Ode to the resort palace in Antibes – “Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Cap d'Antibes”by François Simon (2007)

Dear readers, summer invariably conjures visions of the French Riviera — the enchanting Mediterranean coastline, the invigorating sea breeze drifting over the deep blue ocean, the charming contrast between timeless old town houses and opulent hotels, all crowned by the effortless glamour of stylish visitors drawn from the ranks of the elite, nobility, aristocrats, and celebrities. It is this allure that has made the French Riviera the quintessential destination for a sophisticated summer escape. Despite I find myself unable to make my trip to France this year, my soul remains steeped in the Côte d’Azur’s unique essence, reminding me what an elegant and chic summer holiday truly embodies. I was fortunate enough to visit Antibes just last year, a coastal jewel renowned for its dramatic cape and idyllic natural beauty, which is also home to two of the world’s most legendary and prestigious hotels, including the illustrious Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. I wrote a blog about this iconic retreat shortly after returning home, and the enchantment continues to resonate deeply within me ever since.

I vividly recall strolling down the legendary Grande Allée, on one hand, visualizing myself amidst the glamorous high-end fashion shows and events graced by global A-list celebrities, Hollywood legends, and royalty, while on the other, witnessing up close the architectural splendour and timeless elegance of this resort palace, this experience left an indelible mark on my memory. Even now, a yearning lingers within me for something tangible, a keepsake to hold onto these magical memories; thus, I resolved to find the coveted coffee table book I had long admired as a homage to this extraordinary haven.

My first encounter with the coffee table book titled “Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Cap d'Antibes” was about five years ago, right before the pandemic changed everything. Initially, I paid relatively little attention to it until rewatching the 2011/12 Chanel cruise fashion show, which was famously held along the hotel’s Grande Allée; that dazzling spectacle rekindled my fascination and prompted me to seek out the book once again. However, as time passed, the book had gone out of print and become one of those rare gems that are hardly found anywhere, and its value had inflated over time. Nevertheless, I still hoped to secure a copy, even if it’s pre-owned. Not sure if it was a birthday miracle, but I stumbled upon a pre-owned copy completely by coincidence a couple of weeks ago, and now I finally have it in my hands! Up to this point, you might wonder: “What makes this book so special?” or “Why does this particular old book hold such fascination?”

First of all, the book cover in deep blue Mediterranean Sea forms a breathtaking backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the small portion of the serene pool of the Eden-Roc pavilion; the title on the cover is rendered in an elegant font reminiscent of the glamorous Art Deco era, instantly evoking the sophisticated luxury of a French Riviera seaside resort — a feeling that captivated me from the very first glance. Written by the French author, Mr. François Simon, and published by Assouline back in 2007, “Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc: Cap d'Antibes” possibly stands as one of the pioneering works documenting the rich history and evolution of this legendary hotel. Originally a private mansion known as “Villa Soleil,” it was purchased by the late Italian hotelier, Mr. Antoine Sella, and later inherited by his son, Mr. André Sella. The hotel's story continued through subsequent changes in ownership, notably when the German industrialist, Mr. Rudolf August Oetker, acquired it in 1964, following André’s passing.

Beyond chronicling its history, the book offers an exquisite snapshot of the dazzling and stylish lives of the illustrious guests who graced its halls: Hollywood icons such as Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth, Rock Hudson, and Marlene Dietrich; the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; Winston Churchill; and the Kennedy family, who chose the hotel as their vacation retreat — all woven into the tapestry of its legacy. From the world of arts and literature, the legendary American writers F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway left their mark, alongside eminent artists Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall; renowned photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, and the iconic Slim Aarons, famed for capturing the lives of socialites and the elite, similarly made their presence felt here. All these extraordinary figures have left invisible yet indelible traces of grandeur, glamour, and timeless style that continue to define the hotel’s aura today.

This book not only delights with rare and beautiful photographs capturing those glamorous moments frozen in time but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to two pivotal figures in the hotel’s history — Mr. Rudolf August Oetker and Mr. André Sella. Their stewardship established Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc not merely as a place of leisure but as a veritable shrine to luxury lifestyle, prestige, art, literature, high fashion, and unparalleled glamour. It epitomizes the ultimate luxury resort experience on the French Riviera. Inside this stunning book, one will also find impeccably styled shots of the hotel’s interiors, alongside beautiful captures of the dedicated staff, elegantly dressed in their polished uniforms, poised and ready to provide impeccable service. Here, the celebrated French savoir-faire in hospitality shines, reflecting the hotel’s unwavering commitment to an uncompromising standard of excellence. This spirit of refined service and unique, world-class luxury defines the enduring essence of Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and its promise of sublime guest experiences.

Now this precious book has become a rare treasure for me — found serendipitously after years of searching — is a story in itself, and now it sits alongside a more recent volume I acquired years ago, titled “Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc: A Timeless Legend on the French Riviera”, as well as a photograph I took last year standing on the hotel’s iconic Grande Allée; together, they weave a narrative that feels deeply personal, as if my own relentless passion for style, French elegance, historical richness, and the art of living has quietly merged with the glamorous legacy of this hotel. Alongside the many distinguished figures who left their stylish impressions here, I sense this as a kind of blessing — a gentle reward for my steadfast devotion over the past decades, to which I remain eternally grateful.

In one of the most renowned novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “Tender Is the Night” (1934), the fictional “Hotel des Étrangers,” where much of the story unfolds, was in fact inspired by Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc itself. While the novel opens by evoking the glamorous and stylish lifestyle of the Jazz Age in the 1920s, its vivid descriptions also capture an atmosphere that beautifully resonates with the poetic and picturesque essence of the hotel, and here’s what Fitzgerald writes:

“The hotel and its bright tan prayer rug of a beach were one. In the early morning the distant image of Cannes, the pink and cream of old fortifications, the purple Alp that bounded Italy, were cast across the water and lay quavering in the ripples and rings sent up by sea plants through the clear shallows. Before eight a man came down to the beach in a blue bathrobe and with much preliminary application to his person of the chilly water, and much grunting and loud breathing, floundered a minute in the sea. When he had gone, beach and bay were quiet for an hour. Merchantmen crawled westward on the horizon: bus boys shouted in the hotel court; the dew dried upon the pines. In another hour the horns of motors began to blow down from the winding road along the low range of the Maures, which separates the littoral from the true Provençal France.”

To end this blog, I would like to share a piece of music that complements the mood: “Tender Is the Night”, a composition by the late American maestro Henry Mancini. While it is uncertain whether Mancini’s piece was directly inspired by Fitzgerald’s novel, the melody undeniably evokes the timeless glamour, elegance, and sophisticated charm of a bygone golden era of Hollywood. Listening to this evocative tune as I flip through the pages of the book invariably transports me back to Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc — a delightful journey along memory lane to a year past. I sincerely hope it brings you a similar sense of enchantment and timeless allure, all the way from the beautiful French Riviera.