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The 32nd amfAR Gala Cannes will see Berkeley Travel CEO Andrew Bezhenar join this year’s board of chairs, while the luxury travel company partners with One&Only Aesthesis to donate a five-night Greek villa stay valued at €350,000 for the charity auction. Robbie Hodges reports

The amfAR Gala is always a highlight of the annual Cannes film festival, and this year’s event, which takes place on 21st May, will be no exception. 

An impressive cast of recognisable names and cultural tastemakers will convene at the exclusive Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc to support the charity, which has raised over $900 million for AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment, education and advocacy since its founding in 1985.

This year, on account of his ongoing dedication to charitable endeavours, Andrew Bezhenar, CEO of Berkeley Travel, has been named co-chair, joining a long list of recognisable names that includes Pamela Anderson, Elizabeth Hurley, Scarlett Johansson, Demi Moore and Eva Longoria. 

It marks the fourth year that Berkeley Travel has been involved in the gala; drawing upon its extensive travel network to supply a handful of impressive auction lots. Last year, the luxury travel agency provided a four-night stay at Amanzoe, while bidders at this year’s auction will be in with a chance of winning a five-night stay at One&Only Aesthesis, arranged with the support of the hotel’s general manager, Mr Gerald Krischek. 

The winner will experience a five-night stay across two villas at the One&Only Aesthesis resort in Glyfada, near Athens. Located within a protected coastal forest reserve spanning 21 hectares, the resort has become one of the most talked-about luxury openings on the Athenian Riviera.

The package includes exclusive use of Villa One and Villa Nostos, two neighbouring beachfront residences connected by private gardens and swimming pools. Together, the villas can host up to 10 guests.

Villa One features two king-size bedrooms, a private gym, gourmet kitchen, swimming pool and outdoor fire pit. Villa Nostos offers additional accommodation arranged around its own pool and garden, with outdoor rain showers and Grecian-inspired daybeds.

The stay also includes daily breakfast, airport transfers, complimentary refreshments and personalised amenities. To increase the value of the auction lot, Berkeley Travel and One&Only have added several private experiences including a sunset cruise, a candlelit beach dinner for up to eight guests, a chef-prepared barbecue and spa treatments at the resort’s Guerlain Spa.

Guests will also receive exclusive use of Cabana One throughout the stay.

Speaking about the partnership, Bezhenar says: “We are delighted to support this year’s charity gala at the 2026 edition of amfAR Cannes. This year, I am proud to say that Berkeley Travel has partnered with One&Only to donate a highly desirable lot that includes a stay at the luxurious One&Only Aesthesis.

“The lot includes a stay in two of the resort’s most magnificent villas, along with additional amenities and experiences that will make the trip unforgettable for the winning bidder. Berkeley Travel’s continued donations and collaboration with its partners are so important in ensuring charitable foundations like amfAR can continue their vital work in AIDS research, and the proceeds raised from this lot will go on to support this important cause.”