Just a stone’s throw from bustling Cannes and nestled in the idyllic setting of Juan-les-Pins lies a hidden gem, perfectly encapsulating the charm and elegance of the French Riviera—Hotel Juana. This boutique hotel, with its rich history and stunning renovations, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury.
The recent transformation of the property, spearheaded by interior designers (and life partners) Samantha Messens and Arnaud Larguier of Atelier Larguier, has catapulted Hotel Juana into the spotlight, making it one of the most intriguing boutique hotels in the world, even catching the eye of Forbes. With its vibrant and eclectic decor, sophisticated ambience, and a dash of daring design, Hotel Juana is not just a place to stay but an experience to be savoured.
Every year, many travellers venture beyond their familiar confines to experience the glitz and glamour of Cannes’ famed film and media festivals. In summer 2023 upon such a journey, we stumbled across Hotel Juana, thanks to a recommendation from a friend whose friends are indeed Messens and Larguier. It had just opened its restaurant Paseo and some of the hotel rooms so we were lucky enough to enjoy a brief tour. We returned the following year to soak up Hotel Juana's eclectic ambience - a perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of La Croisette. So perfect a location, it is a mere five-minute train ride or a ten-minute drive from the busy boulevard and offers a serene escape and postcard surroundings.
The hotel is set against the stunning backdrop of the French Mediterranean, with the beach just moments away, making it a perfect blend of convenience and tranquillity.
A Legacy of Luxury
The hotel is more than a place to rest your laurels but also a piece of living history. Built in 1931, the building has seen the ebb and flow of decades, retaining its status as an icon of luxury in Antibes.
Over the years, it has attracted a discerning clientele who appreciate its blend of classic elegance and contemporary style. The recent renovations have breathed new life into the property, preserving its historical charm while adding modern touches that cater to today’s luxury travellers.
The renovation project was undertaken by Samantha Messens and Arnaud Larguier, the dynamic duo behind Atelier Larguier. Known for their unique interior design tastes and hands-on approach, Messens and Larguier have made a name for themselves in the world of high-end design. Their work has even caught the attention of Forbes, further cementing their reputation as innovators in the field.
The story of Hotel Juana’s transformation began three years ago when Messens and Larguier were introduced to the hotel’s owners through their son, Antoine, who was stepping into a leadership role at the property. Antoine had a clear vision for the hotel—he wanted to modernise it while maintaining its five-star appeal. This vision resonated with Messens and Larguier, who are known for their love of bold colours, florals, and unique design elements. The designers recall their initial meetings with the owners as a creative exchange of ideas, where both parties shared a passion for art and design.
"We met the owners three years ago. What is great with this client is that it is still a family-owned hotel, and they have a real artistic fibre and DNA," Messens explained. "It's really nice to have conversations with them and brainstorm because they're often up for crazy new ideas. That was great for us as designers to be able to express this."
This creative freedom allowed the designers to push boundaries and bring a fresh, vibrant energy to the hotel’s interiors. The result is a space that is both luxurious and playful, with each room offering a unique experience. “Antoine wanted to dynamise and modernise by doing something very colourful, fun, and a bit ballsy for a five-star hotel, so he hired us. This was because we like to add a lot of colours and flowers and try to make things original," added Larguier.
A Garden in the City
One of the standout features of Hotel Juana is its terrace, which was the first area to be renovated. Messens and Larguier wanted to create a “garden in the city,” a place where guests could relax and unwind amidst lush greenery and vibrant visuals in the furnishing. The terrace, which is part of the hotel’s restaurant Paseo, is a perfect blend of nature and design, with sustainable materials used throughout.
Paseo delivers an extraordinary dining experience that delights both the senses and the palate. Its bohemian, effortlessly cool ambience drew us to an outdoor table near the enchanting wishing fountain and the striking bar. The setting was so immersive that we felt transported far beyond our everyday surroundings. Dining at Paseo is like embarking on a culinary journey through multiple vibrant countries, all nestled within the charm of a single courtyard.
The menu is a global exploration of flavours, featuring an array of dishes inspired by the world’s most vibrant culinary traditions. From the lively streets of Mexico to the sun-kissed coasts of Greece, each plate is a celebration of international cuisine. We began our feast with the Salmon Fumé, a delightful appetiser of exquisitely smoked salmon paired with a velvety dill cream, creating a harmonious balance of smoky and herbaceous notes. For those with a penchant for seafood, the swordfish ceviche is an absolute revelation—tender pieces of swordfish bathed in a luxurious coconut milk marinade, accented with the zesty brightness of lime, creating a dish that is both refreshing and indulgent.
As we were dining in the heart of the French Riviera, we couldn’t resist indulging in a charcuterie and cheese board that showcased the finest selections from across France. The board was a veritable feast for the senses, offering a rich variety of textures and flavours—from the creamy, tangy notes of artisanal cheeses to the savoury, perfectly cured meats. Each bite was a reminder of the culinary heritage that defines this region.
