Private island hotels are known for their ability to help guests switch off quickly, and Zannier Île de Bendor delivers that experience. The rocky island off the coast of Bandol, between Marseille and Saint-Tropez, was bought by pastis king Paul Ricard in the 1950s and became a magnet for artists and celebrities. After a five-year restoration by the Ricard family and Zannier Hotels, it has reopened as a luxurious 93-room retreat.
Arrival and Accommodation
The journey from London begins with a 7am flight from City Airport to Toulon, now served by a direct British Airways route. An hour's drive to Bandol Port is followed by a short speedboat transfer — the island is so close that locals used to swim across. The harbour is lined with old fishermen's houses that now serve as guest rooms. The rest of the accommodation is split between two areas: Delos, with Riviera retro glamour, and Soukana, which has a wellness focus. Guests can stay in suites with terracotta walls, natural woods, and sea views.
Dining and Activities
The island has four restaurants, including Nonna Bazaar with Mediterranean cuisine, Soukana's Vietnamese-inspired dishes, and fine dining at Le Grand Large. A poolside lunch at Delos might include a lobster salad and club sandwich, accompanied by a Bandol rosé. Afternoons can be spent swimming from the rocks, with staff setting up deckchairs and umbrellas. For active guests, there are watersports, yoga, boutique stores, an art gallery, and games such as pétanque, pickleball, and tennis. Four swimming pools include a rooftop lap pool at Soukana and indoor and outdoor pools at the Resonance spa, which also has a steam room, sauna, and treatments.
Conclusion
On the final afternoon, visitors can sit at Café Paul Ricard, sipping pastis surrounded by vintage posters. The hotel already succeeds as a place to slow down, with a spectacular setting. Although it still feels like it is growing into its surroundings, Zannier Île de Bendor has every chance of becoming one of the Côte d'Azur's standout luxury hotels. Rooms start at £540 per night including breakfast.
