The Champagne is flowing, your tan is glowing, and the yacht is pulling into Port Le Vieux, Cannes—things are about to get a lot more exciting. It’s time to blow some dough in one of Europe’s most expensive cities and experience the most lavish French Riviera vacation you can imagine. If you’ve got funds to burn, there’s no better place than Cannes to do so, and we’ve got a guide on just exactly how to do it. Here’s our to-do list for couples heading to the European destination and looking to drop nothing less than $100,000 on their getaway.
Getting Around
First thing’s first. You’re going to need a stylish car to get around and Elite Rent-a-Car has a collection of luxury autos to choose from. The Ferrari 458 Italia Spider can be booked for €1,890 (USD $2,156) a day for a four- to six-day rental. With super sport convertible car is equipped with a mid-rear V8 engine and Ferrari-patented, fully retractable hard top.
Total: $8,624 (for four days)
Where to Stay
Sure, you could sleep on the yacht, but why not get a change of scenery for a night with a room at the Grand Hyatt Hôtel Martinez, a historic property of grand proportions. The property’s private beach is the largest on prestigious Boulevard de la Croisette and it’s been said that you can’t even walk through the front door unless you’re on a list of hotel guests. Which is also why plenty of celebs have called it home over the years. The 3,229-square-foot penthouse suite located on the 7th floor includes a king bed, living room, dining area, marble bathroom and 2,900-square-foot terrace. Although the price is not listed, one night will reportedly set you back around USD $37,500.
Total: $37,500 per night
Where to Dine
Within the same hotel is Palme d’Or, a two Michelin-star and four-toques GaultMillau restaurant. It is one of Cannes’ most posh dining venues and has garnered an international reputation for its fare. Laced with movie star photos on its walls and seating on an expansive terrace, the restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine from Chef Christian Sinicropi. Offering The Movement menu (separate from the à la carte options), diners can choose from seven three-course “movements” to experience. Items such as The Dublin Bay Prawn, Tunas from Cap Corse and Riviera, and The Allaiton Lamb Triple, the products are meant to move through three variations of the offering before moving onto the next selection. Each offers a different price but pairing more than one is essential in truly enjoying this meal. Although many a famous face has dined within its quarters, it’s been said that if you can afford to eat here, you’re not supposed to be impressionable. So no staring please.
Total: $214 (one item) to $1,000 (all choices) per person
Sitting at the top of Five Seas Hotel, SeaSens is another prestigious restaurant for foodies to discover. The one-Michelin-star restaurant, helmed by Chef Arnaud Tabarec, overlooks the historic Le Suquet quarter and the Old Port of Cannes and offers “market cuisine.” Chef Tabarec is focused on selecting only the best and most local produce to create his elegant fare. With an East-Meets-West décor, the dining room is chic and romantic with dim blue lighting, settee sofas and illuminated lanterns hanging above.
Total: $75-$130 per person
Added Bonus: Get your morning cup ‘o Joe at Armani Caffé, the fashion design house’s chic eatery located at 42/43 Boulevard de la Croisette. Full of style, this little bistro is a great place to people watch.
Where to Party
During the day, hit the pool at Nikki Beach located at The Carlton Hotel. Known for its rousing parties, the destination is a frequent stop for socialites and Hollywood A-listers visiting the area. Among its most notable guests have been Naomi Watts, Robin Thicke, Lil Wayne, Eva Longoria and Rooney Mara. VIP Table prices are unlisted but are said to be around five digits and if you want the best-of-the-best bubbly, order the Cristal Roederer Brut, Methuselah. As the most expensive bottle on the menu, you’re looking at a minimum of $34,400 for the day.
Total: $34,400+
Leave your sandals on the boat if you have any hopes of getting into Le Bâoli, one of the area’s trendiest and most selective clubs. Those wishing to secure entrance must be dressed to impress and will be turned away if not up to par. Ferraris and Bentleys are regularly parked outside and guests range from super models to millionaires and royalty. Inside, the space features Asian-inspired décor with a number of sofas, shimmering lamps and candle-lit tables to create a more Balinese-style vibe. The music is electronic with a mix/focus on pop and hip hop culture. VIP Bottle service begins at around $1,000, but if you’re staying at the Grand Hyatt Hôtel Martinez or another one of the area’s swankier hotels, your concierge can easily arrange to get you on the list.
Total: $1,000+
Shopping
La Croisette and rue d'Antibes are home to many of Paris' fashion house boutique shops such as Chanel, Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier. Spend an afternoon browsing the handbags at Celine or head into Lalique and purchase crystal products to add to your home. At Trabaud, located on rue d'Antibes, just behind La Croisette, shoppers can find Italian fashion labels such as Dolce & Gabbana, Costume National and Armani.
Total: Your Choice
