Reportage“Mansions” (1/5). These hotels, reserved for a privileged clientele, have in common that they have become places of power or the scene of major events. First stop at Cala di Volpe, on the Costa Smeralda, where Russian billionaires had their habits until the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
The terrace is almost deserted. As if to fill the void, Cristina Gattu multiplies the hyperboles. White jacket and ponytail, the director of marketing and communication of the Cala di Volpe hotel first praises the saltwater swimming pool, “the largest in Sardinia”. Then, just opposite, the turquoise bay where, during the summer, we find the largest concentration of “superyachts” from all over the Mediterranean. Finally, the luxurious rooms at several thousand euros per night, among the most expensive in the world.
On this June morning, the young woman takes us on a tour of the vast white building with all its curves, alcoves and stained glass windows, designed in the early 1960s by the French architect Jacques Couëlle. Nicknamed the “architect of billionaires”, he is known for his sculpture-houses built in paradisiacal areas, such as here on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast).
At the northeastern tip of the Italian island, the Cala di Volpe was renovated by French architects Claire Bétaille and Bruno Moinard. Faithful to the spirit of the “architecture-sculpture” movement, the duo wanted to adapt the mythical place to the era and its standards. Plaster, wood and granite underline the discreet luxury of the hotel. “The establishment is full”, assures the director of marketing, while a helicopter cracks the sky. However, we do not meet many people on the property of several hectares, between the farm for the children of the great fortunes and the lobby, where a sign proclaims in pink letters: Life is beautiful.
Guaranteed paparazzi-free
It must be said that this year is not quite like the others. With the war in Ukraine, the whole tourist season is turned upside down. On the Sardinian coast, several villas and an armored Mercedes Maybach S650 Guard belonging to members of the Russian elite have been seized by the Italian authorities, in application of European sanctions. After revealing to us the Bellini recipe – one of the most requested cocktails, with marinated peach pulp and prosecco – Cristina Gattu is silent for a moment, then confides: “Some Russians can continue to come thanks to their multiple passports. They are discreet, but they are still there. »
Owned by the sovereign fund of Qatar since 2012 and managed by the Marriott group, the Cala di Volpe (fox bay, in French) is an establishment known for its tranquility and guaranteed without paparazzi. Its parties are famous for bringing together the most prominent footballers, famous actors and luminaries, such as Bill Gates, Beyoncé and Elton John, at the same table. The wealthy like to book the presidential suite, renamed “suite Harrods’, named after British department stores, Qatari property since 2010. It offers a swimming pool and private terraces, for 31,000 euros per night.
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