Holiday Inn Nice - Port St Laurent ★★★★

Be greeted by welcoming faces as you enter the bright reception lobby, polished wooden stools create a central room piece, while soft cushions of blue and green shades decorate the sofas. Five floors boast 24 quiet, comfortable and spacious rooms, offering international luxuries from first class bedding, pillow choices and complimentary tea and coffee. Walk with ease from your room to the beach for a tranquil swim or stroll, boats are docked perfectly by the port while tall palm trees stand proudly, offering ample shade as you stroll through the grounds.

Staff speak five languages from English to Swedish, so don’t hesitate to ask them about local gems surrounding the hotel such as the Asian Arts Museum and the Parc Phoenix botanical garden and zoo. The hotel itself offers jet skiing and beach sports, and also houses a modern and cheerful gym. Rise early to buy fresh fruit from Cours Saleya market, 7 kilometres from the hotel and walk to old Nice to admire the maze of Baroque churches, sun-kissed plazas and pastel homes.

Awaken your senses at the Bay Star restaurant with views of the ocean, as you try the beef tenderloin with cheddar and truffle, or the creamy burrata on a bed of butternut and candied dried apricots. After some fine wine, stroll along the wooden decking from the restaurant that leads down to the sea for a cosy sunset, allowing the gentle crashing of the waves to carry you away.

Nice has inspired many an artist, with museums dedicated to Matisse and Marc Chagall, maybe it will inspire you too to paint your own canvas!