Widely regarded as one of the most impactful worldwide events, the Cannes International Film Festival is making its 71st annual debut on May 8, 2018, in the South of France. With the purpose of celebrating cinema on an international level, Cannes never fails to attract luxury from the star-studded parties to the A-list attendees. During the 10 day event, the opportunities to experience the luxury of Cannes are seemingly endless, so it’s essential to know the ins and outs of what’s available.
Image courtesy of Azure Helicopter
Why not start with a grand entrance? Attendees can indulge in luxury travel as soon as the plane touches the ground at the Nice airport with 7-minute helicopter rides to and from Cannes. Once you reach Cannes, hotels along the Côte d’Azur are the only option for a picturesque, elegant stay in the South of France.
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Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Hotel Martinez, and InterContinental Carlton are only minutes from the heart of the festival while providing a hint of historic charm and breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for penthouses, private pools, and sprawling suites, the Hôtel Majestic Barriere is an obvious choice. The Five Seas Hotel Cannes offers a more intimate boutique style experience for attendees looking for a more tranquil getaway.
Image courtesy of Le Petit Paris
When in France, you can’t forget to eat. An epicenter of luxe dining and entertainment, Cannes has no shortage of show-stopping menus. Villa Archange has two Michelin stars for cuisine by Chef Bruno Oger and is situated only 10 minutes from La Croisette. For authentic French cuisine with an emphasis on rich flavors and delicately crafted dishes, Paloma is the most notable option. L’Oasis and Le Park 45 offer eastern and Mediterranean style dishes for a burst of local flavor and refined delicacies only available in Cannes. And if you fancy dining amongst the stars, and rubbing shoulders with the famous, then head over to Le Petit Paris located across from the Martinez…you will like what you eat, see, and experience.
Image courtesy of DPA Cannes
When it comes to entertainment and luxe relaxation, the gifting lounges at Cannes steal the show. THE GAURA Cannes 2018 Lounge presented by DPA features a gifting experience tailored to the elite of the film industry. This year’s lounge will feature Gaura Japan Hydrogen infused water bottles known for their revolutionary health properties. At around $350 for the portable machines and $2000 for the in-home options, these hydrogen water bottles are breaking new ground when it comes to luxe hydration.
Image courtesy of DPA Cannes
Lai Wei will be providing exquisite designer jewelry on loan for the red carpet, while Alila Resorts is giving away two trips to India, Le Tahaa Island and Spa are offering stays in French Polynesia, and Movenpick Maldives will be providing luxury accommodations. Luna Mena’s sustainable and ethical jewelry with the mission of empowering women in their communities, Lisa Young Lee’s healing gemstone jewelry infused with REIKI, and Urban Scents chic perfume will all be on display as well.
Image courtesy of WanderLuxxe
When it comes to parties, there’s nothing quite like WanderLuxxe Luxury Concierge Service Yacht Party. This can’t miss private event with Louis XIII will be a night to remember hosted on May 12th on A Calque, a 28-meter Turkish schooner. Wanderluxxe offers unmatched festival experience with exclusive perks and insider access for both groups and individuals through their curated events and membership program.
Image courtesy of ADR Agence
Making it’s 4th edition debut, Madame Monsieur is back again and moving to an exclusive new venue at Le Studio Cannes. This glamorous party hosted amidst the Cannes skyline will be an artistically striking and festive event designed to leave guests dazzled by breathtaking views of the city and the excited elegance of the party.
Image courtesy of Sandra Suite & Co.
Sandra Suites and Co. is a (not so secret) gem tucked between the Carlton and Martinez Hotels. One of the largest outdoor terrace parties atop the Michael Kors store can be seen from anywhere on the Croisette, thanks to its Gorillas. If endless Perrier Jouet is your thing, this is a fun place to be for you. The daytime somber venue which hosts press junkets and facilitates meetings and movie deals turns into one of the festivals most coveted hotspots during the nights.
This year, Sandra is kicking off the festival by being the official venue for the Cannes Film Festival Opening Film (Everybody Knows starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem) after party. There are no guest lists for Sandra. If Sandra wants you in the party, she will invite you. All in all, Sandra captures the Belle Epoque era and brings it to Cannes!
If you fancy arts, the annual Gala Ciné-Arts will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the Hotel Majestic Barrière. Presented by presented by VIP Belgium and benefitting founder Alexandre Bodart Pinto’s non-profit “Wheeling Around The World.” The glamorous fundraiser is a unique concept will feature a private concert, fashion show, charity auction, and other exclusive activities.
Aside from these lavish parties, guests should also plan to attend A-list events like Chopard Gents Night, Swarovski Intimate Lunch, Global Gift Gala, Chopard, John Travolta Lunch, Naomi Campbell’s Fashion for Relief Event, deGrisogono 2018, and the amfAR Gala & Party.
And don’t forget to bring your tuxedo? You’ll need them. Visit the Cannes Film Festival website for more information.
Written by DLX contributor Gotham Chandna.
Gotham Chandna is a digital marketer working with independent shorts, features, documentaries and web series. Passionate about indie and foreign cinema, Chandna hosts workshops, roundtables, panels and special events during Sundance and Cannes film festivals.
To learn more, follow him on Instagram.