Zannier Île de Bendor | France’s First Island-Hotel

Zannier Île de Bendor | France’s First Island-Hotel is one of the most notable hospitality openings of 2026. Following a five-year transformation, the seven-hectare private island off the coast of Bandol has reopened under the management of Zannier Hotels, bringing new life to a destination shaped by decades of Mediterranean culture and leisure. The Zannier Île de Bendor | France’s First Island-Hotel project traces its origins back to Paul Ricard‘s vision for the island in 1950. Today, the island blends hospitality with the artistic and outdoor spirit that has shaped Bendor in the last decades.

The History of Bendor Island

The story of Bendor begins in 1950 when Paul Ricard, the entrepreneur behind the famous pastis brand, purchased the island just offshore from Bandol. His ambition was simple: create a place where people would come together for culture, sport, and long Mediterranean summers.

Over the following decades, Bandol became one of the Côte d’Azur’s most distinctive destinations. Regattas, cultural events, and seaside gatherings attracted visitors from across the region, including well-known French artists and performers such as Guy Béart, Gilbert Bécaud, and Annie Cordy.

More than seventy years after Ricard first developed his Mediterranean dream, Société Paul Ricard entrusted Zannier Hotels with the task of reinterpreting the island for a new generation. Much of Bendor’s original character remains visible today.

Experiences on the Island

Days on the island naturally unfold outdoors, offering a wide range of activities designed around the island’s landscape and coastal setting.

Sport plays a major role in daily life. Tennis courts, padel facilities, cycling routes, and pétanque grounds encourage guests to remain active throughout their stay. Unsurprisingly, many of the island’s best experiences begin at the water’s edge. Kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, sailing excursions, and sunset cruises invite guests to engage directly with the surrounding coastline. 

Gastronomy plays a major role in daily life on the island. Vineyard visits, cooking workshops, artisan tastings, and Provençal dining experiences connect visitors with the agricultural traditions of the region. The experience extends beyond the restaurants through vineyard visits, artisan tastings, and cooking workshops.

Cultural activities continue the legacy established by Paul Ricard. Art workshops, exhibitions, and heritage-focused excursions encourage exploration beyond the island itself and provide a deeper understanding of the Côte d’Azur’s creative history.

A Mediterranean Village of Distinct Characters

What immediately stands out about Bendor is its lack of uniformity. The island functions more like a small Mediterranean village, where different buildings, restaurants and public spaces each possess their own identity. The mood shifts from one area to another, giving the island a sense of discovery.

The approach echoes Paul Ricard’s original idea for the island: a place shaped as much by creativity as by leisure. Today, that spirit lives on through a mix of accommodations and restaurants, each with a distinct character.

Delos: The Spirit of the French Riviera

Delos feels closest to the Côte d’Azur of the 1960s, when Mediterranean holidays carried an effortless sense of glamour. Both the interiors and exterior spaces embrace a more vibrant and social atmosphere, creating an environment designed for couples and friends seeking an elegant Mediterranean escape.

Days often drift into evenings overlooking the sea. Sea views, terraces and communal spaces encourage guests to engage with the island’s social energy, while the interiors evoke the golden age of Côte d’Azur travel through subtle references to the golden age of Riviera travel.

Soukana: A Retreat Shaped by Nature

Located near the wellness centre and Neptune’s Garden, Soukana offers a completely different experience. Soukana moves at a slower pace.

Facing the sea, the accommodation relies on earthy materials and muted tones that reflect the surrounding environment. Large openings allow light and sea views to become part of the interior experience, while the outdoor spaces encourage a slower pace of life. The atmosphere feels calm and restorative, making Soukana particularly appealing to couples and families looking for privacy and relaxation.

Anyone looking for a quieter stay will probably gravitate toward Soukana.

Madrague Houses: Provençal Living on the Waterfront

Near the harbour, the five Madrague Houses introduce yet another layer to the island experience. These two-storey residences draw inspiration from traditional Provençal architecture and feel more like private homes than hotel suites.

Private gardens create a sense of independence rarely found within hotel environments. The architecture favours authenticity over formality, while the interiors balance comfort with rustic charm. Families, in particular, benefit from the additional space and privacy, yet remain fully connected to the services and amenities available across the island.

The Madrague Houses reinforce the village-like character of the island. Individual homes contribute to a varied architectural landscape.

Restaurants with Distinct Personalities

That variety continues across the island’s dining spaces. Each restaurant has its own identity.

At Le Grand Large, art is impossible to separate from the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. The restaurant’s interiors are animated by the paintings of Galatée Martin, whose works draw inspiration from sea nymphs, Mediterranean pines, ancient rocks and the luminous southern light that defines Bendor. Views and artwork work together to bring the landscape indoors.

Soukana Restaurant reflects the calm character of the nearby accommodation. The setting feels understated and closely connected to nature, allowing the sea and surrounding landscape to remain the main focus.

Zannier Île de Bendor | France’s First Island-Hotel, Nonna Bazar brings a more relaxed and sociable atmosphere. Inspired by the convivial spirit of Mediterranean dining, the restaurant encourages sharing, conversation, and long meals enjoyed at an unhurried pace. It provides one of the island’s most social settings. Tucked alongside the restaurant, Bar Patrick offers a cosy retreat inspired by the spirit of Patrick Ricard.

Meanwhile, Delos Table & Cocktail Lounge captures the elegance associated with the Delos accommodation. Elegant without feeling formal, it serves as a gathering place where Riviera-inspired glamour meets contemporary island life.

Taken together, the restaurants strengthen the village-like character of the island. Each restaurant feels like a destination within the island itself, contributing to the atmosphere of a small Mediterranean community where every corner offers a different experience.

This variety gives Bendor much of its appeal.

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