A New Dawn for a Celebrated Island Utopia: Zannier Île de Bendor Opens its Doors

The European summer of 2026 ushers in one of its most anticipated openings: Zannier Île de Bendor. This seven-hectare island, a mere whisper off the sun-drenched coastline of Bandol on the French Côte d’Azur, is not merely a new luxury hotel but an ambitious reimagining of a storied island utopia. It represents a profound commitment to what its developers call "human luxury," a philosophy that seeks to breathe new life into a celebrated destination while safeguarding its unique heritage and convivial spirit for a discerning new generation of travellers.

The buzz around the Côte d’Azur in mid-May is palpable. Arriving at Nice airport, one immediately senses the heightened frequency of designer luggage on the baggage carousel and a distinct frisson in the air. The region is alive with high-profile events, from the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival to the set of a cult television series, now decamped to Saint-Tropez for its hotly anticipated fourth season, epitomising a certain brand of performative, aesthetically obsessed luxury. Yet, for those seeking a contrasting experience, a serene counterpoint to this frenetic energy, the newly opened Zannier Île de Bendor offers a welcome escape south-west to calmer climes.

This Provencal-style "village" on a diminutive, rocky outcrop – once humorously noted for its population of "one sheep" – is poised to redefine luxury travel in the region. Its narrative is deeply rooted in the vision of pastis titan Paul Ricard, who purchased the island in 1950 and lovingly transformed it into a "monde miniature" (miniature world) with conviviality and accessibility at its very heart.

The Enduring Vision of Paul Ricard: A "Monde Miniature" Reimagined

The story of Île de Bendor is inextricably linked to its visionary founder, Paul Ricard. A man of immense entrepreneurial spirit and an equally boundless passion for art and community, Ricard’s acquisition of the island in 1950 marked the beginning of a remarkable personal project. His wine-merchant father had steered him away from a formal artistic career at the École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, redirecting his creative energies into the family business, which ultimately led to the concoction of the iconic Ricard pastis blend and a sprawling business empire. However, Ricard continually channelled his innate creative spirit into a dizzying array of pursuits beyond commerce: he was a racing circuit builder, a film producer, a dedicated ocean conservationist, a mayor, and an innovative hotelier.

On Bendor, he indulged these passions fully, transforming the barren island into a vibrant hub where art, leisure, and genuine human connection flourished. He envisioned a place where all were welcome, a stark departure from the exclusive enclaves often found along the French Riviera. Marc de Jouffroy, Ricard’s great-grandson and a key figure in the island’s current revival, emphatically states, "Île de Bendor was never conceived as an exclusive enclave." Instead, it was designed as "a joyful, living island with pétanque, artists’ studios, concerts, family lunches, fishermen, employees, celebrities and locals all coexisting naturally." This nostalgic utopia, born from Ricard’s generous spirit, stands as a profound antithesis to the atomised, aesthetically obsessed, and often performative nature of so many contemporary luxury travel experiences. Ricard’s legacy speaks volumes about a different kind of wealth—one measured in shared laughter, creative expression, and open-hearted hospitality.

The Spirit of Conviviality: Pastis and Shared Moments

The essence of Ricard’s vision is beautifully preserved and celebrated at the eponymous café overlooking the island’s bustling port. Here, amidst framed black-and-white photographs capturing Ricard’s infectious, "devilishly joyful grin, jaunty stance, and twinkling eyes" alongside his fellow island revellers, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the island’s heritage. Marie Bouthier of Zannier Hotels, reflecting on Ricard’s character, imparts, "He was really a man who loved people." This sentiment permeates the atmosphere, from the artisanal glacés (lavande de Provence, chocolat noir, and, naturally, Ricard-flavoured) and crêpes served, to the central ritual that celebrates the drink that started it all.

The bartender, a guardian of tradition, meticulously explains the Ricard ritual preparation: cold water is poured into the amber pastis, transforming it into a milky sunshine hue, before ice is added last. "Never first!" he proclaims with a knowing smile, explaining that adding ice prematurely would cause the aniseed-based alcohol to crystallise, disrupting its delicate balance and flavour. This simple, communal ritual embodies the island’s spirit: a moment of shared tradition, a connection to the past, and an invitation to slow down and savour.

Zannier Hotels’ Meticulous Revival: Honouring Heritage, Embracing "Human Luxury"

The challenge of translating the irrepressible spirit of a single man and his unique vision into a faithful, yet compelling, proposition for today fell to Société Paul Ricard, run by his descendants, who also maintain private residences on the island. Their choice was Arnaud Zannier, whose eponymous hotel properties are renowned for their reverent beauty and seamless integration with their natural surroundings, appearing to "spring directly from the earth they occupy." Notable examples include Zannier Bãi San Hô in Vietnam and Sonop and Omaanda in Namibia, all testaments to his profound respect for authenticity and place.