We concluded our lunch with an exquisite selection of desserts, beautifully presented on a platter by the in-house pâtissier. These sweet delights were perfectly paired with a 2011 Marquis de Beys Lebanese red wine, a unique choice bursting with vibrant rich red fruits from the Middle East. This thoughtful pairing was a sentimental gesture from the esteemed sommelier, knowing the editor hails from Lebanese roots. At Hotel Juana, such personal touches are always thoughtfully provided, making every experience feel truly special.
Following a lunch fit for a King or Queen, it was time to explore the other areas of the hotel which includes a gated pool.
The success of the terrace design from Atelier Larguier led to the decision to bring elements of the garden inside the hotel, creating an indoor oasis that blurs the lines between the interior and exterior spaces. "The idea was to make an indoor garden, if you want. So inside the restaurant, that's why we used a lot of botanicals, created a gorgeous ceiling mural with an artist and friend of ours from Belgium called Gaspard Nibelle," Messens noted.
As you step inside Hotel Juana from Paseo, you’re immediately struck by the eclectic mix of themes that permeate the space. The lobby exudes an Art Deco charm, with an elevator and desk that harken back to the hotel’s glamorous past. However, as you move through the hotel, the design takes you on a journey to different places and eras. The hotel’s library, with its rich wood panelling and classic furnishings, feels like a cosy corner of London, while the gardens evoke the tropical vibrancy of Cuba.
"This mix of themes was intentional," Messens explained, "as we don't like to work in just one theme, era, or decade. We wanted to create something fun and a bit eccentric. It's quite eclectic, which keeps the space lively and interesting."
Reflecting the unique character of Antibes, a town that attracts a diverse mix of people, from affluent retirees to stylish young professionals, Messens and Larguier were mindful of this diversity when creating the hotel’s interiors, ensuring that the space would appeal to a wide range of guests.
“We knew there was a specific clientele in Antibes that would come to this kind of hotel and a restaurant like Paseo," Messens observed. "The idea Antoine had was to kind of split the restaurant and the hotel, where the hotel would stand as an institution with a five-star-based activity, and then the restaurant would be more open to everyone and attract younger people and women as well, and be more dynamic."
This approach has paid off, with Hotel Juana now attracting a sophisticated and eclectic crowd who appreciate the hotel’s unique blend of luxury and quirkiness.
The renovation of Hotel Juana was not just about aesthetics; it was also about craftsmanship. Messens and Larguier took a hands-on approach to the project, sourcing materials from local thrift shops, antique stores, and flea markets. This careful curation ensured that each area of the hotel became a one-of-a-kind space, unable to be replicated elsewhere, and rich with character and history. They also breathed new life into the hotel’s existing furniture, upcycling and reupholstering each piece with thoughtful design, transforming the old into something beautifully renewed.
"We like to maximise the use of local materials from within Europe," Messens emphasised. "This was our playground because we love to source from thrift shops, go antique shopping, and flea markets are the places where we are big collectors of items."
This commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every detail of the hotel’s design, from the vintage yacht chairs that were restored to their former glory to the ‘masterpiece sofa,’ a stunning piece that was created by reupholstering and reshaping existing furniture.
"One of the most significant transformations was the 'masterpiece sofa,'" Messens shared. "We reupholstered all of their benches, but with this one, we made it generally lower and added gorgeous leopard print fabric, fringing, and a ton of pillows. It’s truly a statement piece in the restaurant."
Lighting plays a crucial role in the ambiance of Hotel Juana, with each room featuring a mix of ambient lighting, spotlights, and statement chandeliers. The designers were careful to balance the old with the new, retaining the hotel’s original crystal chandeliers while adding modern touches that enhance the overall design.
“The spotlights are original from the hotel, as are the drop chandeliers which are crystal and very vintage," Messens noted. "We also added huge lampshades with fringes and bases made of local ceramics, which is a nod to the owner’s passion for ceramics."
For Messens and Larguier, the renovation of Hotel Juana was far more than just a job—it was a true labour of love. As a couple with years of shared passion for design and creativity, they infused their personal touch into every aspect of the project. Their hands-on approach, from meticulously sourcing materials to bringing their vision to life, sets them apart from other designers. This dedication has transformed Hotel Juana into the most unique and captivating dwelling in Antibes.
"We both love what we do, we're passionate about it, and can just talk about work, brainstorm for hours and hours," Messens said. "We have the same taste, but sometimes not for everything, which is complimentary. We also like to surprise each other, and we have a lot of fun, especially since we're hands-on with each project."
This passion is evident in the final result, with Hotel Juana standing as a testament to their creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication to creating a truly unique space.
For more information visit HERE
Hôtel Juana
Address: 19 Av. Georges Gallice, 06160 Antibes, France
Phone: +33 4 93 61 08 70
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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