Cote d'Azur's Cap Estel luxury hotel unveils transformation

Cote d'Azur's Cap Estel luxury hotel unveils transformation
Famous guests from the past have included Greta Garbo, President Georges Pompidou, and Sir Laurence Olivier. The custom continues with such recent guests as Bono, Robert DeNiro, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, among many others.

The highlight of the refinish is the addition of four new rooms within the main house that open on to private terraces overlooking the Mediterranean.

To mark the completion of the transformation, Cap Estel has issued two coffee table books in a limited edition of 500: In the first, "Cap Estel, a Villa in Time," author David S. Worth takes the reader through the history of this legendary estate. The second, "Cap Estel Gardens" by celebrated architect and botanist Alain Goudot, features watercolor illustrations of the hotel’s renowned gardens, which he landscaped.

The Cap Estel rebuild that began in 2001 was completed in 2004, and then totally updated in 2009 to incorporate the new rooms as well as new communications technology. Redesigned as a spacious mansion devoted to privacy, secrecy and social interaction, the hotel's metamorphosis included all but three outer walls and its Doric Greek columns. The original Cap Estel was founded in 1900 by notorious Irish journalist/novelist Frank Harris, a close friend of Oscar Wilde.

The favorite retreat of princes and shahs, heads of state and stars of stage and screen, Cap Estel is another asset in Mantis' portfolio of five-star hotels, resorts, townhouses and game reserves across Europe and Africa. Remarking on its latest marketing partnership, Mantis CEO Adrian Gardiner said, "This historical property, with its magnificent location, setting and gardens, is a unique residence with impeccable service that sets an exquisite standard in the luxury travel market." Bernard Apthorp, Director General of Cap Estel added, "By collaborating with Mantis, we hope to live up to their mantra of 'conserving a vanishing way of life' on many different levels."

The four separate villas comprising 14 suites and four rooms can accommodate 55 people in total. Each villa has its own name ("le Cap," "la Mer," "la Corniche" and "le Parc"), its own personality, its own views, its own entrance and its own security.

Cap Estel offers a full range of spa treatments and private gym sessions. Relaxation facilities include a heated indoor pool with steam room and sauna, as well as a heated outdoor seawater infinity pool and Jacuzzi. Rounding out the recreational amenities are a piano bar, billiard room and a 38-seat cinema. Rates range from $577 to $17,300 depending on the suite, the season, and area events.

View Hotel Profile: Cap Estel