Private island retreat opens off the coast of Cannes

A historic property has reopened as an exclusive-use home on a private island off the coast of Cannes in the Cote d’Azur.

Le Grand Jardin is the sole residence on the island of Sainte Marguerite, which is accessed by a short boat ride or helicopter transfer from Cannes.

It features 12 bedrooms across seven separate buildings, which include the Governor’s House, three cottages, a guest house and the old fortress tower.

The 3.5-acre estate dates back to the 13th century, with previous owners reportedly including Louis XIV and the 15th-century Dukes of Guise.

The property retains its original features while incorporating contemporary design enhancements such as white and grey marble, neutral beige furnishings, teak wood floors and artwork including a Gregory Bonnard sculpture. The renovation also had a key focus on sustainability.

Outside, the property is surrounded by citrus trees, natural pools and a botanical garden.

Guests can partake in instructor-led yoga sessions and personalised wellness programmes. The property also features a hammam, sauna and a selection of treatment rooms, where guests can enjoy bespoke services with leading wellness experts.

A dedicated concierge team is on call to arrange a wealth of personalised experiences including heli-sightseeing tours over Cannes and the French Riviera, dinner receptions in the garden, an open-air cinema experience, cocktail parties in the outdoor bar and Vespa tours of the neighbouring coastline.

A statement from the property said it offered “all of the services of an ultra-luxury five-star hotel…within the privacy of a residence.”