Luxury Travel Advisor - September 2008 - (Page 64)

EDEN ROC (left) commands a high perch along the Cap d’Antibes. A DOUBLE BASTIDE ROOM (below) at Le Mas Candille boasts a private terrace. ADVISOR INSIGHT: Isabelle Stamper, a FrancoAmerican travel agent with SeaMaster Cruises loves to create customized itineraries for her clients on the Côte d’Azur. “For clients eager to see Monaco, I suggest the Hotel de Paris, right next to the grand casino,” Stamper says. “The views are beautiful and Alain Ducasse’s superb restaurant, Louis XV, is right downstairs. If my clients are cruisers, I suggest ditching the organized bus tour and exploring the old town on foot—which actually has a homey feel. When driving the coast, the medieval town of Eze is an absolute must. I also suggest sampling la socca (a specialty of southern France) in Nice. A restaurant like La Nissarda in the old town serves traditional Niçoise dishes. “Continuing west on the coast, Antibes has a lot to offer. Hotel du Cap is numero uno; they have a wellness center and infinity pool, and it’s very private. But I highly recommend going to La Garoupe beach, an oasis away from the city, and eating at Le Cesar Restaurant at La Plage Keller. For a starter choose the artichoke raviolini, then continue with the loup de mer sale (seabass wrapped in salt). This is a great place for couples.” 64 hammam and separate his-andhers dressing rooms. We loved the enormous terrace facing the Mediterranean. Your clients can dine in utter privacy under the arbor or soak in the Jacuzzi while appreciating the views. Further west along the coast, just five miles north from Cannes, the medieval village of Mougins has become a mecca for foodies and artists. Nestled in a spectacular private park high on a hilltop, Le Mas Candille (www.lemascandille.com) is home to the only Shiseido spa in Europe. Indeed, the property itself is a spa-like refuge, surrounded by tranquil Provençal landscapes with soaring views across the valley to the Prealps. Its unique geographical setting is one of its best assets; the hotel is a peaceful haven high above the crowds on the Côte d’Azur, but close enough to town so that your clients can take advantage of everything the region has to offer. The hotel is managed by Anthony Torkington, the recipient of the Villégiature Award for the “Best Hotel Management in Europe” in 2006. The hotel’s Shiseido Spa won the trophy for the best Relais & Châteaux spa in 2006 and is managed by Juliana Henriques (spa@lemascandille.com; 01133-492-284-353). Situated in a bamboo-studded Japanese garden with a wooden foot bridge, the Zen-style spa is outfitted with minimalist décor in a calming, serene environment. We were impressed with the spacious size and thoughtful design of the four treatment rooms. Each is equipped with its own Japanese garden to rest in after the treatment. The spa brings Shiseido’s Qi method to the Côte d’Azur; a combination of shiatsu massage and oshiboris (hot Japanese towels used to melt away stress) to stimulate the body’s tsubo points, encouraging energy flow and relaxation at the deepest levels. In addition to the wide variety of Shiseido Qi treatments, which run the gamut from purifying facials to body massages such as the Body Polish exfoliation and Four Hands massages, the spa also offers make-up and beautycare services. Outside the spa, the private gardens harbor a Jacuzzi, year-round hydrotherapy pool, sauna and relaxation area. The best part of all is the outdoor fitness room, housed in a thatched structure overlooking the valley and mountains beyond. When choosing guest rooms for your clients, keep in mind that the 40 guest rooms are spread out in two buildings. There are 20 refurbished rooms in the 18th-century Provençal “Mas” (farmhouse) and 19 rooms and one suite in La Bastide, a new building with contemporary, spa-like bathrooms and private terraces. Each of the rooms is uniquely decorated with objets d’art chosen by interior designer Julie Avot, and all rooms have Molton Brown bath amenities and WiFi. Insiders tell us that the rooms in La Bastide are the most requested accommodations, as they are larger. Book rooms 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 or 212 in the original Mas for mountain views from a private terrace, or choose rooms 402, 404 or 406 for views in La Bastide. During high season, it’s best to book three to four months in advance. Contact Sandrine Salomon (sandrine. salomon@lemascandille.com; 011-33-492-284-352), director of sales and marketing, for VIP requests. Upcoming: Six new suites are currently under construction in a building down the hill from the restaurant terrace, which promise dazzling views. Nice Perk: Gifts, like Le Mas Candille handbags, are left in the LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | September 2008 http://www.lemascandille.com

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Luxury Travel Advisor - September 2008

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