The Mondrian Cannes, perched elegantly on the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, is a destination that encapsulates the glamour of the Côte d’Azur. My wife Sam and I, along with our 8-month-old son Xavier, recently had the pleasure of spending a day here, indulging in its exquisite culinary offerings and vibrant beach club atmosphere. Our visit was a perfect slice of Riviera luxury, blending tranquil moments in the lush gardens with a long, lazy spot of sun-worshiping at Hyde Beach.

Our day began with lunch at Nakamoto, The Mondrian’s celebrated Japanese-Peruvian restaurant nestled in the hotel’s beautifully manicured garden. As we walked in, the setting immediately captivated us—shaded by lush greenery, the dining area was both serene and stylish, an oasis of calm in the heart of Cannes. Xavier seemed equally taken by the peaceful surroundings, his adorable safari outfit perfectly complementing the garden theme of the day.

I had visited the manicured outdoor grounds of The Mondrian during my many visits to Cannes for the iconic film festival in May. After hearing that this hotel was the only establishment in Cannes to have such a large outdoor garden haven, I was even more delighted at the thought of having lunch here.

The menu at Nakamoto is a true masterclass in Nikkei cuisine, artfully balancing Japanese precision with the bold, zesty flavours of Peru. We started with the restaurant’s signature salmon ceviche, a dish that awakened our palates with its vibrant citrus notes and a hint of chilli. The sushi offerings were equally impressive—Samira, ever the sushi aficionado, couldn’t stop raving about the toro and tuna nigiri, while I was perfectly enamoured with the yellowtail and salmon sashimi.

We also devoured Wagyu burgers pleasingly smothered with cheese and pretty bowls of quinoa and avocado salad – all washed down with iced coffees – my new cheeky addiction.  Even Xavier had his moment of culinary delight with a plate of mashed avocado prepared just for him—a thoughtful touch that made us feel genuinely cared for.

To round off the experience, we shared a dessert platter of mochi while sipping on expertly crafted fruity mocktails. The combination of impeccable flavours, attentive service, and the tranquil garden setting made our lunch at Nakamoto an experience to savour and remember.

After lunch, we headed to Hyde Beach, the hotel’s renowned beach club that effortlessly channels the glitzy yet laid-back vibe Cannes is known for. As we arrived, the club was alive with the soft beats of a live DJ set, laughter from sun-kissed guests, and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.

The staff, ever attentive, quickly set us up in a shaded cabana, ensuring Xavier’s comfort while Samira and I settled in for an afternoon of indulgence. The Mediterranean sun, paired with the club’s chic décor and vibrant energy, created an atmosphere that felt both exclusive yet welcoming.

Samira and I couldn’t resist sampling Hyde Beach’s signature cocktails. While she opted for a refreshing green smoothie, I savoured another ice cold latte. Meanwhile, a steady stream of tempting sharing plates passed us by—grilled prawns, fresh oysters, and crispy calamari—adding to the feast of the senses, and my sense of FOMO.

While Samira dipped her toes in the turquoise waters, Xavier and I enjoyed the soft sands nearby, making the most of the family-friendly atmosphere. Hyde Beach strikes an impressive balance—it’s undeniably glamorous but never at the expense of comfort or inclusivity.

As the afternoon progressed, we were treated to one of those magical Riviera sunsets, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink, with the sea reflecting every shade. The scene perfectly encapsulated the allure of Cannes and the effortless elegance of The Mondrian.