Between Oetker Collection’s illustrious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – the quintessential Riviera playground of the great and the good, with its own stretch of private coastline, beautiful parkland and emblematic saltwater pool just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea – and Château Saint-Martin & Spa, nestled in the hilltops of Vence, an area long-considered a magnet for some of the world’s greatest artists with 32 acres of manicured gardens – adventure-seeking travellers and culture vultures alike will be able to see off the season in style with a variety of activities to enjoy.
TRAVERSE THE WATERS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN ON AQUARIVA SUPER
For the ultimate glamorous Riviera experience, guests can embark on a day out at sea on Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc’s very own bespoke yacht, Aquariva Super. Made just for Eden-Roc, the hand-crafted yacht is complete with a skipper on board who will guide them across the turquoise blue Mediterranean sea to discover the natural wonders of the Côte d’Azur and ensure the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure for those on board. Visitors will delight in a selection of fresh fruit skewers and delectable macarons, accompanied by a chilled bottle of Champagne to add to the elegance.
Aquariva Super will dock at Saint Honorat, a natural island oasis in the middle of the sea that faces the illustrious Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The island offers much to explore including its famous Abbey, of which visitors will have a private tour and the chance to taste delicious wines created by the resident monks. Another point on the map to dock at is Port Vauban, where guests can explore the old Medieval town of Antibes and its Provençal markets selling a delightful variety of local produce. For the more adventurous onboard, water sports such as paddle boarding, jet skiing and sea lobbing are all available on the boat.
TAKE TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS OF THE RIVIERA HILLS WITH NEW CYCLING ROUTES
This season, Château Saint-Martin & Spa, which sits high in the hills of Vence, invites guests to discover the idyllic destination in a new and adventurous way – served with a hearty dose of fresh mountain air. Amateur and professional cyclists alike will enjoy the brand-new cycling routes the hotel has mapped out, taking in the beautiful, diverse landscapes that the countryside of the South of France has to offer. The picturesque natural surroundings of the hotel make for the perfect landscape to explore by bike, with idyllic villages to discover dotted between hills and breathtaking views across the Mediterranean.
The team at Château Saint-Martin & Spa have created four different routes, with something for every ability level of cyclist. From touring a charming Medieval village and its famous Confiserie Florian sweet shop, to a full 18.6-mile route from ‘mountain to sea’ with an optional return journey by minibus. Guests will enjoy a picnic or snack specially created for the occasion by the hotel’s Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Jean-Luc Lefrançois. As an avid sports enthusiast himself, Jean-Luc enjoys joining visitors on their bike rides upon request. The experience will provide an unforgettable day of exploring for anyone looking to add a bit of adventure and activity to their holiday and for lovers of nature, fresh air, and discovering local culture spots.
DISCOVER A UNIQUE BLEND OF NATURE AND ART AT MANOLO VALDÉS’S ANNUAL SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
As a staunch supporter of the arts, Oetker Collection has brought back its Southern French seasonal art exhibition, displayed annually for visitors of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Château Saint-Martin & Spa. The open-air exhibition, La Reverie by renowned Spanish sculptor and multimedia artist, Manolo Valdés, consists of 13 monumental sculptures including Infanta Margarita, Head with Butterflies, Regina II, Reina Mariana and Mariposas — the centrepiece at each hotel.
In beautiful contrast to the works in the gardens, the impressive gallery at Château Saint-Martin & Spa is also exhibiting a collection of etchings, representing the famous ‘Meninas’. Hailing from Valencia, Spain, Valdés is one of few contemporary artists who has mastered multiple mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Throughout his long and impressive career, Valdés has never stopped investigating and reinventing art; the reverie that his sculptures inspire isn’t merely due to their colour and shape, but also how they transform the surrounding landscape — like an eloquent ode to nature itself. The exhibition will be on display at both hotels until 17th October 2021.
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Rates:
- Rates for use of the Aquariva Super yacht start from €1,000 (currently approx. $1,185 / £859) which includes an appointed skipper, salted mix, two glasses of Champagne as well as soft drinks and water
- Rates for the cycling routes at Château Saint-Martin & Spa start from €170 (currently approx. $201 / £146) per person, including bicycle rental, drop off by minibus at the hotel if needed, and a picnic. Offer is available exclusively to hotel guests and of a maximum of five people per group, including the chef (should his presence be requested)
- Nightly room rates start from €650 (currently approx. $773/£558) at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and from €350 (currently approx. $416/£300) at Château Saint-Martin & Spa