Historic Hotels: Hôtel Belles Rives

This property is part of our Historic Hotels series, which features Harper hotels and resorts that began as private homes to the world’s famous—industry pioneers, authors, real estate magnates and, yes, even a dictator.

Hôtel Belles Rives, France

Much like a good book or classic movie, the historic Hôtel Belles Rives evokes the golden days of the French Riviera, taking people back to a bygone era filled with unforgettable characters and memorable scenes. Near Antibes, the grand stone villa overlooking the Mediterranean was where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in 1926 while writing his novel "Tender is the Night." Here, as the lapis lazuli waters reached to the horizon and the Riviera sun sparkled on the surface of the sea, they danced and drank Champagne with friends such as Ernest Hemingway, Igor Stravinsky and Gerald and Sara Murphy. The Estène family, which has lovingly restored and maintained the property over the years, transformed the villa into the Hôtel Belles Rives in 1929. Today, it is one of the more peaceful places to relax on this often hectic coastline.