Firstly, be sure to call their Concierge ahead of time in order to be escorted into the pedestrianized zone of the centre of Nice. As you drive past cafes and shops, it’s hard not to believe you may have taken a wrong turn! As we were escorted up the steep hills, we arrived at the unsuspecting entrance of Hotel du Couvent, without any real idea of what was behind those doors.
Located in the heart of Nice’s old town, as you walk into the hotel and its grounds, it simply takes your breath away. The project was 10 years in the making; owned by Valéry Grégo (of Perseus Properties), the former 17th century convent has been designed in the most beautiful and authentic way working with a selection of incredible artisans and designers including Festen and Studio Mediterranean Architects. The convent was built by the Order of Saint Clare in 1604 and then occupied by the Visitandines from 1803 to the 1980’s and the rooms are named after the various convents (such as the Capucines where the word ‘cappuccino’ comes from).
There are no TV’s in the rooms. Guests are encouraged to relax in and fully utilize the spectacular 2.5 acres of tropical gardens. With 88 rooms in total, expect curated antiques and particular attention to detail throughout. There are no plastics anywhere, products within the minibar are sourced locally (such as local wine and jams) and they have their own wine cellar with only natural wines on sale. They even have a 2-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and complimentary butler.
This is a modern take on hospitality and photos certainly don’t do this place justice. They have an open-air cinema for guests to enjoy in the summer months, a beautiful heated lap pool overlooking the old town and the glistening sea beyond and there are plunge pools and deckchairs throughout the grounds where you can take your book and enjoy the tranquillity of the place. They also have 3 restaurants with all their food sourced from their kitchen garden or their organic farm, a 1-hour drive away. This ‘farm-to-table’ concept can be tasted in every mouthful; I’d simply forgotten how some things can taste and it was a genuine delight to enjoy vegetables and seafood of this quality.
The hotel is open all-year-round and you can really benefit from Nice’s gentle climate even in the winter months, likely being able to sit outside still for meals. The surrounding area is packed with things to do; the nearby Monaco Grand Prix is usually the main draw but Musée Matisse in Nice and Musée Picasso in Antibes is also a wonderful draw for art enthusiasts. They are also (rather surprisingly) very child-friendly with their own complimentary kids club on-site with a range of activities. They also have the incredible Romans Baths with treatment rooms and indoor lap pool, movement studio and access to a nearby beach club which they can shuttle guests to via buggy. For those arriving with jetlag, be sure to visit the on-site Herbalist whose apothecary has a tincture for every possible ailment.
Do get in touch if you’d like to book. We can ensure VIP treatment, amenities and upgrades (subject to availability at the time of check-in).
