Hey there, fellow traveler! If you’re anything like me, the French Riviera conjures up images of glamorous beach days, chic cafes, and azure blue waters. I’ve spent a lot of time traveling to this gorgeous part of the world, and after a few trips bouncing between luxury hotels, I made the switch to renting private villas. Let me tell you—once I experienced the difference, I’ve never looked back!
I’ve done the Riviera a few ways: with my family and kids, with groups of friends, and even for a romantic getaway. No matter how or with whom I travel, renting a villa has always been the game changer. Here’s why I swear by it:
1. More Space, More Luxury, More Fun
Let’s start with the obvious: space. Whether I’m with family or friends, we always need room to spread out and do our own thing. I remember one family trip where we were all cramped in two small hotel rooms. By the end of the week, everyone was on edge, and I realized it was because we simply didn’t have enough room to relax.
Then we tried a villa, and suddenly everything changed. We had our own bedrooms, bathrooms, a large living area, and, best of all, a private pool. No more fighting for sun loungers or pool space with strangers—just us, enjoying the sunshine, with plenty of room for everyone to unwind. The kids could run around the garden, my husband and I had a peaceful spot by the pool to enjoy our morning coffee, and we didn’t feel like we were living on top of each other.
And it’s not just about the space; the level of luxury in these villas is something you don’t always get in a hotel. Private pools, beautiful terraces, and fully equipped kitchens where we could cook up a casual lunch after a trip to the local markets—it was like living in our own little paradise.
2. The Privacy is Unbeatable
Here’s the thing about hotels: no matter how fancy they are, you’re still surrounded by other people. There’s always someone coming down the hallway or sitting next to you at the pool. For me, that’s fine for a quick weekend trip, but when I’m on vacation, I want privacy.
One trip with friends stands out in particular. We rented a stunning villa overlooking the sea, and the privacy was unbeatable. We had late-night pool parties, danced around the terrace without a care in the world, and no one had to worry about noise complaints or other guests peeking in. It was just us, living it up with the most incredible view of the Riviera.
And when you’re traveling with family, that privacy is golden. I remember when the kids were younger, we’d spend half our time trying to keep them quiet so we didn’t disturb other guests in hotels. In a villa? They could be as loud as they wanted, and we didn’t have to worry about bothering anyone. Plus, when you’re traveling as a couple, there’s nothing more romantic than having an entire villa to yourselves. It’s the kind of intimacy you just can’t get at a hotel.
3. It’s Perfect for Families and Groups
Speaking of traveling with kids, staying in a villa has been a total lifesaver for our family trips. With little ones, hotel stays often become more about managing schedules than enjoying the destination. We’d have to plan around housekeeping, restaurant bookings, and keeping the kids entertained in a confined space.
In a villa, everything’s on our own terms. We’d have lazy breakfasts out on the terrace, with the kids running around the garden while we took our time. The fully equipped kitchen meant we didn’t have to stress about finding restaurants that fit everyone’s needs or getting the kids to sit still for long meals. We could grab fresh baguettes and local cheeses from the markets and enjoy our meals at our own pace. Plus, the private pool? A game-changer. The kids spent hours splashing around while I could relax with a glass of wine and a good book. No stress, no schedule—just pure enjoyment.
For group trips, I’ve found villas to be equally fantastic. On one trip, a group of friends and I rented a villa with multiple bedrooms and plenty of communal spaces. We had long, laughter-filled dinners around the table, lazy afternoons by the pool, and no one ever felt like they were crammed into a hotel lobby or restricted by hotel rules. The villa gave us the flexibility to spend time together while also giving everyone their own space when they needed it.
4. The Amenities? Next Level!
Okay, let’s talk about amenities, because this is one area where villas completely outshine hotels. On one trip, we stayed in a villa with a private infinity pool that overlooked the Mediterranean. We had a personal chef come in one night to prepare dinner, and another day, we arranged for a private boat tour right from our villa’s dock. I mean, that’s the kind of luxury I didn’t even know was possible!
And these villas aren’t just about having a pool (though the pools are amazing). Some villas have home theaters, wine cellars, tennis courts, and even private gyms. It’s like having your own personal resort, but without the other guests. One villa I stayed at even had its own private beach—no crowds, no fuss, just me and the sea.
I also love that many villas offer housekeeping, private chefs, and even childcare if you need it. I can’t tell you how nice it was to have a chef prepare a five-star meal for us without having to wrangle the kids into a restaurant after a long day. We ate dinner on our own terrace, with the sunset as our backdrop. It was pure magic.
5. Experiencing the Riviera Like a Local
One of the things I love most about staying in a villa is how it lets me experience the French Riviera like a local. Hotels, no matter how luxurious, often keep you in that “tourist bubble.” You’re staying in the same place as everyone else, eating at the hotel restaurants, and doing the same activities. But with a villa, it’s a whole different experience.
On one trip, we stayed in a charming hillside villa near a small village. Every morning, we’d walk down to the local bakery for fresh croissants and coffee. In the afternoons, we’d shop at the local markets, picking up fresh produce, cheese, and wine, and then spend the evening cooking and eating together on the terrace. It felt so authentic—like we were truly living the Riviera lifestyle, not just visiting it.
You get to interact with the locals, discover hidden gems, and really immerse yourself in the culture. And yet, you’re still surrounded by luxury. It’s the best of both worlds—living like a local but with all the comforts of a five-star experience.
So, if you’re thinking about visiting the French Riviera and trying to decide between a hotel and a villa, I can’t recommend a villa enough. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, the space, privacy, and luxury of a villa make all the difference.
Trust me, once you’ve spent a week lounging by your own private pool, hosting dinners on your terrace, and living the Riviera lifestyle, you’ll never want to go back to a hotel. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s an experience that turns your vacation into something unforgettable.
Ready to create some amazing memories? Let Riviera Luxury Rentals help you find the perfect villa for your next trip. You won’t regret it!
Bon voyage!
