La Villa Mauresque

The gardens, building and grounds are beautiful and very well kept, and the location is the hotel's one truly five-star feature. The staff were friendly and helpful, though they seemed short on training and experience. Breakfast was good. We didn't try the restaurant, but the Caesar salad we ordered for lunch was pretty poor. In other areas, the hotel doesn't feel like an internationally top-end place. It could use some cleaning up and a clearer concept in spots, like the garage-style building you pass on the way to the sea, shown in the picture. It's a nice place with potential, but it currently falls short of excellence.

The staff were really friendly, especially the man working as the parking valet. But visiting in the off-season wasn't ideal. The wellness area was very limited, and the fitness room was just a tent. The regular jacuzzi was meant to be available, but it wasn't. The staff kindly arranged for us to use a private jacuzzi in one of the rooms. When we got in, though, it was very dirty and unpleasant. Our room curtains also smelled like mold. For a five-star hotel, there's definitely room for improvement.

We had breakfast included at the other restaurant on the property, and it was very nice. For dinner, we ate and spent time at L'Olivier. The catch of the day was excellent, and the fisherman was there too, which added to the experience. There are also some nice restaurants a short walk away. The resort is right by the water, where we lounged at the edge, and it has two lovely pools. We loved the gardens and the beautiful, peaceful, private feel of the place. The rooms were quaint and roomy enough, though not huge. There's an exercise tent, and massages can be arranged on-site. The staff were great, especially Hubert!

The staff are what really made the stay special. They were thoughtful, accommodating and very well trained. Max at the bar deserves a mention, along with the two impressive young interns, Charlotte and Ethel. I hope to come back. I spent a long weekend at La Villa Mauresque and found it restful and excellent. The Moorish architecture sits beautifully in the well-kept grounds, with the lawn running down towards the sea. It really is a cinematic view. My room, Degas, was spacious, well equipped and ultra comfortable, just two steps from the heated pool. The restaurant is top quality, so there's no need to leave the hotel unless you want to, though there are lots of excellent options in town.