Andrew Threlfall finds a luxurious haven to sit back, relax and bring on the best TV around.
Hotel Canopy, A Sublime Sanctuary In The Heart Of Cannes
As soon as my hayfever starts I know it’s time to get to Cannes. This year I headed out to the Hotel Canopy on Cannes harbor from April 27 to 30, for the final three nights of Cannes Series, the international TV series festival held in the esteemed halls of Le Palais.
London socialite Julia Nelson offered me a few words on this rather glorious venue:
‘Breakfast at the Hilton Canopy in Cannes. Well, the ‘Hilton Canopy’ couldn’t be more central, it’s literally a five-minute walk from La Croisette and the Palais des Festivals and boasts a stylish sunlit rooftop bar and restaurant with stunning sea views of Cannes. I really enjoyed a healthy protein-rich breakfast each morning to kickstart my day – the freshly squeezed orange juice and French Brie were truly the best I’ve ever tasted. If I could have brought some back to London I would have! Evening Massage at the Canopy Spa and Dinner at Marea on the rooftop is a truly blissed out Mediterranean experience. After a calming evening massage at the Canopy spa (big shout out to the spa’s staff for their warm and welcoming vibes) my energy was in excellent flow and I headed straight up to ‘Marea’ on the top floor. I noticed a completely different vibe compared to the mornings – the atmosphere was more intimate and a special evening of fabulous Mediterranean fine dining at the best table in the house overlooking the rooftops of the old architecture so symbolic of the ‘Cannes aesthetic’ and the historic ‘Chateau de la Castre’ was a phenomenal way to end the day. If you like bitter cocktails, I’d recommend the ‘Marseille’ made with gin, lemon juice and thyme syrup and be sure to try the ‘Cannes’ – a more potent mix of calvados, vodka, apple syrup and cinnamon. If you like fish, I highly recommend the ‘Tuna Tartare’ with crispy sushi rice and ginger, it was absolutely divine, I could literally eat it every day for the rest of my life.. and the Sea bass stuffed with lobster bisque, truffle and porcini is a delicious blend of fantastic melt in your mouth flavours. For meat eaters, the grilled Argentinian Angus Rib Eye steak with herb butter and homemade French fries is an absolute winner too! If you like seriously good food made from local products and good views this is the place for you. Not expensive at all either.’
Can’t argue with that!
I experienced the perfectionist hands of masseur Philippe Ginouves before dinner and I’d happily recommend this double punch to end to the day. Philippe offers a bespoke approach to well-being every single day in a prestigious setting where guest expectations are exceptionally high, so every detail matters.
I asked him how this work reflected the ethos of the new hotel which was formerly the old Radisson:
“As a spa practitioner and cabin supervisor, I am dedicated to providing each client with a seamless and impeccable experience. The treatment rooms are prepared with great care: the equipment is ready for use, and the atmosphere is immaculate and designed to promote relaxation. This organization allows me to focus entirely on what truly matters — the care and attention given to each individual. Even during high-demand periods such as the Film Festival, this standard never wavers.”
“My massages are always personalized. I address the specific needs of a clientele that is often mature and highly solicited, working to relieve muscle tension, improve joint mobility, stimulate circulation, and restore physical and mental energy. Every movement combines technical precision, attentive listening, and a keen eye for detail, offering far more than just a moment of relaxation. Now then Andrew, tell where this tennis injury is exactly…”
“My goal is to understand each client’s unique expectations and provide them with an unforgettable experience that enhances their comfort and overall balance.’
Canopy by Hilton certainly deliver this high level of service in a refined setting that meets the most demanding international standards. There is even a fabulous rental of their unique electric Kate car, decorated in the hotel’s colours, which innovatively offers a fun and original way to explore Cannes. A great experience for discovering the city in a new light, although I stuck to the traditional bikes – hired next door to the hotel at an e-bike shop.
Downtime from the busy Palais consisted of a 20 minute ferry ride to discover the Île Sainte-Marguerite, including a visit to the Fort Royal and the Musée du Masque de Fer. The ferry leaves on the hour, again, conveniently, from beside the hotel. The museum brought back Cannes Di Caprio-isms as it showcases in full the Man In The Iron Mask legend.
The Centre d’Art La Malmaison unfortunately wasn’t accessible during my stay, as the team was in full preparation mode for the upcoming summer exhibitions. But this is a must see this summer.
Cannes International Series Festival
So what of the film festival’s little brother, the Cannes Series? Well, the eighth edition of Canneseries came to a close as I took my place on the front row in the Palais for awards night. Notable was a huge night of success for Norway’s programme makers. Best Series went to the Norwegian A Better Man, which also earned the award for best performance for Anders Baasmo as Tom, who believes that everything wrong with modern society is the fault of feminism. Interesting.
Especially as he begins dressing in the only clothes available to him to avoid being recognised —his mother’s shop, and in true Mrs Doubtfire style becoming a woman, forever changes his worldview. The cast is very Scandinavian, reflecting the talent pool there, some names in addition to Baasmo, includes Ingrid Unnur Giæver, Jonas Strand Gravli, and Irena Sikorskytė, while direction is split between Gjyljeta Berisha and Thomas Seeberg Torjussen, the latter also serving as the series’ screenwriter. Could you get any more Scandinavian?
Two awards also went to Nepobaby by the trio Henriette Steenstrup, Siri Seljeseth, and Tina Rygh, also originating from Norway, which won the Social Interpretation Award and the Best Screenplay.
The pink carpet on awards night had it’s share of K Pop style glamour and especially as the award went to S Line from South Korea, a series written by Jooyoung Ahn, Hogil Hwang, and Joonhyun Kim, which won Best Music. What’s it about? Well Hyun-heup is a young woman who has always seen the red strings that connect people to their sexual partners. When a unique pair of glasses appears that grants the same power to whoever wears them, no one is spared, in a show that analyses the consequences of lost intimacy in a very very unique and surreal way.
Best docuseries for 2025 was The Agent – The Life and Lies of My Father by Magnus Skatvold and Øyvinn Haugerud Kastnes, the story of a child who, at age ten, was told by his father that he was a CIA secret agent. You’ve already guessed where the winners are from.
Norway to the summer vibes on the Mediterranean in glorious Cannes, sounds healthy and magical. As it was. See you next year.
For more information on Cannes visit Còte d’Azur France, and find out more about Cannes Series at Palais des Festivals.
Images curtesy © Còte d’Azur France. Title image by Hervé Fabre
