Nestled in the sun-drenched embrace of Cap d’Antibes, the Villa Miraé hotel - formerly the revered Impérial Garoupe - has re-emerged from an eighteen-month metamorphosis, under the transformative vision of Oscar Lucien Ono, founder of Maison Numéro 20

Acquired by the esteemed French group Inwood Hotels in 2023, this five-star Relais & Châteaux establishment has been meticulously redesigned to evoke the timeless allure of the French Riviera, blurring the lines between art, nature, and the dolce vita spirit.

Oscar Lucien Ono’s inspiration for Villa Miraé, an ode to the Italo-Mediterranean architecture of the former mansion, is a luxurious symphony of soft pastels, natural materials, and exquisite artistic craftsmanship. It is a sensory journey, drawing from the very essence of the South: the delicate floral scents of a summer garden, the warm embrace of a blazing sun, and the refreshing kiss of ocean spray.

A deep appreciation for artisanal skills underpins the design. Ono has curated a remarkable collective of talented craftspeople, including decorative painter Antonin Lamotte, whose work graces various spaces, and Friul Mosaïque studio, responsible for the captivating mosaic installation in the reception area. The result is an atmosphere of discreet luxury, encouraging a profound sense of disconnection and escape, embodying the mythical French Riviera’s art of living where time seems to slow, suspended in an eternal, sun-drenched seaside ambiance.

Designed as a charming Provençal hamlet, Villa Miraé boasts blush-toned walls, Roman-tiled roofs, and Burgundy stone floors. Its thirty-five rooms, including eight suites with private terraces, each tell a unique story. Ono has decorated them around three distinct themes - the sea, the sun, and the gardens - expressed through a vibrant palette of ochre, blue, and green. Furniture and rugs by Maison Numéro 20 are harmoniously complemented by accessories evocative of the South, from bespoke ceramic wall sconces to elegant bedside lamps.

The reception area, a sanctuary of serenity, features hanging canvases that evoke a soft, natural setting. A Lelièvre rug, woven Popus armchairs, and Nobilis-upholstered banquettes create an understated elegance, while bronze-and-linen lanterns, crafted in Italy to a Maison Numéro 20 design, add to the refined ambiance. Above the reception desk, a golden-hued ceiling conjures a sun-drenched sky, while a bespoke mosaic by Antonin Lamotte, produced by Friul Mosaïque, captivates behind the counter. White rattan armchairs by Maison Numéro 20 and Murano glass lighting provide the final touch of sophistication.

The bar, immersed in a palette of nuanced blues, features golden-toned mosaics that reflect the light of a setting sun, and a rug with undulating lines that evoke the gentle rhythm of the waves. The Herbarium, opening onto an interior courtyard, offers a peaceful garden-inspired ambiance for breakfast, adorned with large woven canvases embroidered with wild grass motifs by Antonin Lamotte. Ceramic wall sconces by Maison Paradis cast a warm glow, enhancing the natural poetry of the room. The patio, furnished with wrought iron pieces from Tectona and shaded by ancient olive trees, extends this moment of serenity.

Beyond the exquisite design, Villa Miraé’s culinary offering is a masterwork by three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, driven by integrity, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature. Two distinct restaurants bring this philosophy to life: Amarines, the evening fine dining experience, and Miraé, open throughout the day. Amarines, with its nacre ceiling, wave-inspired fresco, and sea urchin-shaped lights, offers a poetic and sensorial journey. Miraé, bathed in sunlight and overlooking the turquoise pool, invites conviviality and the spirit of La Dolce Vita.

Oscar Lucien Ono, who founded Maison Numéro 20 in 2014, approaches each space as a narrative, where every detail contributes to a subtle story. His style, both refined and sensorial, creates a dialogue between eras and materials, playing with chiaroscuro and transparency to bring out the materials and volumes. He says, "What moves me is creating places that tell a story - where one feels the imprint of the hand, the passage of time, and the presence of beauty”.