In 1870, the Villa Soleil, a glamorous yet relatively imposing residence in Napoleon III style was inaugurated by its owner Hyppolyte de Villemont (the founder of the French newspaper Le Figaro). 17 years later, in 1887, Antoine Sella bought the Hôtel Eden Roc and opened the Eden-Roc Pavilion in 1914 with its swimming pool dug into the rocks. Within a few decades, Antoine Sella managed to attract famous names from around the world to this little corner of paradise.
Between 1887 and 1970, the hotel's guest book was filled with the names of Chaplin, Walt Disney, Chagall, Anatole France, Aga Khan, Agnelli, Erol Flynn, Picasso, Windsor, Sacha Guitry and many others. The myth of the world's most expensive hotel was thus created.
Since 1970, the Oetker group (owner of the Hôtel Le Bristol in Paris, the Palais Namaskar in Marrakech, the Fregate Island in the Seychelles and the Eden Roc in St Barth) has taken over the reins of this magnificent establishment and maintained its spirit while reinventing it. A major renovation campaign was thus undertaken over the last eight years, finishing in winter 2013 with the renovation of the boutique and the beauty salon.
To accommodate its illustrious guests, the hotel has 118 guest rooms spread across two buildings: the Hôtel du Cap (the former Villa Soleil) and the 'Les Deux Fontaines' buildings. The most illustrious can even enjoy one of the two villas (Villa les Cèdres and Villa Elena), true havens of luxury at the heart of luxury.
Whether they are staying in a guest room or a villa, all of the prominent guests at the Cap Eden Roc have access to the gourmet restaurant run by Chef Arnaud Poëtte, the Grill, the bars, the spa, the rose garden, the tennis courts and the 31 private 'cabanas' on the seafront.
Guests at the Cap Eden Roc have the choice of 3 areas to enjoy a drink or relax both day and night. The Juice & Ice Cream Bar is the newest spot at the hotel this year where guests can sample the homemade ice creams and sorbets, and fruit or vegetable juices in the shade of the Alep pines by the sea.
Overlooking the blue expanse of the Mediterranean, the Eden-Roc Champagne Lounge is a magical setting with its panoramic terrace nestled on top of the Eden-Roc Pavilion. Here guests can savour the finest champagnes under the guidance of Christophe Lencioni and his team who work with 14 champagne houses. Among the rare vintages available guests will find Jéroboam Louis Roederer 'Cristal Or' 2002 which has only 200 bottles available worldwide, and the Dom Pérignon 'Vintage Rosé'.
For those who prefer relaxing indoors, the Le Bellini bar is all luxury, charm and delight. This bar takes its name from the famous Bellini cocktail. It also offers a wide selection of other refined cocktails, which are further enhanced by the view of the sea and the large park.
For a touch of music, the La Rotonde bar is the perfect setting. This former Tea Room once visited by sovereigns, artists, businessmen and Maharajas is the oldest part of the Eden-Roc Pavilion.
A rare pearl in an already unique settings, the Cap Eden-Roc Chocolate Atelier is the workshop of Pastry Chef Lilian Bonnefoi who, surrounded by his brigade of nine confectioners, creates the chocolates served in the bars and restaurants, arranged in gift sets and placed in the rooms or placed on sale at the Eden-Roc Pavilion.