Set amidst the splendor of the Côte d’Azur, Château de la Croix des Gardes has long been a beloved retreat for the artistic community. Recently, this esteemed estate has joined Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes, a leading group in luxury hospitality. This intercultural union promises an elevated experience, blending luxury with the region’s cultural allure. But what will it have in store for us?
Mandarin Oriental Exclusive Homes, a global leader in luxury residences
Mandarin Oriental has grown far beyond their original roots to become a well-established international entity boasting a portfolio of sumptuous properties – hotels (38), residences (11), and exclusive homes (23) – spanning 25 countries worldwide, from Ibiza to Puglia. Renowned for their ability to create exceptional environments that captivate and inspire guests with their allure, the group expertly weaves together the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture, and distinctive design elements.
Images by Château de Croix des Gardes
Château de la Croix des Gardes: the jewel of the French Riviera
The latest addition to the collection, Château de la Croix des Gardes, perfectly embodies the majestic and timeless beauty of the French Riviera. With Mandarin Oriental’s meticulous attention to every detail of the experience, bolstered by collaboration with the luxury platform StayOne, guests can expect every moment in this idyllic setting to be infused with elegance and sophistication. This retreat aims to attract those seeking the epitome of refined living amidst the coastal breeze and glamorous surroundings.
Inside Château de la Croix des Gardes
The first steps into Château de la Croix des Gardes transport guests into another era without having them sacrifice the comforts of modernity. Commissioned in 1919 by Swiss industrialist Paul Girod, the building’s Florentine-inspired architecture immediately captivates with its pinkish-beige facade that transforms throughout the day by the changing daylight akin to a Monet masterpiece. Each room, including the 16 en-suite bedrooms spread throughout the main building, cottages, and luxurious pool penthouse, exude meticulous design and charm.
Images by Château de Croix des Gardes
How to spend a day in the Château
For leisure and entertainment, the Château offers a myriad of experiences for guests to indulge in: from the intimate cinema room perfect for a quiet and cozy evening to the exclusive private bowling alley for some friendly competition. Not to mention the grand ballroom, a majestic space capable of hosting up to 100 guests, serving as a testament to grandeur suitable for celebrating life’s most precious moments.
A haven for artists and stars
The allure of this architectural and atmospheric wonder however, extends far beyond mere aesthetics: it has long been immersed in a rich cultural fabric due to its popularity among the artistic elite. Immortalized on the big screen in 1955 as the backdrop for “To Catch a Thief,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, it has since become an integral part of cinematic history, intertwined with the Cannes Film Festival and frequented by stars such as Brigitte Bardot.
Today, this enchanting estate continues to captivate the imagination of celebrities and international icons: recent events, such as Donatella Versace’s La Vacanza fashion show, attest to its enduring relevance. Over the years, Château de la Croix des Gardes reaffirms its status as a sanctuary where luxury, art, and sophistication converge, offering an extraordinary first-class experience.
The French Riviera: Timeless Beauty
The addition of this extraordinary estate to the Oriental collection solidifies the French Riviera’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury living. With this latest acquisition, the region now boasts six magnificent properties under the Oriental banner, reaffirming its status as a sought-after destination for those seeking a refined lifestyle.