This island demands our attention …
You may not have heard of the 17-acre Île de Bendor on the French Riviera yet, but expect to see social media lighting up with images of this private hideaway – just a seven-minute private boat trip from the coast of Bandol. The nearest airports are Marseille and Toulon.
The car-free island has a fascinating history, having been purchased in 1950 by pastis entrepreneur Paul Ricard, who wanted the island to instil happiness in others. He set about curating this idea,l and soon it was the place to be as a social and cultural hub where locals, families and celebrities could enjoy themselves. With its harbour and beaches, the island has always been known for its laidback ambiance, the embodiment of Provençal art de vivre.
Over the last five years, the island has been modernised: the result of a collaboration between the Ricard family and Zannier hotel group (known for its ethos of celebrating beauty of simplicity). Just opened in time for the summer season is Zannier Île de Bendor, a 93-room boutique hotel spread out across the island in three different buildings – Delos, Soukana and Madrague – all with distinct personalities.
Delos is inspired by the refined spirit of the 1960s French Riviera (remember Slim Aaron’s mantra; “Attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places”) with a private pool, bar and access to a beach club. Soukana’s focus is wellbeing, close to the impressive spa. Madrague – five two-storey former fishermen’s houses each with a private garden – perfect for family and multigenerational stays near the harbour.
Facilities include a kids’ club, diving centre and Resonance Spa, where you can book an in-depth consultation, 3D skin analysis, VÎSBODY body composition assessment and personalised cryotherapy profiling. There are also top-notch skincare treatments including Augustinus Bader rituals and botanical Apoticari treatments, originating from Auvergne. The spa also has a hammam, mud baths, infrared Îyashi dome, acupuncture, osteopathy and dry needling, supported by yoga, meditation and reformer Pilates.
As for dining options, there are three restaurants under the watchful eye of Michelin-starred chef Lionel Levy. Le Grand Large restaurant has sweeping sea views and will host a programme of visiting chefs. More casual, for traditional Provençal food is Café Paul Richard. Nonna Beach offers all-day beachside dining and cocktails, while the Soukana Restaurant serves an Asian-fusion inspired menu.
Art is also an important detail. Visitors will find more than 200 artworks around the island, from guest rooms to gardens, curated by Orae Gallery. A creators-in-residence programme features embroiderers, potters, weavers and designers. Guests can participate in immersive craft workshops. Croatian ceramicist Zeljana Vidoviec Mioli is currently in residence; her works are inspired by the textures and rhythms of the Adriatic coastline.
Even if you don’t stay this summer, it’s possible to go to Bendor for a day trip on the shuttle boat for about €10. A full walking circuit of the island takes about 30 minutes – the perfect prelude to lunch at Nonna Beach.
Need to know: Overnight stays with breakfast start from €620. The hotel closes for the season on October 31. @zannieriledebendor
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