Nestled in the heart of the French Riviera is the dreamy seaside town of Cannes. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Cannes has had along assocation as a sophisticated getaway, due to the luxury hotels and restaurants, chic shopping and crystal clear Mediterranean Sea.
Know as the home of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, as well as the Cannes Yachting Festival, the area is perfect not only during festival season, but also year round. We have sculpted the perfect itinerary for a weekend getaway in magical Cannes.
STAY
As a member of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, Hotel Martinez has been an icon on the French Riviera since it was built in 1929. Located on one of the most famous streets in France, the hotel is perfectly located to see and do everything in Cannes. Famed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who kept the art deco motif of the grand hotel, did a complete renovation in 2018. Currently, the hotel features 409 gorgeous rooms and suites, done in shades of white and blue or yellow, homage to the sea and the sun.
As you walk into the hotel, you are greeted with a stunning chandelier centerpiece, over a table covered in decadent, seasonal floral arrangements. Scattered around the floor are individual seating areas, the concierge and the check in desk.
Located on the property are restaurants Le Jardin du Martinez, the main restaurant featuring indoor/outdoor seating and La Palme d’ Or, the only 2 Michelin Star restaurant on the French Riviera. Helmed by Chef Christian Sinicropi, who has creatively designed the menu and ambiance since he overtook the restaurant in 2007. Born in Cannes, Chef understands the ethos of classic French cooking, and focuses on local, fresh ingredients for the innovative menu. Lamb comes from the nearby town of Aveyron; pigeon from southwest France, fish from local purveyors and the olive oil and wine is from Lérins Abbey on the island of Saint-Honorat, produced by the Lérins Monks.
SHOP
Leaving the hotel, you are dropped right onto the famed La Croisette. The beautiful mile-long avenue runs alongside the Mediterranean Sea, framed by palm trees. With a mild subtropical climate, shopping, dining and people watching here anytime of the year is a delight. One of the most iconic streets in all of France, stores like Hermes, Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton are intermingled with cafes, chic boutiques and beautiful hotels with private beaches.
Grab lunch with a view at a seaside cafe between stops, or relax with a sunset cocktail and watch the sunset. If you need a culture break, head to The Centre d’ Art La Malmaison, a modern-art museum in what used to be the Grand Hotel. Unfortunately, the entire hotel was demolished except the Games Room, what now houses different art.
Marché Forville
A scenic 20-minute walk from the hotel is Cannes’ authentic open-air local market, the Marché Forville. The perfect way to become immersed in French culture by smelling and tasting cheese, meats, fruit, regional flowers, jams and regional flowers. The market is open daily from 7:30-1pm.
PLAY
No better way to explore the French Riviera than on the water by boat. Tours can be arranged through hotel concierges, or booked with reputable tour operators.
Many guests love to explore Ile Sainte-Marguerite, located just off the coast of the French Riviera and part of the Lérins Islands archipelago in the Golfe de la Napoule.
The islands are a natural playground, featuring a blend of history, charm, nature and culture. Visitors can hike forested trails, bird watch by Batéguier pond and visit former prison Fort Royal, built by Spanish Invaders that dates back to the 17th century that has been transformed into a maritime museum. Fort Royal is also known as the real life prison of the “Man in the Iron Mask”.
The smaller island Ile St-Honorat is home to the Abbaye de St- Honorat. The working monastery has been around for 16 centuries, and the monks here live by the creed of St. Benedict, balancing prayer and work. The monks work in the vineyards, and produce quality wine, liqueurs and olive oil. The terroir of the island (silky, chalky soil, sea breezes and climate) make it perfect for vineyards and wine growing, and gifts can be purchased from the abbey or online.
After a day on the sea, make sure to head to the L. Raphael Beauty Spa. Located on the 7th floor of Hotel Martinez, the 950 sq. meter space includes 10 treatment rooms dedicated solely to holistic beauty and wellness. Known for focusing on the science of beauty, treatments focus on active beauty products, rejuvenation, scientific research and technological innovation. Here, beauty comes from the inside out, with emphasis on mind, body and spirit in harmony.
La Palme d’ Or in Hotel Martinez.
Hotel Martinez exterior
