A discreet boutique hotel in Saint-Raphaël, where three of the Riviera's most characterful golf courses are just a putt away and the 19th hole is a private spa.
At a glance:
Le Confidentiel is a golfer's base for those who would rather play than be seen. Set in a peaceful corner of Saint-Raphaël with the Estérel Massif behind and the Mediterranean not far away. The hotel sits a few metres from the first fairways.
Here the golf is personal rather than showy. Daniel, the hotel's general manager, knows the courses of the South of France well and he is very clear about the difference. Some courses in the Alpes-Maritimes are glamorous and often used for business and socialising as much as for the game. In this part of the Riviera people come to play, enjoy the landscape and make friends. The fairways are not overcrowded, the atmosphere is calm and open and the scene is quite different from the golf around Saint-Tropez.
Location: Saint Raphaël, Côte d’Azur, France
Website: https://www.confidentiel-hotel.com/fr
Features
Three leading golf courses nearby, with green fees, tee times and equipment arranged by the hotel and preferential rates for guests
Quiet, uncrowded courses for every level : from beginners to competition players in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere
A private spa open until 11 p.m., plus Cosy and Club rooms, pine tree lodges and two Jacuzzi suites for up to four guests
Three courses, three personalities
Le Confidentiel works with three leading courses nearby, each quite different from the others.
Golf de l'Estérel is the most peaceful and relaxing, a lovely choice if you simply want a round in beautiful surroundings.
Golf de Valescure offers the more challenging experience, with a variety of difficulty levels suited to players who want to focus on their game.
Golf de Roquebrune has options for everyone from beginners to experienced golfers and its course keeps the identity of the Mediterranean landscape, with wonderful coastal views as you play.
Whether you want to practise, sharpen your game or prepare for competition, there is a course to match.
Golf, arranged for you
The hotel handles the details. Thanks to its partnerships, guests enjoy preferential rates and the team can organise green fees, tee times and equipment if required. Guests simply receive a voucher to take with them. The clubs also have very good restaurants, so lunch is easy to enjoy on the course.
Why autumn ?
Autumn is one of the best seasons to play on this coast. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, the courses are quieter and the area can be enjoyed in greater comfort than in peak summer. The hotel is developing golf and hotel packages for selected periods outside the summer season and plans to work with specialist golf travel agents whose clients want exactly this kind of experience.
A day in the life of a golfer
Start with breakfast at the hotel, built around local products and plenty of choice, then head straight to the course.
Play a full day, or a morning round followed by an afternoon of sightseeing, whether historic or nature focused.
In the evening, enjoy dinner by the sea at sunset, then return to the hotel.
The private spa stays open until 11 p.m and can be reserved for 45 minutes at a time, so the whole indoor space is yours to unwind in after a day on the fairways. Treatments include a choice of massages.
The hotel
The building combines Provençal architecture with Mexican influences, an unusual mix that gives it real character. The team offers the services expected of a four star hotel with the warmth of a private home with touches such as a signature scent created for the hotel, gifts from Rituals in each room, carefully chosen teas and coffees and a breakfast guests remember.
Rooms and suites include the Cosy and Club rooms, pine tree lodges set apart from the main building and two suites for up to four guests (the Patio Suite and the Garden Suite) each with a private Jacuzzi. A meeting room suits small groups wanting to combine work, golf and relaxation and the whole hotel can be privatised for a larger gathering.
Beyond the course
For rest days, the Sentier du Littoral offers coastal walks past red rock coves and Belle Époque villas, and nearby are the Roman heritage of Fréjus, the village of Roquebrune-sur-Argens, and trails for every level.
Maps of the official routes are available at reception.
