Lights, camera, check-in. Impeccably stylish in design and invitingly friendly in nature, Sophie Ritchie shares why Barrière Le Majestic Cannes in the idyllic French Riviera makes the perfect spring getaway
Cannes is known for a few things; glitzy international film festivals, Hollywood’s most glamorous stars and of course, beautifully exclusive places to rest one’s casually coifed head. Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is such a property, a dreamy seafront building filled with charm, chandeliers and endless culinary opportunities.
When I board the plane at London Gatwick, it’s a miserably rainy January morning – the clouds’ tears lashing against the little oval windows like a child in the middle of a supermarket tantrum.
But by the time we’ve landed, zoomed across in a taxi to Cannes and piled out, I’m surrounded by nothing but blue skies and the gentle ocean breeze welcoming me to France. British winter feels like a world away as a smartly-dressed doorman takes my bag and ushers me into the dazzlingly chic property – I’m half tempted to open a calendar just to make sure this is still January.
The Venue
Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes certainly knows how to make a good impression – after all, ‘this is showbiz baby.’ The lobby alone features enormous sparkling chandeliers, dripping from the high ceiling with Barrier’s signature diamond shapes.
This is a pre-rona, pre-mask, pre-hand sanitiser dousing world of course, and at the time it’s also bustling with guests – groups of business men exchanging laughs on expensive sofas, friends making their way to lunch and visitors peering around with the same impressed look on their faces as mine.
The five-star hotel, built during the roaring 20’s (as opposed to the boring 20’s of today) is draped in Art Deco style with the essence of old school glamour embodied in every staircase, suite and door handle within its seven-story walls.
Its location justifies such decadence – being perched on the Croisette, just a stroll from the famed red carpet of Palais des Festivals de Cannes. In fact, 2 of the hotel’s 5 signature suites are inspired and swathed in homage to French film royalty, with one of these offering an incredibly covetable view of the festival straight below. The price for such a bird’s eye snoop during the actual festival I’m told, could make even Elon Musk’s eyes water.
The Room
Its other 257 rooms are fortunately far more affordable, along with 92 suites for those with a penchant for extra exclusivity. I myself stay in a Junior Suite Prestige Sea View Terrace. The clue is in the name – this south-facing suite comes complete with a beautiful terrace, decked out with sun loungers and a breakfast table for starting the day in true film star fashion.
With a spacious lounge and king size bed, decked out in neutral tones, silky fabrics and a wow-worthy marble bathroom, the 45m² abode feels like the ideal retreat after January’s traditional gloom. I would happily crawl under the luxurious covers and stay there until my gate’s announced for the flight home – but of course, Cannes is far too beautiful not to be admired up close… and there’s much more of Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes to be devoured.
This property perfects the equilibrium of both health and hedonism – an example of this being the lavish Spa Diane Barrière. Head here for a dose of much-needed pampering in zen surroundings, where hi-tech treatments, as well as numerous holistic therapies can be found in abundance.
This wellness hub uses Biologique Recherche and LIGNE ST BARTH products to rejuvenate its guests in designer fashion – and there’s also a handy fitness centre for those who wish to start the day with a workout before a day of soaking up the Dolce Vita lifestyle.
The Dining
Despite its age, this is one sprightly hotel – and it’s keeping up with the times like a well-heeled chameleon, especially when it comes to feeding hungry guests.
First up, there’s Fouquet’s – serving top-notch brasserie-style cuisine with the poised spirit of Paris. Book a table to find yourself surrounded by black and white portraits of stars, with a menu making the most of local produce, created by the culinary genius 3 Michelin-star Chef Pierre Gagnaire.
For something more informal, beachside BFire by Mauro Colagreco offers a fun, gastronomic experience overlooking the Mediterranean. B stands for Barrière=, whilst Fire describes the house speciality – namely dishes cooked over a wood fire. Cool, chic and laidback, expect DJ beats and moreish dishes as you fill your boots on the Majestic’s private beach.
For something lighter, pitstop at Paradiso Nicole et Pierre for dishes inspired by specialities from the Mediterranean, Nice and Italy. Top chefs Nicole Rubi and Pierre Gagnaire have teamed up for a menu filled with fresh mouthfuls which showcase some of the Mediterranean’s most legendary recipes – all served in truly exquisite surroundings.
For a tempting night cap or pre-dinner cocktail, Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes also features a myriad of bars to try out. I recommend the Bar Galerie du Fouquet’s Cannes, where a sip of the Grand Dame, enjoyed in sumptuous surroundings is not to be missed.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Lights, cameras, check-in. After almost an entire year of lockdowns and depressing news, escaping to Cannes and ordering a strong beverage at one of its sleek dining options could not be a better way to celebrate when travel restrictions lift once again. Impeccably stylish in design and invitingly friendly in nature, Barrière Le Majestic Cannes proves that age truly is just a number.
Make it happen
Where: 10 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06407 Cannes, France
How: Visit hotelsbarriere.com/en/cannes/le-majestic.html to find out more and make a booking.
