Because the Cannes Lions roared again on the French Riviera, we spoke to an authority about trends in travel.
Jack Ezon — the founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond, a life-style partnership specializing in bespoke travel experiences — gave The Post some travel suggestions and insights on what to do and where to go on the festival, and beyond this summer.
Q: What trends are you seeing in tourism in Cannes and the French Riviera, generally, this time of 12 months? Which hotels are booked up?
A: The 2 strongest markets for us this summer are the French Riviera and Amalfi Coast. Revenue in these areas is up almost 100% over 2022. Nearly every jet-setter hotel is full, though there are still great pockets in Monte Carlo and Cannes and even untouchable palaces just like the Byblos in St. Tropez, 4 Seasons Cap Ferrat, and even Hotel du Cap in Antibes. The secret’s to select up last-minute cancellations.
Q: What were some hidden gems for travelers after Cannes Lions?
A: All eyes are on Cannes this 12 months, due to the revealing of the fabulous reinvention of the storied Carlton, which is literally redefining Cannes. Previously few years, town got ignored by the jet-set crowd, choosing nearby Monte Carlo, Antibes, or Cap Ferrat. Most of that stemmed from an absence of wonderful places to remain.
With the $500 million investment, the grand dame of the French Riviera has not only grow to be the most well liked hotel in France but single-handedly revitalized Cannes as the place to remain on the Riviera. We love to mix it with Monte Carlo, the gorgeous latest Maybourne Riviera, or with the excitement of St. Tropez. Those searching for more of a detox-retox fusion, a visit into the fantastic Provence, just two hours away by automobile, is idyllic.
Q: Did you get a glimpse of the renovated Carlton? What’s it like? What would Cannes Lions attendees love in regards to the latest space?
A: There are a couple of grand dames that you just walk through and get goosebumps. The Carlton is one in every of them. Regent nailed it on the subject of renovating one in every of the world’s most iconic hotels without losing its soul. You recognize where you might be. It’s utterly classic, paying homage to its original art-deco and Belle Epoch style with a fresh, vivid, and polished contemporary take.
The addition of the sprawling courtyard and pool now provides an important view for many who cannot afford to face the Croisette. The rooms have vivid white carpets, wealthy lacquer woods, sumptuous amenities, and delicious linens. Restaurants are at a latest level, and the terrace might be the very best breakfast scene on the coast.
Q: You mentioned Provence as a destination for travelers after Cannes. I saw that George Clooney stayed at Villa Gallici in Aix after the Cannes Film Festival this 12 months. Where are people staying and are you finding that tourism is growing within the region?
A: Le Bastide in Gordes and Villa la Coste are the recent latest darlings of Provence, each offering a totally different experience. Le Bastide is ready in the traditional hillside village of Gordes overlooking the Luberon Valley with a fresh take of traditional style fastidiously redone by the famous Airelles group. Conversely, Villa la Coste is an uber-modern villa set on a sprawling vineyard peppered with dramatic modern art.
In nearby Avignon, Crillon-le-Brave is ready in an ancient commune brimming with a way of place and history which has also been gorgeously redone with modern luxuries, while the dainty Fontenille outside of Aix is ideal for visitors who wish to feel a guest in a friend’s Provençal home. Let’s not forget St. Tropez, which, for the true jet setter that goes into withdrawal with an excessive amount of quiet, is the most well liked of the hotspots on the coast.
Q: What are a few of your personal favorite hot spots within the region when it comes to hotels and restaurants?
A: I also love the quaint village of Les Baux and the stunning Ostau de Baumanière. It’s not essentially the most polished and never the latest hotspot, nevertheless it is filled with charm and soul.
Q: Are there any-must do or must -see things while in Cannes or the French Riviera generally?
A: I’m obsessive about the French Riviera, summer, winter, spring, or fall. There may be all the time something happening. In reality, I really like Monte Carlo in winter – it has restaurants and shops as amazing and as elegant as Paris with a much milder climate (without the crowds). The Casino continues to be probably the most glamorous affairs you’ll ever experience.
Art lovers should make a pilgrimage to St. Paul de Vence brimming with art galleries. Take a walk along the Croisette – it’s all the time just fabulous Because I really like nature, I wish to take a road trip to nearby Calanques National Park which is nothing in need of spectacular. I really like to hit the beach clubs and nightclubs in Cannes akin to the Carlton Beach Club, Plage Keller, and, my favorite, Baoli Beach which becomes an incredible club as dusk arrives.
Though it lacks the glamor of Cannes and Antibes, I really like shopping within the old town of Nice. Stroll Juan les Pins after the beach to come across local families in an lovable village among the many jet-set sanctuaries of Cannes and Antibes. You can not leave with out a quick boat ride to La Guerite Island for lunch!!!
Q: Media and ad execs are frightened in regards to the economic volatility and a possible recession but you say travel is booming — why is that?
A: It’s not explainable. People keep spending prefer it’s burning a hole of their pockets! They proceed to desperately canvas the Mediterranean this summer or the Caribbean over the winter holidays, whatever the fee. We’ve been talking a couple of recession for over 2 years and we just don’t see it in our bookings.
What’s going to the longer term hold? Who knows…. That’s why I believe everyone just desires to live IN THE NOW and worry about funds later. I mean, you possibly can decide to live with memories or dreams. You simply live once!
