monte-Carlo SBM properties, so we hopped on the bus and headed for the The Monte Carlo Beach Hotel + Resort
Following our day at the beach we headed back to our room to have a nap before changing for dinner. Much to my surprise there was a knock at the door and in came two lovely young men wheeling a trolley complete with a large pyramid of my favorite macaroons from Lauderee, 35 red rose and a bottle of champagne, truly fabulous!
We spent a rather lovely late afternoon coiffing champers (yes I had a sip or two!!) and eating macaroons, during which time the Hotel Hermitage team had decorated our room with rose petals and candles. If at any point in my life I felt like a Princess, this was it!
Whether your in need of a relaxing break, looking to escape the everyday grind or in the mood for something a little more romantic, the Hotel Hermitage offers up a unique level of luxury, steeped in history and wonderfully personal, the palatial surroundings and fabulous team of staff provide the perfect combination for any Riviera retreat.
To book a stay at the Hotel Hermitage SBM and to read about their ongoing sustainability work visit the website HERE
Christine
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