Zannier’s approach to Île de Bendor was one of deep respect and careful guardianship. He explains, "There was already a soul here." His role, as he saw it, was "never to reinvent the island, but to reveal and protect what made it special." This philosophy resonated perfectly with Ricard’s legacy. The timing, Zannier notes, was also opportune, amidst what he identifies as "a growing desire for human luxury." This concept moves beyond superficial opulence, focusing instead on authentic experiences, genuine connection, and a deep appreciation for culture, nature, and history.

The meticulous five-year renovation, a collaborative effort led by de Jouffroy and Zannier, involved Hardel le Bihan Architectes and Niez Studio Paysagistes. Their work sought to enhance the island’s natural beauty and existing structures, rather than impose an entirely new aesthetic. The extensive project ensured that every detail, from the rewilded gardens to the restored buildings, echoed the island’s storied past while providing modern comforts. This painstaking process ensured the island’s unique character, shaped by decades of human touch and natural elements, was preserved. The result is a destination that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary.

A Curated Collection of Island Sanctuaries

Zannier Île de Bendor now boasts 93 keys, thoughtfully distributed across three distinct residential areas, each offering a unique ambiance and experience.

• Delos, formerly one of the island’s hotels, embodies a "Med-meets-Mod" aesthetic. Its design marries the breezy comfort of the Mediterranean with a sophisticated, 1960s-style chic. The interior palette is dominated by the softest sky blue, evoking the shimmering ocean just outside. Junior Suites, like the one experienced by the author, seem suspended above the rippling waters, offering expansive views. The bathrooms feature striped tiles, glossy and vibrant like "passionfruit and raspberry jellies," adding a touch of sweet nostalgia. Delos is positioned as the more social and buzzy hub, its restaurant a testament to casual elegance with sinuous, stripe-cushioned bamboo chairs.

• Soukana, the island’s other former hotel, offers a more contemplative and earthy retreat. Its rooms are rendered in absorbing cinnamon hues, creating a calming and soulful atmosphere. It stands as the serene, introspective sibling to Delos’s social butterfly, appealing to guests seeking quietude and deeper immersion.

• Madrague consists of a row of charming, sun-washed little houses, specifically designed to appeal to young families. These accommodations provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for those travelling with children, ensuring that the island’s inclusive spirit extends to all generations.

Each area is distinct, yet collectively they contribute to the overall village feel, offering guests a choice of environment that best suits their desired experience, from vibrant social interaction to peaceful solitude.

Culinary Journeys and Wellness Retreats: A Feast for the Senses

The culinary landscape at Zannier Île de Bendor is as diverse and rich as the island’s history, offering a range of dining and drinking options that celebrate local flavours and global inspirations.

• Nonna Bazaar provides Mediterranean simplicity in a bougainvillea-adorned setting. Its village-square-like surrounds foster an amiable, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a glass of blushing Bandol rosé, accompanied by a salad of artichoke hearts and candied lemon. Here, the author observes scenes of genuine leisure: a father and giggling children on the beach, French folk toodling from a well-lunched table to the pétanque court, ordering more pastis and wine. This unpretentious conviviality is a direct echo of Ricard’s original vision, blessedly absent of "bling" or the performative posturing often associated with luxury travel.

• Soukana Restaurant offers an Asian-inspired culinary journey, a delightful counterpoint to the Mediterranean fare. Highlights include a light, fragrant Kashaya cocktail, featuring gin, Hakutsuru Umeshu Genshu, Sakura bitters, jasmine green tea syrup, and elderflower, alongside signature dishes such as chicken and lemongrass gyoza.

• For fine dining, Le Grand Large provides an oceanic idyll, with a commitment to introducing an emerging chef each season. Chef Lucas Antoniotti’s assured and inspired inaugural menu, drawn from local soils and waters, is a cracking start. His innovative takes on classics include a fresh pissaladière, where a plump anchovy fried to a light crunch is slid into a creamy olive oil foam studded with candied olive. An artistic asparagus dish features a spear sliced and splayed around pools of white asparagus foam and ginger-and-lemon-infused vinaigrette, topped with asparagus sorbet and dotted with buckwheat and thyme. Seared calamari, stuffed with green vegetables, ricotta, and herbs, features legs fried to a chewy deliciousness, with "squid ink" made of black olive sauce, all pooled in a garlic consommé.

• The charming ambiance of Bar Patrick offers another delightful spot for drinks and conversation, particularly at sunset, where the pastis ritual can be enjoyed against the backdrop of the changing sky.

