You may know it for its famed tennis court that overlooks the Med, but now Cap Estel is getting a big glow-up as part of the LVMH portfolio. It’s historically been near-impossible to break into top tier in this part of the world, but our bet is Cap Estel will make the list.
The people at LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) never cease to surprise us. Case in hand, just a few months back, and out of nowhere, Louis Vuitton started its own line of makeup, La Beauté Louis Vuitton. And that’s after opening several Louis Vuitton cafés and a Louis Vuitton airport lounge. In short, the largest luxury-products company in the world is always up to something unexpected. Recently, Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, purchased the most iconic hotel on the French Riviera, Cap Estel, for more than $230 million. Now, that’s a real estate acquisition that deserves all of our attention.
Cap Estel
There are plenty of extremely high-end hotels on the French Riviera. But, if you were to rank them all, Cap Estel would probably be firmly planted in the S tier. The property, built in 1899 by none other than Franck Harris (a good friend of Oscar Wilde), has welcomed the likes of the Rolling Stones, U2, and The Beatles, to name a few. In fact, it is said that the place inspired John, Paul, George, and Ringo to write the mega-hit song “Michelle.” That’s a solid reputation.
Cap Estel’s location certainly has something to do with its notoriety. It is on an elevated headland, surrounded by the glittering Mediterranean. There’s nothing getting between you and the sea, and there’s no neighbors to cramp your style. Also, it’s a quick 15-minute car ride to Monaco and less than 30 minutes to Nice, so if you want a little excitement, you don’t need to travel far.
And, of course, if you’re a five-star hotel that houses some of the most famous people on the planet, you have to bring out the big guns to impress them. That’s why Cap Estel has a large and peaceful garden with water features, a private beach, a swimming pool with jaw-dropping views, a spa, a tennis court, and two gourmet restaurants. Oh, and a giant outdoor chess set too. Not only that, but with only 20 rooms and suites situated in four different areas of the properties, guests are treated to the utmost privacy.
Bernard Arnault’s Purchase of Cap Estel
When the announcement of Bernard Arnault’s purchase of Cap Estel came out, some feared that the French businessman was going to turn this world-famous property into a private villa. But thankfully, rumor has it, the plan is to keep it as a hotel.
Cap Estel is not the only property in the South of France linked to LVMH. The group owns the very upscale Cheval Blanc St. Tropez. Cheval Blanc is the luxury hospitality branch of LVMH, and also runs hotels in Paris and Courchevel.
There’s been no word as of yet as to what changes may come to Cap Estel after this acquisition, but we hope they’re not too drastic. You know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
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FAQs
Q: How much did Bernard Arnault buy Cap Estel for?
A: The CEO of LVMH purchased Cap Estel for €200 million, i.e. over $230 million.
Q: How many rooms and suites are there in Cap Estel?
A: There are 20 rooms and suites in Cap Estel.
Q: Where is Cap Estel located?
A: Cap Estel is situated on the French Riviera, in the town of Èze-Bord-de-Mer, between Monaco and the famous Cap Ferrat.
