Europe and the United States . Antoine Sella passed the hotel on to his son André in 1928 , a few years before his death in 1931 .
Over the years of Antoine ’ s operation of the hotel , there were many upgrades and the property also played a pivotal role as history made unusual demands on the property . By 1903 , Sella is ready to upgrade his establishment and Lord Onslow , a British politician and former Governor of New Zealand , supports Sella ’ s modernizations . His special vision for a luxury hotel brought the innovation of central heating and private bathrooms . It should be mentioned that when Lady Onslow ’ s little dog died , it was buried in the garden on the property .
Antoine Sella continues to innovate . In 1914 , he builds a tea house by the sea to capture the interest of passers-by . This becomes the Eden-Roc Pavilion , a favorite haunt of maharajahs , kings and artists . The iconic seawater swimming pool is blasted out of basalt rock .
Antoine Sella proves he is a visionary once more as he prepares for the first summer season on the Riviera . Up until then , high society considered the Mediterranean Coast to be purely a winter destination .
By August of 1914 , World War I has begun . The Grand Hotel du Cap becomes the American Red Cross Convalescent Home . Over the next four years , hundreds of army personnel and nurses would come for rest and rehabilitation .
By 1918 , the war has ended and many Americans remain in Europe , travelling to rejuvenate in the South of France . Hotel du Cap welcomes them with style . The new clientele is more bohemian , sporty and given to relaxed leisure , inspiring the famous gymnasium above the sea .
In 1920 , a regular guest is George Bernard Shaw , Nobel Laureate , who had become one of Grand Hotel du Cap ’ s most loyal guests . He found inspiration in this
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