Comparative Analysis:
Le Grand Jardin vs
Hotel Belles Rives
Prepared by: Charles Berthillon, CB&CØ Multi-Family Office
For: ULTIMA CAPITAL Board of Directors Meeting
Date: June 2025
Executive Summary
This analysis compares ULTIMA CAPITAL's Le Grand Jardin estate with the established Hotel Belles Rives to identify strategic business development opportunities while addressing the corporate governance challenges highlighted in our previous discussions.
I had the pleasure to visit and speak to the CEO of the group Belles Rives this week end.
Charles
Property Comparison Analysis: Le Grand Jardin vs. Hotel Belles Rives
Key Aspect
Property Type & Heritage
Exclusivity & Privacy
Luxury Model & Focus
Le Grand Jardin
  • Exclusivity: Only private property on Île Sainte-Marguerite
  • Historical Significance: 13th-century heritage, former royal residence
  • Ultra-Privacy: Private island location, 15 minutes from Cannes by boat
  • Sustainability Focus: Eco-friendly luxury estate positioning
Hotel Belles Rives
  • Historic Prestige: Art Deco palace since 1930, F. Scott Fitzgerald connection
  • Prime Location: Direct beachfront access in Juan-les-Pins
  • Proven Business Model: 43 luxury accommodations including 5 suites
  • Diversified Revenue: Michelin-starred restaurant, beach club, water sports
Revenue Diversification Strategy
Le Grand Jardin can optimise revenue by copying beyond traditional hotel models.
Strategic Network Opportunities based on Belles Rives existing network
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH)
Leveraging this prestigious network would position Le Grand Jardin as a premier private island destination within their collection, granting access to Hilton's extensive global distribution and exclusive SLH Club member benefits.
Virtuoso Network Integration
Integrating with Virtuoso, a network generating over $13 billion in annual luxury travel sales through 20,000+ travel advisors, would connect Le Grand Jardin with high-net-worth clientele seeking bespoke experiences and unparalleled exclusive perks.
Michelin Culinary Partnerships
Developing signature island dining experiences and collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs would establish Le Grand Jardin as a leading gastronomic destination, particularly during major Cannes festivals.
Regional Event Integration Strategy (snapshot)
Festival de Cannes (May)
Opportunity: exclusive after-party venue for A-list celebrities seeking ultimate privacy
Competitive Advantage: Only island location offering complete discretion
Monaco Grand Prix (May)
Opportunity: exclusive pre/post-event retreat
CGAT Arabian Horse Tour (June)
Opportunity: Exclusive hospitality venue for international horse racing elite
Cultural Experience: Private island setting for equestrian industry networking events
Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity (June)
Cannes Lions attracts over 16,000 registered delegates - perfect corporate retreat market
Opportunity: Corporate retreat venue for advertising agency leadership teams
Executive Strategy Sessions: Private island environment for confidential brand strategy discussions
Cannes Yachting Festival (September)
Leverage our private dock to become the VIP hospitality base for yacht owners and luxury marine industry executives during Europe's largest in-water boat show.
Monaco Yacht Show (September)
idem
Monaco-Cannes Yachting Corridor
Unique Value Proposition
Only property combining private island exclusivity with yacht access
Privacy Premium
Discretion impossible at busy harbor-front properties
Strategic Geographic Advantage
Unique Value Proposition: Only property combining private island exclusivity with immediate yacht access to Monaco/Cannes events
Le Grand Jardin offers a strategic advantage along the French Riviera's luxury corridor spanning Monaco, Cap Ferrat, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Port Grimaud and Saint Tropez. The private island serves as the ultimate arrival/departure experience for corporate yacht events and Monaco Grand Prix hospitality, providing an exclusive retreat that traditional yacht-based venues cannot match.
Revenue Diversification Strategy
Learning from Hotel Belles Rives' successful model, Le Grand Jardin will diversify revenue beyond accommodation. While Belles Rives offers 600-person events, we'll focus on intimate 20-30 person executive retreats.
Le Grand Jardin wellness offerings will surpass standard luxury spas with transformational programs, and signature dining experiences will rival Michelin-recognized establishments.
Additional services will include family office consultancy and wealth management.
Warning: these data are not considering the legal framework,
FYI: In order to avoid falling under the para-hotel regime, particularly to remain in compliance with the PLU (Local Urban Planning Plan), less than 3 out of 4 elements should be combined:
  • provision of household linens,
  • housekeeping service,
  • reception/welcome service,
  • breakfast.
Implementation Roadmap - Example
Phase 1: Corporate Governance (Months 1-3)
Implement board oversight mechanisms, establish legal framework, create operational procedure manuals with KPIs, and set up treasury management systems to address historical challenges from the CORFU experience.
Phase 2: Business Development (Months 4-6)
Develop exclusive island experience packages, launch client acquisition through Ultima and CB&CØ networks. Develop partnerships with
Phase 3: Market Expansion (Months 7-12)
Develop corporate retreat packages, launch multi-generational family experiences, establish strategic partnerships with private banks, and implement technology-enhanced guest experience platform.
Financial Projections & Success Metrics
5-7
Days
Average stay duration (vs. Belles Rives' 2-3 days)
3-5x
Premium
Revenue per guest compared to traditional luxury hotels
60-70%
Occupancy
Target rate with higher per-night revenue
40%
Ancillary
Percentage of total revenue from services beyond accommodation
Success will be measured through financial performance (revenue growth, EBITDA margins, cash flow), operational excellence (guest satisfaction, repeat bookings, referral rates), corporate governance improvements, and strategic alignment with broader investment objectives. The differentiated positioning against established competitors like Belles Rives, combined with proper governance and the extensive family office network, creates a compelling value proposition for both guests and shareholders.
Partnership Opportunity: Leveraging Belles Rives Expertise
Outsourced Concierge Services:
Le Grand Jardin can benefit from Belles Rives' proven expertise in luxury hospitality.
Business Strategy
Procurement
HR Management
Yachting Services
Exclusive provisioning and delivery solutions for Port Vauban 21 and Port Gallice.