Ultima Collection is proud to announce Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin to its luxury houses portfolio.
Set to open in 2022, Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin is the only private property on the island of Sainte-Marguerite. This newest luxury venue is set in a historic, walled private estate that was previously home to royals such as Louis XIV and the world’s elite. Like Ultima Collection’s existing properties across Europe, Le Grand Jardin will feature exquisite décor, state-of-the-art facilities and the highest levels of service, whilst offering a completely exclusive, secluded and once-in-a-lifetime experience for a group on the Côte d’Azur.
Famed for its unspoilt beauty and at just under two miles long, Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of four islands in the Lérins archipelago, situated about half a mile off the French Mediterranean coast. The island has attracted artists and photographers such as Picasso and Lee Miller, who often sought refuge from the mainland for their very own unspoilt island retreat. The French avant-garde painter, Francis Picabia, was mesmerised by the island’s extraordinary flora, fauna and light, and captured its rugged coastline in his painting L’île Sainte-Marguerite.
Exclusively accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Cannes or by helicopter, with no cars on the island, Ultima’s guests will feel as though they are staying on their very own, secluded private island.
Ultima is working with local experts to restore the historic aspects of the property to their former glory. Le Grand Jardin comprises the main Governor’s House; a turreted watchtower with a roof terrace and glorious views, and a third guest house building – collectively dating back as far as the 13th century. The property will have 11 bedrooms, with expansive suites in the Governor’s House and The Tower; multiple relaxation and dining areas both indoors and out; an organically filtered heated outdoor pool; an open-air cinema, and a spa.
This unique 13th-century property is surrounded by a 14,000sqm botanical park and is protected by an impressive stone fort built by Richelieu. Cypresses, palm trees, olive trees, fruit trees and local flowers complete this idyllic scene, while landscaped walkways lead guests through the estate’s botanic gardens that are fragrant with roses, geraniums and irises. Ultima’s chefs will be on hand to offer guests tailor-made, farm-to-table dining, which will ensure a connection with nature and create the home-away-from-home experience for which Ultima is renowned.
