Waking up to boats gliding past, spending the day by a mirror-like infinity pool and ending the evening with Michelin-starred cuisine overlooking the sea? If that’s not paradise, it certainly comes close. Head to Carry-le-Rouet, on the Côte Bleue, to discover Hôtel Bleu, a Mediterranean retreat bringing a fresh twist to our cravings for a sunny escape.
Moored in the marina like a boat at anchor, this four-star hotel, which opened in 2024, revolves entirely around the sea. Sea-view rooms, aquatic tones, an infinity pool, a marine spa and a gourmet restaurant: everything you could want to make the most of the Mediterranean blue, whatever the season.
Blue as far as the eye can see
The moment you step through the door, the tone is set: the lobby, designed by architects Thierry Lombardi and Pascale Bartoli, combines deep blue, raw wood and noble materials with spectacular views over the Mediterranean. From Edra’s On the Rocks sofa to Franck Lebraly’s marine fresco, everything seems designed to bring the sea indoors. And the best part? It never leaves you throughout your stay.
You’ll find it again from all 44 rooms and suites, which face out towards the sea, but especially beside the exceptional infinity pool. Suspended above the harbour, it seems to merge with the sky and the Mediterranean in an almost surreal setting. A few laps with the boats as your backdrop, some time reading in the sunshine, then a cocktail at the Fernand or Nina bar, paired with homemade panisses and aioli sauce (€15) or a divine confit lamb pastilla with lemon and pomegranate wrapped in crispy filo pastry (€20). We had planned to explore the coves of Carry-le-Rouet, but this mirror-like pool seriously disrupted our plans. The real challenge? Leaving it. Mission impossible.
L’Oursin: Michelin-starred dining by the sea
At L’Oursin, the hotel’s restaurant awarded a Michelin star in 2026, the Mediterranean is no longer simply something to admire: it is something to taste. Ilane Tinchant works with it in a precise, briny and decidedly creative cuisine where fish, shellfish and sea herbs take centre stage. Some are even gathered just a few metres from the hotel: it doesn’t get much more local than that. Above all, the chef reveals a real talent for sauces: rich, briny and delicately colourful, they make you want to savour every last drop.
Two culinary journeys are available: Le Voyage, a six-course menu (€145), and L’Odyssée, an eight-course menu (€185). This autumn, the chef is taking the exploration even further with a new menu inspired by “underwater hunting”, with royal-style octopus already shaping up to be one of the highlights. Cuttlefish playing with textures, grilled turbot, buckwheat and sea fennel: the dishes have plenty of character without ever losing sight of the ingredients.
Spa Bleu: our final dive
Finally, head to Spa Bleu by Phytomer. In this midnight-blue cocoon, the lights go down and the pace genuinely slows. Everything feels like a continuation of the journey, a few metres beneath the Mediterranean.
Treat yourself to a Phytomer marine treatment before heading to the hot tub and hammam. Our recommendation? The one-hour Soin Douceur Marine (€130, including one hour of spa access), which soothes sensitive skin while delivering an intense hydration boost. The perfect way to end the stay with a doll-like glow and postpone the farewell to this little slice of blue paradise for a little longer. Even better: the spa area is also open to non-hotel guests by reservation. In other words, you can enjoy a Mediterranean escape here without even spending the night.
Rooms from €169 per night. Outdoor pool: 10am–8pm — closed from October 15 to May 15.
© Nicolas Anetson
Also discover where to go in October to enjoy Indian summer and the most charming addresses on Lake Como.
