Experience holiday home rental at its most opulent – and private – in Cap Ferrat

Cannes and Monaco are favourite escapes of the rich and famous but the real VIPs know to eschew the busy harbour towns in favour of the scenic Cap Ferrat. Perfectly located between Monaco and Cannes, this beautiful peninsula is one of the most unspoilt, and secretive, places on the French Riviera.

Embedded into the hillside and enjoying uninterrupted ocean views, Villa O holds one of the most prestigious addresses in Cap Ferrat. Located just a short walk from the picturesque village of Saint-John-Cap-Ferrat, it's the ideal place to relax in privacy after a day at sea. The villa rents for £100k per week and sleeps 12 across the four-bedroom five-storey house and the two-bed guesthouse, set within landscaped gardens. The impressive house is particularly popular with celebrities and HNWs looking to escape the paparazzi.

Sylvie Courtinat, the villa's manager, said: "High profile guests like to come here because the villa is very discreet, close to the sea and the clients don't need a car to go to the beach, shopping or restaurants. One of our biggest US VIP clients liked the villa because, according to him, it was the first time that he was in a villa without any paparazzi or fans in front of the gate. It's very difficult to find Villa O if you don't know where it is."

But there's more to the property than its location. Villa O is home to two swimming pools (one of which is an eco-infinity pool), a Balinese-style pool-house, a gymnasium with fitness studio, a black granite Hammam, cinema room, bar, and several lounges and terraces for dining or entertaining. A highlight is the rooftop terrace, where guests can enjoy al fresco meals overlooking the bay. >>

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Inside, décor is equally impressive. A glass elevator takes guests between the five-floors of the villa, while a beautiful array of sculptures and artworks, including a 25m Banksy mural, add colour to the interiors. In pride of place in the living room is a Steinway grand piano once played by Sir Elton John – if only the walls could talk!

Another factor that makes the villa so special is its commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle. The property has its own vegetable garden where organic vegetables and herbs are grown which are then used by the villa's in-house chefs.

"Our clients live in the luxury world, with all the latest technologies and cars, so at the villa, we try to reconnect them with the nature," Courtinat said. "The cooking is a big part of our rental success. We can cook everything they want, but without too many calories and fat. It's really important for us than the client feels full and happy without any grease, fat or calories. They feel the difference, especially at the end of the rental."

Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served in guests' suites, on the terrace, in the dining room, on the lawn or by one of the pool, at any time guests wish, from sunset overlooking the bay to a midnight feast with lanterns. As well as chefs, guests can choose to have full access to Villa O's staff of butlers, maids, drivers and fitness instructors, all of whom act with the utmost discretion and dedication.

A haven for the mind, body and soul, it seems like the villa in Cap Ferrat really is an escape, not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.

Read more reviews, interviews and news in the latest issue of Tempus Magazine, out now