The most frequent request I get is “do you know a hotel by the beach with a pool and ideally close to pretty villages”?  I had done a post about beach boutique hotels with a heated pool which is still my most popular.  And today I am pleased to add to that list Villa Douce on the French Riviera.

Villa Douce fits the above perfectly: beach hotel with heated pool? Check.

Family-friendly? Check.  No need to rent a car to go to the village? Check: they have a private shuttle in high season that take you for free to the village of Rayol-Canadel!

So now you want to know more, right? So here we go.

Villa Douce is situated on the heights of Rayol-Canadel, surrounded by umbrella pines and mimosas with fantastic views of the blue waters of the Mediterranee.  Rayol-Canadel is located at the extreme west coast of the Massif des Maures. Facing the see, the village is built in terraces with multiple stairs offering a peek at some beautiful villas perched on the hill.

All the rooms are facing the sea with private terrace to admire the view.  The Junior Suite, Family Suite and Flat suite will be perfect for families, accommodating 3 or 4 people. For even more freedom, book one of the flats with kitchen, dining and living area that are good for 6 people.

To relax, you can either spend some time by the sea, near the pool, have a massage….

… or go to the Papillon club where they serve breakfast, tea time, have a library, diner in the evening etc..

The restaurant serves simple delicious market cuisine with local produces and has a great view too.

Of course the café by the pool is where you might spend most of your time during the day. It serves light lunches and refreshment.  The pool is even heated in season.

For the beach, they have an exclusive partnership at a beach club Boukarou Beach on Rayol beach. You have to pay for this but knowing that they can keep you the best mattresses is really a plus as it’s difficult to get those!

There are lots of things to do nearby though: coastal walks taking you through the hills, the bays and with views of the sumptuous villas built during the roaring twenties, electric bikes rides, visit of the villages etc..

And at the end of a busy day, you can just come back, seat on your terrace and have a glass of wine (delivered to your room) admiring the sea view.  What’s not to like!

By the way, if you want to check more beach hotels, have a look at those recent additions as well such as Les Bulles de Mer or Principe di Salina.

Villa Douce, Rayol Canadel, France

Rooms

• Double bedrooms
• Family suites

Rates

• From 290 Euros in high season
• A room with a third bed is from 320 Euros in high season
• Family suite for 4 from 400 Euros in high season
• Breakfast and tea time included in the price

For families

• Books, DVDs, music for children
• Board games/puzzles
• Babysitting/child services

Facilities

• Beach club
• Restaurants
• Electric bike rental
• Beach club
• Transit room for after you checked out

Bookings

• Click here for the latest prices and book*

Location

• Three airports Toulon (12 miles), Nice (66 miles) or Saint Tropez (6 miles). Check Skyscanner* for the best flights.  From Toulon train station, it’s 33 miles but you can get to the hotel using the bus transport system (www.varlib.fr)