THE HEART OF CANNES

A Jazz Age grande dame to swoon for and retreat within.

by Irene Rawlings

A luxurious outdoor swimming pool surrounded by several lounge chairs and umbrellas. The pool is a deep blue color. The area is well-manicured, with tall buildings in the background. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, with the sunlight shining down on the pool area.

Picture a palm-lined seaside promenade in Cannes, France, in 1929. It was there and then that Hôtel Martinez (hotel-martinez.com) became the place for princes, diplomats, movie stars, and artists such as Pablo Picasso, Coco Chanel, and Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The resort town was abuzz with chic parties in villas overlooking the sea and cocktail parties on yachts named after maharajas. It was magical then and still is.

The year 1946 marked the arrival of the Cannes Film Festival, and so continued the parade of big-name stars to the five-star, 410- room hotel. To this day the uber-elegant dinner of the festival’s jury takes place in the two-Michelin-star La Palme d’Or restaurant, helmed by Chef Christian Sinicropi. Celebrity interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon recently created two spectacular penthouse apartments with unbeatable views overlooking the Bay of Cannes. One pays homage to French actress Isabelle Huppert, who has appeared in more than 120 films (most recently in Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris). The other is inspired by Thierry Frémaux, artistic director of the Cannes Film Festival.

A lush green garden with tall palm trees and various plants in bloom with a pathway that leads to a pool.

In 2022, the hotel introduced L’Oasis du Martinez, an expansive tropical garden with secluded areas throughout for yoga; a high-tech fitness center in an all-glass building; a striking, gold-rimmed, heated swimming lane; and a pool bar serving wellness drinks prepared with fresh fruits and botanicals. Spa by Carita features the brand’s signature massages and experiences, including the Rejuvenic Gold Regenerative Treatment and Crystal Pro.Morphose R.F.—the ultimate in anti-aging therapies, using radio frequencies to activate the creation of collagen.

For additional healthy practices, the newly opened Le Jardin du Martinez is set in a Philippe Niez–designed Provençal garden of palm trees, olive trees, and the fragrant lemon trees typical of the Côte d’Azur. Expect Mediterranean cuisine like grilled, fresh-caught fish and bouillabaisse. After lunch, take the short stroll to the hotel’s private beach and relax on sun loungers while listening to the waves, a soothing sound that hasn’t changed in 100 years.