The holidays usually conjure up an image of snowy rooftops, roaring fireplaces, and sipping hot chocolate while bundled up for a chilly morning. However, the Mediterranean can be just as festive without the freezing temperatures. In fact, the Hôtel Martinez, the iconic art-deco hotel on the Croisette in Cannes, has some amazing holiday packages and festive fun on offer this year. And it all looks like the perfect way to not only get in the Christmas spirit but also ring in the new year.
Chef Fabrice Fernandes, Pastry Chef at Hôtel Martinez, alongside chef Jean Imbert, who was also recently named the new Executive Chef at the hotel, have crafted some gorgeous pastries for the festive season. These include the Bûche Signature (which is an edible Hôtel Martinez!), a gourmet Galette des Rois made with frangipane, Grand Marnier, candied chestnuts, and candied clementines, and a ‘Signature Yule Log’ which has citrus, Piedmont hazelnut, and green cardamom. Basically, these are desserts that, while maybe too pretty to eat, are also too delicious and too festive not too!
Guests can indulge in a Christmas Day brunch curated by Chef Jean Imbert. For €160 per person, guests will start with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne and then move on to luxurious dishes like scrambled eggs & truffle, sea bass coulibiac & lemon butter, and Christmas panettone. There will also be a live pianist playing throughout the brunch. And because this is Cannes, you can wear whatever you want because it should be a balmy sunny day outside! And, of course, the more glam, the better on the French Riviera.
For New Year’s Eve, there is a package on offer right now for €1290 per two guests, which includes accommodations, champagne in the room, and an invitation to the New Year’s Eve dinner at the hotel’s new Mediterranean restaurant, Le Sud, followed by the Lobby party to ring in the new year. Alternatively, guests can book the New Year’s Brunch package for just €770 for two guests, which includes an overnight stay and brunch on New Year’s Day. The brunch will have some tasty things offered, like Fine de Claire n°3 oysters and scallops with leeks & saffron foam.
The Hôtel Martinez is a luxury hotel that has hosted celebrities, movie stars, and a lot of other distinguished guests over the years and has one of the most iconic facades on the Mediterranean. And while most may associate Cannes with beach days in July, it is just as fabulous in the off-season thanks to the sunny days and lack of crowds. Also, Cannes is an excellent place for shopping, with pretty much every big designer boutique available within steps of the Hôtel Martinez. So, if Santa doesn’t bring you everything on your wish list this year, treat yourself to a little getaway and pick up anything he may have missed.
Top Takeaways
Location: Cannes, France
Star-Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: Riviera glam at its finest.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? Enjoy the views of the Mediterranean from a private balcony with a glass of champagne in hand.
Food + Drink: There are multiple restaurants on site: Le Sud, the casual all-day dining spot offering an indoor/outdoor experience, and the two Michelin star La Palme d’Or is closed for renovations right now but will reopen in Spring 2024. There is also the beach restaurant La Plage du Martinez, which is one of the best places to see and be seen in Cannes.
Any Neighborhood Recs? The property is located on one of the most famous shopping streets in the world, so plan on strolling around and treating yourself to some luxe goodies.
Amenities: Outdoor pool, private beach, award-winning spa, patio dining, many rooms have private balconies and lots of on-site dining.
What’s Nearby? Croisette, Villa Domergue, Castre Museum, French Riviera, Picasso Museum, Plage de la Croisette, and Plage du Palais des Festivals
Rooms: 409
Pricing: Rates start at $300/night in off season and $500+ in high season.
Closest Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
