Last Wednesday marked the opening of Cannes' 67th Annual Film Festival, and as a Cannes virgin it was my first taste of the glitz and glamour to come.
We chose to stay in the seclusion of Cap d'Antibes; a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of Cannes promenade. Our hotel lies across from a sleepy park, lined with shady pine-trees, where you'll find the locals playing Boules each afternoon. A welcome escape from the crowds and sports cars in Cannes.
Hôtel Juana dates back to the early 1930's, which is immediately apparent from the dynamic curves and whimsical details of the stucco façade. Inside the original Art Deco features remain, including the charming wood and wrought-iron lift. With only 37 room it feels like your own private Oasis, complete with palm trees, marble pool and Hammam Steam room (which I've yet to try.)
Upon arrival we were greeted with Champagne, followed by a mouth watering lunch on their sun-trap of a terrace. After soaking up our surroundings and the sunshine we went up to our suite to get ready for the evening.
Unsure what to expect from our first night, I went all out, opting for a stunning silk gown by designer Cristina Sabaiduc. The copper tones worked beautifully with my freshly spray-tanned skin, courtesy of Mr James Read ;)
I took my silky Sabaiduc number for a spin in Cannes, heading straight to the heart of the action at The Carlton hotel. The Carlton, (although just warming up) was alive with electricity, gentlemen in their tuxedo's and ladies peacock-ing the lobby bar in their gowns. There was a constant chain of luxury sports cars driving past the hotel entrance. (All I can say is thank goodness our rental car was upgraded!)
I parked myself at a table in the Moët & Chandon bar where we soon meet some colourful characters and our first famous face; Actor Ron Perlman was sat with his agent at the table behind us, having just flown in from LA. He's just as rugged in real life, but a true gentleman and a pleasure to talk to. After the Jet-lag got the better of them, we took our party onto the Nikki Beach pop-up at Carlton de la Plage, and danced until the small hours.
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