Irrfan Khan

OT: Favourite hotel in the world?

Irrfan Khan: Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat (www.grand-hotel-cap-ferrat.com). It’s actually somewhere between Nice and Monaco. 

OT: Last visited?

Irrfan Khan: I first visited when I was there for the Cannes film festival recently. I’ve only been there once.

OT: The experience?

Irrfan Khan: It was memorable, utterly peaceful and amazing. My room faced the Mediterranean Sea and I had a view that was perpetually blue. At the back, I had a view of the huge hotel’s own pine grove, where shade and light play and where you drink your wine against a stunning backdrop. Situated at the southernmost tip of the Cape of Antibes, I was told the building was a Napoleon III structure. Aside from being extremely luxurious, the hotel has a rich sense of history. And it adjoins Cannes and Nice, the old fortified town of Antibes and the lively neighbourhood of Juan-Les-Pins. I distinctly remember the aroma of pine wood and there was also a romantic rose garden. You walk to a pavilion built on a terrace by the sea, to swim, and you just float in the sea water there…the spectacular overflowing swimming pool is alone privy to a volume of secret memories. But I’m not telling!

OT: The food?

Irrfan Khan: I have the best memories of the food there. The restaurants served absolutely exquisite and delicious food. Just imagine – fine lasagne with Aquitaine caviar, baby leeks in olive oil, a roasted rack of Aveyron lamb in an olive and parsley crust, sole with candied aubergines… perfectly presented and served, in the perfect ambience. 

OT: The hotels’ ‘USP’?

Irrfan Khan: Since 2007, the hotel has hosted one of the most precious Château d’Yquem collections, from 1854 to 2003. The Grand-Hotel regularly organises wine weekends featuring France’s greatest châteaux.

OT: Repeat visit?

Irrfan Khan: I’d love to go there again. And if it is because I’ve been invited to the Cannes Film Festival again, that would be the icing on the cake.