Opening on May 1, 2026, the private Île de Bendor, just a short boat ride from Bandol on the French Riviera, will unveil Zannier Bendor—a destination designed to inspire creativity, culture, and modern exploration.
A Legacy Reborn
The 17-acre island was first envisioned in 1950 by Paul Ricard, the Marseille-born innovator behind Pastis, who sought to create his personal vision of Mediterranean life. Today, that dream is being reinterpreted through a Provençal-style village anchored by a 93-key boutique hotel spread across three distinct areas of the island. Guests will discover a holistic wellness retreat, a secluded beach cove with a diving center, and eight dining venues, including the celebrated Nonna Bazaar, now opening its second location.
The Revival
This ambitious five-year transformation has been led by hotelier Arnaud Zannier, in close collaboration with Ricard’s great-grandson Marc de Jouffroy of Société Paul Ricard. Together with General Manager Emmanuel Blanchemanche, Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, and Niez Studio Paysagistes, they have carefully shaped every detail to position Bendor as a vibrant hub for gastronomy, wellness, art, and community life on the Riviera.
Distinctive Stays
Zannier Bendor will offer three unique design experiences:
- Delos (39 keys): A tribute to the elegance of the 1960s French Riviera.
- Soukana (49 keys): A sanctuary for wellbeing and reconnection.
- Madrague (5 houses): Two-story residences with private gardens, ideal for families near the harbor and kids’ club.
Culture & Creativity
An art gallery, three artisan workshops, and a concept store will celebrate Ricard’s cultural legacy, while a dedicated kids’ club ensures younger guests are immersed in discovery and play.
“Our ambition is to reimagine Paul Ricard’s island dream, creating a destination that embodies his spirit of creativity, openness, and sharing,” says Arnaud Zannier.
Culinary Excellence
Renowned chef Lionel Levy will oversee the island’s diverse dining scene:
- Le Grand Large: A fine-dining restaurant with panoramic sea views and guest chef residencies.
- Delos: Casual all-day dining by the main pool.
- Café Paul Ricard: Traditional Provençal flavors.
- Bar Patrick: A tribute to Paul’s son, Patrick Ricard.
- Nonna Bazaar: A lively, family-inspired concept blending Mediterranean conviviality with the energy of a souk.
- Soukana Restaurant & Rooftop: Asian-fusion cuisine paired with crafted cocktails overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Plus, three bars, lounges, and a crêperie for relaxed social moments.
Wellness at Scale
At the heart of the island lies a 13,000 sq. ft. spa, one of the largest in the region, built on four pillars: wellbeing, spa, movement, and nutrition. Guests will embark on tailored journeys drawing from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy, and naturopathy, complemented by lifestyle and nutritional guidance. Facilities include:
- Eight treatment rooms (including a honeymoon suite with private spa)
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Hammam, cold bath, mud bath, balneotherapy, Iyashi dome
- Meditation, yoga, and reformer Pilates studios
- High-tech fitness center, tennis court, and three pickleball courts
“It is with deep pride that we entrust Paul Ricard’s ‘miniature world’ to Zannier Hotels, whose vision aligns perfectly with our ambition to elevate Bendor into one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations,” shares Marc de Jouffroy.
