Ultima Collection has confirmed it is set to expand with the opening of Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin in spring 2022. 

The property is located on the island on Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of four islands in the Lérins archipelago, situated about half a mile off the French Mediterranean coast.

The historic, walled private estate was previously home to royals including Louis XIV and is the only private property on the two-mile island. There are no cars on Sainte-Marguerite, and Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin is accessible only by helicopter or a 10-minute boat ride from Cannes. 

Ultima Collection said it was working with local experts to restore historic aspects of the property, which comprises the main Governor’s House, a turreted watchtower with a roof terrace and a third guest house building collectively dating back as far as the 13th century.

Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin will have 11 bedrooms in total, with suites in the Governor’s House and The Tower, as well multiple indoor and outdoor dining areas serving farm-to-table dishes, an organically-filtered, heated outdoor pool, an open-air cinema and a spa. 

The property is surrounded by a 14,000 sq m botanical park featuring cypresses, palm trees, olive trees, fruit trees and local flowers, and is protected by a stone fort built by France’s former secretary of state for foreign affairs, Cardinal Richelieu.

Byron Baciocchi, co-founder of Ultima Collection, said the new opening signalled “the start of a new chapter” for the brand.

“Sainte Marguerite's historic offering is undeniably rare, which is why we did not hesitate in adding the property to our portfolio,” he said.

“Before embarking on this monumental project, we knew we had a responsibility to preserve its historical elements while also bringing the property forward with our signature design and interiors. It’s turned into an eco-sanctuary that is even more special and can be enjoyed in complete privacy on the Cote d’Azur.”

Ultima Cannes Le Grand Jardin will be the brand’s sixth private residence, joining Ultima Corfu, Ultima Crans-Montana, Ultima Megève, Ultima Geneva and Ultima Courchevel, which opens in winter 2021/22. The brand also has a five-star, flagship hotel in Gstaad.