The 69th Cannes Film Festival kicked off yesterday in France in the southern coastal city of Cannes – and with it all the usual glitz and glam. Star-studded galas? Check. Over-the-top gowns? Check. Whether you’re planning on joining the festival this year, or booking a trip to the quaint French city in the near future, here’s how to do a trip like the Middle East’s favorite Instagram darlings, Natalia Shustova, Haya Maraka, and Ola Farahat — all known to frequent the Côte d’Azur’s most glamorous and stunning destination.
Stay
Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez
Make like Natalia Shustova, the Belarus-born, Dubai-based full-time lawyer, mother-of-three, and fashion consultant, and head to Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez. The luxurious, art-deco, five-star hotel is located on the famous La Croisette Boulevard overlooking the Bay of Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea. Hit up the piano bar, the private beach, or one of the hotel’s three private restaurants à la Shustova.
Hôtel Majestic Barrière Cannes
Flanked by the likes of Gucci and Chopard, the Hôtel Majestic Barrière Cannes is just in front of the Palais des Festivals – a.k.a. prime real estate for Cannes Film Festival people watching. A favorite of Haya Maraka, who frequents this property when she’s not serving as the international ambassador for Bergdorf Goodman.
Intercontinental Carlton Cannes
With its white pillars, soaring ceilings, and glossy chandeliers, the Carlton’s luxurious accommodations cater to those with a taste for the finer things in life, making it digital entrepreneur Ola Farahat’s go-to respite.
EAT
Mougins Village
Mougins, which is a 15-minute drive from Cannes, is a quaint haven of lush forests and back-country roads. Dine in two of Savoir Flair‘s favorite restaurants in Mougins: Le Moulin de Mougins and La Place de Mougins.
Jeff de Bruges
For dessert, follow in Ola Farahat’s footsteps and satisfy your sweet tooth by adding this Belgian chocolate shop to your list of must-visit dessert spots.
Sunbathe
La Croisette
The Promenade de la Croisette (or Boulevard de la Croisette) is the main road in Cannes, which stretches through the heart of the city and is lined with private beaches and designer shops. We suggest you soak up the sun and a view of the sparkling Mediterranean at Baoli Beach or the Martinez hotel beach, two of the most luxurious private beaches in the city.
Visit
Pierre Cardin’s Palais Bulles
The backdrop of Dior’s 2016 cruise collection, affectionately referred to as the ‘Bubble Palace’, is not only an architecture lover’s dream — it also provides some of the best views of the Côte d’Azur.
Play
Palais des Festivals
The Palais des Festivals is the location for the Cannes Film Festival. From the outside, it appears to be an unremarkable concrete building, but during the month of May it transforms into the epicenter of Hollywood glitz and glamour and becomes a must-visit site – VIP pass permitting.
