Whenever you stroll by way of the doorways of the newly renovated Carlton Resort, what first hits you is the sunshine —the sunshine and the house.
The cramped foyer of the outdated Carlton, with its low ceiling and slender hall between check- in desk and concierge, has given option to an enormous open space, brightly lit by the Mediterranean solar streaming in by way of the banks of south-facing home windows. The ceiling seems miles away.
Cannes-born inside designer Tristan Auer, famed for his restoration of the Resort de Crillon in Paris and the redesign of the London 4 Seasons, has gutted the doorway space, ripping out mid-century “enhancements” to disclose the unique high-vaulted design from 1911 by Carlton architect Charles Dalmas in all its belle epoque glory. Many years-old layers of paint slathered on the middle columns have been stripped away, revealing the mottled marble beneath. Native artisans have painstakingly restored long-hidden, and pale, ceiling mosaics utilizing archival pictures as a reference. The petal-pink Venini chandeliers, diffusing and softening that southern mild, add a contemporary contact.
Workers in Grace Kelly-inspired outfits — a nod to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 traditional To Catch a Thief that featured the long run Princess of Monaco as a cat burglar preying on the Carlton’s rich patrons — wait in a discreet alcove on the left, whereas the brand new concierge stands behind a curved desk of white raku ceramic.
The reception space correct is farther again, in one other sun-drenched room overlooking the Carlton’s new backyard courtyard (extra on that later). Encased in glass beneath the reception desk is the distinctive purple clay powder acquainted to French Open tennis followers worldwide. It’s one other nod to resort historical past: The purple clay was first used on the Carlton’s personal tennis courts in 1926 for the “match of the century” between French star Suzanne Lenglen and her American rival, Helen Wills. (Lenglen received, and the Carlton now has a collection named in her honor.)
Auer and architect Richard Lavelle, who oversaw the renovations, have saved the Carlton’s legendary two-domed entrance and its signature Riviera Restaurant, whose raised terrace once more would be the spot to see and be seen at this yr’s pageant. Additions embody a brand new cocktail bar — Bar °58 — set again from the foyer (the outdated bar space has been transformed right into a tea lounge with its personal “tea grasp” to suggest infusions); Rüya, a Turkish-themed restaurant; and a brand new health and spa advanced referred to as The C Membership, which features a full-size boxing ring.
However the true transformation is within the rear of the constructing. What was a dreary car parking zone has been enclosed and reimagined as 215,000 sq. ft of lush, landscaped backyard, with modern sunbathing decks, handcrafted cabanas and a glittery infinity pool. Framing the backyard are two new wings with 37 luxurious apartment-style residences, ranging in dimension from round 900 to greater than 5,000 sq. ft. All residences have full entry to resort facilities. All this luxurious, naturally, will value you. Rooms on the “reborn” Carlton Resort begin at 1,200 euros ($1,300) an evening, rising to 50,000 euros ($55,000) an evening for the brand new penthouse suite, which incorporates 5,381 sq. ft of residing house and a 5,381-square-foot personal rooftop with a view that may truly justify the value.
This story first appeared within the Might 10 challenge of The Hollywood Reporter journal. Click here to subscribe.
