CANNES is a place of celebration all year round; there’s always something happening, summer or winter – the most notable event being the annual Film Festival held mid-May that attracts movie superstars from around the world. After a two year hiatus, the awards are back – and the guests are in for a treat; while the world was on hold during to lockdown, The Martinez – one of the most elegant hotels on the planet – was being fully refurbished with a deco Hollywood theme at it’s core…
The decor is by renowned French architect/designer Pierre-Yves Rochon who implemented an azure, aqua, sand and white colour scheme to reflect the colours of the immediate surroundings – the ocean, beach and clear blue sky. All that remains of the original decor is the 1920’s staircase (above right). A contemporary art-piece (above left) by celebrated local artist Alan Walsh creates a focal point in the hotel lobby…
The suites throughout The Martinez have been enlarged to create sufficient space for entertaining guests and holding industry soirees; the VIP suites are also used to dress stars before they walk the red carpet just a little further along La Croisette at Palais Des Festivals…
The love is in the details – the suites are decorated with glossy, high quality objet; the ‘Bergamot’ scented amenities in the bathroom are by local perfume house Fragonard…
The corridors to the double penthouse suite (below) – which has been beautifully styled by French actress Isabelle Huppert in ivory and gold – with a massive wraparound roof terrace for parties, are lined with vintage monochromatic prints of Hollywood legends (above) …
The impeccably mannered and charming General Manager of The Martinez, Yann Gillet, specialises in treating his guests with the personal touch; above, a handwritten postcard sat alongside a beautiful arrangement of white orchids, a bottle of chilled Champagne, a selection of fruit juices and a box of chocolates for my arrival…
The Sunday buffet lunch with live music at The Martinez is outstanding and includes a magnificent seafood buffet with tiers of lobster, oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, prawns and salad plus several separate hot food stations and a dessert bay where crepes are freshly made to order…
The ground floor piano bar (above, right) with fabulous cocktail menu (see video below) has been built on the theme of a super-yacht, with the ‘bow’ overlooking La Croisette; all the detailing co-ordinates with that super-luxe nautical scheme. Also on the ground floor, a beautiful outdoor garden with spa area is being created – opening in May 2022, just in time for this years film festival and gala events!
THE MARTINEZ: shorturl.at/iqrwG
BELOW: Scenes from around Cannes and the area surrounding The Martinez Hotel
