The best things to do in Cannes all year round

For the reset, Cannes has plenty of spas to choose from. Opened in October 2022, Villa Belle Plage takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering targeted programs to support short and long-term well-being. Designed by Raphael Navot (Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, Le 39V, Silencio), the space feels contemporary and organic, with smooth, undulating lines and a minimalist color palette. Their experts offer everything from HydraFacials© to Watsu hydromassage to sports concierge services. “We take care of everything – energy, muscles and spirit,” Jad Aboukhater, director of the Hôtel Belle Plage, told me.

At Zen Spa Diane Barrière, guests are pampered with signature treatments from Ligne St Barth (body masks, exfoliating massages and more) and French cult favorite Biologique Recherche (oxygen facials, micropuncture facials and more). Also bookable: hair care, waxing, make-up and more.

The modernist exterior of the Hôtel Belle Plage

Christopher Kohen

A room at the Hôtel Belle Plage

Christopher Kohen

Where to stay in Cannes

Opened in 1926, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is one of the most important properties in Cannes. The lobby sets the stage for a grand entrance, with high ceilings, gilded sculptures, and cascading Art Deco light fixtures. Rooms are stately and quiet, decorated in muted tones of cream and taupe, with expansive views of the bay. The hotel also offers ultra-luxe suites, each with its own design theme (like Riviera and Christian Dior), and a penthouse suite with a heated rooftop pool and 360-degree views of the city, from hilltop to hilltop Sea stretching over the city horizon. The town was quiet during my visit, but the bar at Fouquet’s was lively as ever. There you will find a thoughtful drinks menu created by experienced mixologist Emanuele Balestra. On-site restaurants include Fouquet’s and Paradiso, a Mediterranean brasserie open during the warmer seasons.

While famed hotels like Le Majestic and the Martinez are steeped in Cannes history, the Hôtel Belle Plage in the Le Suquet district offers a contemporary alternative and a fresh perspective on the city. Using materials like white stone and terrazzo, Raphael Navot’s design feels like an elegant Greek island getaway with a millennial sensibility. The hotel has 45 rooms as well as eight apartments intended as longer-term pied-à-terres.

The Five Seas Hotel is a stylish retreat just a few steps from the Palais des Festivals. Rooms have charming touches like leather trunks and four-poster beds. Don’t miss the heated pool, the Spa by Phytomer or the rooftop restaurant Le Roof with panoramic city views.

A short drive from Cannes, in nearby Antibes, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is the epitome of glamor on the French Riviera. The hotel dates back to 1870 and was first designed by Le Figaro’s founder, Auguste De Villemessant, who saw the natural surroundings as a place of inspiration for writers. The secluded retreat has welcomed Picasso, Chagall and Scott Fitzgerald among many other creative minds. Hotel highlights today include several restaurants helmed by Eric Frechon (Le Bristol Paris’ three-Michelin-star chef), Swiss brand La Prairie’s Eden-Roc spa, and private villa rentals.