Wellness on Île de Bendor comes with the added luxury of space. The island features tennis and pickleball courts, beautifully conceived swimming pools at both hotels, and another two at Résonance, a sprawling 1200-square-metre wellness centre. Here, time truly "lapses into slow-motion," offering a sanctuary for rejuvenation and introspection. A morning swim in the clean, sun-bright quiet before the day truly begins, followed by a meditation session in the monastic calm of the spa, can effectively dispel jetlag and invigorate the spirit, inviting guests to quietly rearrange themselves back into a more human shape.

Art, Craft, and Community: The Soul of Bendor

True to Paul Ricard’s lifelong passion for art and creativity, the island is peppered with more than 300 artworks. These pieces range from those displayed in a dedicated space curated by French gallerists Oraé to sculptures nestled within the rewilded, wind-sculpted gardens of cypress and pine. The artistic presence is not confined to galleries; it is an integral part of the island’s landscape and daily life.

The Village des Artisans stands as a vibrant testament to this legacy, hosting a rotation of eclectic talent. It invites visitors into workshops for wonderfully wandering conversations, fostering direct engagement between guests and creators. Here, the author encounters Philippe Franc, whose exquisitely crafted lavender wands, ribboned with glorious colours, offer more than just a souvenir. They allow one to carry "the soul of Provence" home, often sparking philosophical discussions on scent or anecdotes about how Cézanne once painted a bottle of his great-grandfather’s own peppermint tipple. "People who make alcohol have plenty of friends," Franc says with a wink, embodying the convivial spirit. Further along, Croatian ceramicist Zeljana Vidovic, whose soothing clay vessels twist as though shaped by the whirling mistral outside, speaks eloquently of the "tactile dialogue" between artist, materials, and environment, highlighting the deep connection between the island’s natural forces and its artistic output. These interactions provide a profound counterpoint to passive consumption, inviting guests into the creative process and the stories behind the art.

A Legacy of Openness: Accessibility in a World of Exclusivity

The island’s celebrity magnetism is undeniable, both historically and in its current incarnation. Paul Ricard famously welcomed luminaries such as Josephine Baker and Salvador Dalí to Bendor. Since its reopening, the island has already seen high-profile visitors, including George and Amal Clooney, underscoring its appeal to those accustomed to the finest things in life.

However, a cornerstone of Bendor’s philosophy, and a non-negotiable aspect for the Ricard descendants, is its accessibility to locals. Marc de Jouffroy reiterates that the island could never become "a disconnected luxury bubble reserved only for a privileged few." This commitment ensures that many with generational memories tied to the island can continue to visit and enjoy its unique offerings. This dedication to openness fundamentally distinguishes Zannier Île de Bendor from many other luxury destinations on the Côte d’Azur, which often prioritise exclusivity above all else.

The author vividly describes how the "mainland mentality that loosened aboard the boat from Bandol evaporates entirely in the amiable village-square-like surrounds outside Nonna Bazaar." Here, a genuine cross-section of people gather: families enjoying the beach, locals sharing a well-lunched table before heading to the pétanque court, ordering more pastis and wine. The absence of "bling" and the thrilling observation of "not one influencer’s boyfriend haplessly trailing a demanding partner" speaks volumes about the authentic atmosphere. It’s a place where real life unfolds, where the spontaneous alchemy created when a variety of people gather in a special place is truly celebrated. This ethos makes Île de Bendor a "portal to a smaller, simpler world," inviting guests to rediscover the "heart-sparking pleasures of nature and artistry, good food and wine" and genuine human connection.

The Enduring Allure: A Timeless Retreat

My final hours on Île de Bendor encapsulate its unique charm. A solo morning swim in the clean, sun-bright quiet precedes a walk from Delos along the rocky, wave-lashed side of the island. There, I discover the towering musculature of Neptune, one of Ricard’s cherished artworks, arm thrust powerfully towards the surging sea. A meditation session in the monastic calm of the spa dispels the last vestiges of jetlag, leaving me invigorated. Later, wandering past dog-walking couples, I arrive at Bar Patrick for a sunset pastis. I recognise a lively group of French twentysomethings, their cheeks sun-kissed and hair salted, ordering rounds of Ricard and rosé – the same group I had seen earlier, laughing and flirting, some swimming, some simply basking on the sun-warmed stone along the coastal path. As they check their watches and make for the ferry home, a sense of timelessness settles over the island.

I have a profound feeling that Monsieur Ricard, were he able to witness it, would again be wearing that life-filled grin. His legacy, still breathing, still bringing happiness, still open to all, truly thrives. In a world increasingly defined by exclusive luxury, Zannier Île de Bendor offers a refreshing counter-narrative. It is a place where every visitor, regardless of origin or status, is invited to participate in a shared, joyful experience, and in doing so, still feels like one of the lucky few. The island stands as a testament to the enduring power of community, art, and the simple, profound pleasures of life, meticulously revived and respectfully presented for a new era.