Villa Olivia

Flanked by Roman pines, the L-shaped façade of the villa is framed by stone walls and pink-tiled roofs. The interior decoration is resolutely modern, with nods to pop art and contemporary artists: Roy Lichtenstein prints meet animal figurines and colourful cushions. The white wall, classic tiles and smooth surfaces create a sense of monochrome cool, and a refuge from the summer heat. But little flashes of colour abound, with a particular preference for vibrant green and turquoise.

In the heat of the afternoon, get stuck into a good book (or siesta) in the shade of the olive trees in the garden. Later on, cool off in the pool or take a fifteen minute stroll down to the beach at Salins to swim in the sea and catch some rays on the warm sand. When night falls, enjoy the bounties of the Mediterranean at one of the seafront restaurants: clams, king prawns and lobster.