Le Grand Jardin Cannes

Le Grand Jardin is a historic walled estate on Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the Lérins Islands, a short boat ride from Cannes. The island is home to the Fort Royal, where the legendary Man in the Iron Mask was held prisoner, and the estate, reached only by boat, offers complete seclusion within sight of La Croisette.

Carefully restored as an eco-conscious retreat, it sits within around 14,000 square metres of botanic gardens, with citrus trees, a koi pond, a chef's kitchen garden and a natural pool scattered with water lilies. Interiors use natural stone, marble and teak, and the estate is now part of the Ultima Collection.

Twelve bedrooms, sleeping up to 24 guests, are spread across six buildings: the Governor's House, three cottages, a guesthouse and the fortress tower, with three pool suites among them. There is a wellness area with a hammam, a sauna and treatment rooms, a gym, a cinema room and wine and cigar cellars, and a helipad for the quickest arrivals.

Stays are full board, with breakfast and three-course lunches and dinners tailored to each guest, homemade ice cream and baked goods, and a selection of drinks, coffee and juices. A house manager, chefs, butlers, housekeeping and drivers look after the estate, and boat transfers to and from Cannes run throughout the day.

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