Picture Cannes in the 20th century and cinematic scenes of the roaring twenties instantly come to mind. For those that desire a trip back in time on the Cote D’Azur, there are few choices that compare to the Hotel Martinez.
Today’s Cannes is best known for the glitz and glam of the annual film festival, which sees the city’s hotels filled with celebrities and its bay overtaken by some of the world’s most well known yachts. The Cannes we know and love today is far removed from the aristocratic winter colony, which once occupied this most illustrious of seaside villages. In 1834, Lord Brougham came across Cannes when it was just a simple fishing village; as you can imagine, he was instantly enchanted. In the decades that followed an impressive stretch of villas developed on Cannes’ now world famous La Croisette, not least of all on the plot of land at 73 boulevard de la Croisette, which the Hotel Martinez now occupies.
Constructed in 1929, the Hotel Martinez, designed by Charles Palermo, boasts arguably the best views of the bay of Cannes and an Art Deco composition to transport you back in time. Albeit, with all the modern conveniences one could wish for. The story of the Hotel Martinez begins with the hotel’s namesake, Mr. Emmanuel Michele Martinez, who purchased the Villa Marie-Therese on September 22, 1927, from His Royal Highness Alphose de Bourbon. His Royal Highness’ ancestor, the exiled King of Naples, had actually purchased the property in 1874 when the plot was occupied by an earlier house, La Coquette Villa. Within two years of Martinez’s acquisition the Villa Marie-Therese was replaced by the stunning Art Deco masterpiece that is Hotel Martinez.
Although the Hotel Martinez has endured countless renovations over the years, the property’s character and poise remain. With its own private beach and 409 guest rooms, 99 of which are plush suites, the Hotel Martinez offers the unique opportunity to enjoy the Cote D’Azur in a spacious and entirely luxurious setting. One of our favorite amenities at the Hotel Martinez is Le Jardin, the property’s enclosed private garden which resembles a 1930s dance hall. In 2018, the 40,000 square metre hotel underwent its most recent renovation. Lasting more than 18 months, the refurbishment work continues the mission of the hotel’s founder whose passion for the Martinez saw it become one of the Riviera’s grandest hotels. Particular highlights of the renovation include increased natural light, extensive use of white marble and crystal light fixtures, which develop an atmosphere of glamour akin to the 1920s and 30s.
One of the hotel’s four culinary destinations is the 2 Michelin star restaurant La Palme d’Or, whose name pays homage to the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. Here guests can enjoy a myriad range of tantalizing flavors, such as lobster, oyster, lamb, farm pigeon, as well as an impressive collection of local produce prepared by Chef Christian Sinicropi. Provencal delights, such as lamb saddle fillet and Mediterranean red Tuna, are particular highlights of the award winning menu. La Palme d’Or’s decor is an homage to the Cannes Film Festival, featuring bronze statutory, gold trim, and subdued lighting showcasing warm shades of red and beige furniture.
A passion for local and sustainable products at the Hotel Martinez is refreshing. Breakfast at the Hotel is an experience at Le Jardin du Martinez, where fresh fruit, aged cheeses, and local Gourdon honey are served alongside an incredible selection of baked goods in a buffet that is reminiscent of a Provencal Market. For a time, the Hotel Martinez even served eggs from a vintage Citroen that was turned into a food truck.
For a classic way to end your day in Cannes, there are few options that compare to the Martinez Bar. Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the retro decor is glamorous, varnished rosewood, blue leather and gold trim create an atmosphere that is entirely nautical. Gems of the menu include a selection of 22 different Gins and the Swedish Plunger Punch, crafted from vodka, grenadine and spices served in a copper pineapple. And for the cigar connoisseur, the Martinez Bar offers a wide selection from Montecristos to Cuban Partagas.
When stepping into any room at the Hotel Martinez you feel as if you’ve entered a stateroom on a stunning super-yacht, with a fresh, yet somewhat nostalgic, sleek art deco interior. Elegant bathrooms wrapped in white marble and mosaics are complemented in some suites by a blue or yellow motif. Glass door knobs crafted on the Ile de Brehat are a significant design highlight along with white terrazzo flooring, which makes for a seamless transitions between rooms within the suites. One of our personal favorite elements of the hotel’s design language are the aquatic and land themed wall panels featured in some rooms and suites. Continuing with the Hotel’s passion for local products, each bathroom is stocked with complimentary toiletries from Maison Fragonard, a perfumer based in nearby Grasse.
The suites found at the Hotel Martinez are some of the largest and most impressive in the South of France. First and foremost is the 4 bedroom Penthouse Suite measuring a mind blowing 1,670 square meters (nearly 18,000 square feet). Thanks to the penthouse’s location on the seventh floor, the suite enjoys extraordinary views of the Croisette, Lerins Islands, Mediterranean Sea, and Esterel Mountains. Additional features of the penthouse suite include four bathrooms, two saunas, two dinning rooms and two offices. The Penthouse Suite can be divided into two separate suites if you only desire two bedrooms.
For those that would like to stay on the Hotel’s first floor with the most convenient beach access, is the 160 square meter (1,700+ square feet) Suite des Oliviers. In addition to the suite’s 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and large living room/dinning room, there is a 250 square meter (2,500+ square feet) terrace with a Jacuzzi and garden. The hotel also boasts one dozen 135 square meter (1,400+ square foot) Prestige Mer Suites. The Prestige Mer Suites offer 2 bedrooms and bathrooms as well as a full living room and dinning room.
For the wellness minded, the Martinez’s L. Raphael Beauty Spa offers treatment packages ranging from age-fighting Oxy-Peels to Ultra-Gravity face and neck treatments, as well as detox treatments. The Spa is a partnership developed between the Martinez and Swiss Beauty firm L.Raphael, which was founded by Ronit Raphael and Dr. Raphael Gumener, a celebrated plastic surgeon and expert in cell membrane research.
Last, but certainly not least, are the Hotel Martinez’s impressive conference facilities. At 2,500 square meters (25,000+ sqft), the hotel’s facilities are only second in size to Palais des Festivals within the city of Cannes. With the ability to accommodate groups ranging in size from 15 to 1,000 persons with the latest in I.T. capabilities there are few comparable options on the Riviera.
Although many will state that the south of France is no winter destination, we’d beg to differ. Cannes and the Hotel Martinez in particular offer a stunning escape throughout the year. Whether you choose to visit the Martinez during the annual Cannes film festival or for a brief winter escape, you’re more than likely to be delighted by fine weather, exceptional cuisine, and some of the best views that the Mediterranean has to offer.
Images courtesy of the: Hotel Martinez
