Hôtel du Palais, Biarritz, France
As well as ageless charm and lavish, Second Empire-styled accommodation overlooking the very best of Biarritz, this scarlet-and-cream- coloured oceanfront villa (built as a summer retreat for Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie) more than delivers on extracurricular activities.
Its five-storey Guerlain Spa and Michelin-starred La Rotonde's French-fusion specialties are not to be missed; and you've direct access to the gardens, seasonal Californian pool and beach.