Though it’s passed through varying degrees of cool, from golden age to slightly passé and back again and again, it’s by now clear that the French Riviera is just one of those timeless destinations. The perennial warm-weather migration back to this stretch of the Mediterranean is due in part to the smart recycling of a handful of grand old hotels to reflect the tastes of contemporary sun-worshippers. The Hotel Juana, located in the resort of Juan-les-Pins near Cap d’Antibes, is a product of that particular revolution, infusing traditional luxury and historic architecture with a fashionable modern sensibility and an understated air that’s well-suited to its seaside location.
The hotel, tucked into a quiet pine tree-shaded property near the private beach of Belles Rives, is an Art Deco classic dating back to 1931. The ivy-covered structure with its cream-colored stucco facade, surrounded by a hammam and white marble pool, has been restored to achieve a sort of pared-down French elegance — the interior’s dramatic curves and whimsical details provide 1930s-style glamour, but the finishing touches are clean and modern. The Art Deco chic look continues throughout the hotel’s 40 refurbished guest rooms, many which offer private terraces overlooking the sea and pine groves. Fine linens and internet capability are standard features; oversized suites also contain Jacuzzis. Mediterranean cuisine and a superb wine list await guests at the hip La Terrasse Club, and the private beach and tony boutiques of Juan-les-Pins are just a short stroll away.
author watson@mouselink.net, source www.tablethotels.com
