Hotel du Cap-Eden-Rock; it really is true to say the more things change, the more they stay the same.
I am slow today, still luxuriating in the most wonderful weekend we enjoyed at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. If you follow me on Instagram you will know we were there to celebrate David’s birthday.
It was a big one and deserved attention, as does he. He is one amazing and fabulous guy.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is probably one of the world’s most beautiful destinations but it is so much more than that. Set in magnificent parklands with an incredible piece of rocky coastline as piece de resistance, Hotel du Cap has been a hideaway for many of the world’s most rich and famous for many decades. Yet somehow the hotel has retained old-fashioned charm, exquisite service and none of the glitzy glamour that has struck many contemporaries.
Yes, one pays dearly for the privilege of staying there but we have all paid dearly to stay in less than desirable hotels and come away feeling, at the best nothing and at the worst short changed. Hotel du Cap, for all its glamour, has a family atmosphere and makes you feel just as special or even more special than the myriad of celebrities who pass through their doors.
Spending a few days at the Hotel du Cap reminded me why the French Riviera had such a reputation and attracted so many celebrities since forever. I had forgotten how glorious the Mediterranean is when paired with rolling lawns, manicured gardens and soaring pine trees; a unique blend of ocean meets garden. It really is an extraordinary coastline and the location of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is nothing short of magnificent.
We spent the weekend like the people in the iconic photographs of Slim Aarons. We lounged like lizards, we swam, we dived into the sea and we attempted to climb the hanging ropes and bars. We were reminded of days gone by, when as children we whiled away hours by the pool or at the beach. The only difference, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is far more sophisticated a playground than our childhood destinations.
I say that Hotel du Cap is sophisticated yet in many ways it is not.
The decor, while in perfect state, has not changed in any discernible way in the last 20 years. The bedrooms have retained their gorgeous panelling, French antiques and lustrous chandeliers from the owner’s personal collection. Beautiful toile fabrics, in the softest pastel shades adorn the windows and frame the classic turquoise-blue shutters that distinguish the Chateau.
The restaurants and bars can create whatever your heart desires and yet classic French is still at the heart. Merci mille fois, chef for David’s incredible birthday cake; we are still recovering from that one and the detox starts today.
It is 20 years since our last visit. We celebrated David’s birthday once before at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, back in the days of French francs and cash only. We felt like kids let into an adult’s playground; this past weekend I felt we had come of age.
It was only a weekend but it felt like a lifetime. xv
Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc: Plus ça Change, Plus c’est la Même Chose
many asked me about my dress, it’s a favourite from roksanda and I would almost say it’s the perfect piece. i wore it with flats because we were on the move but i can see it with some great heels
**roksanda margo // roksanda yasmin // roksanda nair
images slim aarons from getty images
