Words by Kimberley Lovato
When it comes to renting posh villas on the French Riviera, travellers are spoilt for choice, so it’s rare when a new welcome mat raises elite eyebrows. But that’s what co-founders Hervé Gallo and Cédric Fontenit of the recently formed Amavia Collection have done.
In May, Villa Gaia, a 5,000-square-foot property in the hills above Villefranche-sur-Mer, debuted, raising the bar for exclusive stays in one of France’s most desirable destinations. The villa’s five suites and terraces, as well as the languid infinity pool, gourmet kitchen and modern living room reveal pinch-views over Cap Ferrat and its yacht-encrusted coves.
Work from emerging artists adorns the walls and was chosen by Amavia’s art director who is available for personalised tours of the collection, while a sauna, gym and cinema on the lower level punctuate the usability and grandiosity of the home. What sets Villa Gaia and Amavia Collection apart, however, are the amenities. And oh, what amenities they are!
Aside from the plush linens, fluffy robes, and custom-crafted shampoo and lotion in each suite, guests can tap into the villa’s dedicated French and English-speaking concierge for vacation exclusives like yoga and massages by the pool, wine and cocktail tastings at sunset, outings or tours in nearby villages, boat rentals, and lunch reservations at Amavia Collection’s private beachside restaurant in Cap d’Ail. A cleaning staff plumps pillows and tidies rooms each day and evening, while guests rest easy knowing the gated estate is protected by an overnight security guard.
Gallo and Fontenit, along with Amavia Collection’s CEO Vincent Digne, are committed to earth-friendly practices and amenities too, which is why the villa has only organic linens, bottles its own water (you won’t find plastic bottles in the house or showers) and sources food and beverages locally, whenever possible.
But Villa Gaia’s amenity pièce-de-resistance is its exclusive relationship with renowned Michelin-star chef Alain Llorca, whose nearby eponymous restaurant is a must visit. The esteemed toque developed Villa Gaia’s menus with an emphasis on Provence’s abundant seasonal bounty of produce, seafood, and fresh products in mind. And whether it’s simple by-the-pool nibbles or a multi-course feast, meals are prepared onsite to guests’ tastes and dietary desires by a dedicated chef, also hand selected by Llorca. Provencal rosé, as well as fine French wine and champagne don’t disappoint either.
“Luxury isn’t simply the location, the view, the service, or the decoration. For us, luxury is the entire experience,” said Gallo. “This is what Amavia brings – something that goes above and beyond expectation.”
Amavia Collection launched with Villa Gaia but will open a second Villefranche-sur-Mer villa this year, and has plans to expand to Saint-Tropez, Ibiza, Corsica, Provence, and Courchevel.
All photos are courtesy of Amavia Collection.
