One of Europe’s most highly anticipated openings, Zannier Île de Bendor, is set to debut on the private French island of Île de Bendor in May 2026 – after five years of transformation, here’s what we know…
The Ricard family, guardians of Paul Ricard’s vision, has joined forces with the excellence of Zannier Hotels to write this new chapter for the island. Facing the town of Bandol in Provence, the seven-hectare island was first brought to life in 1950 by the entrepreneur behind France’s iconic aperitif : Ricard, the quintessential French anise aperitif from Marseille.
The meticulous five-year revival project has been spearheaded by the Ricard family and led by Marc de Jouffroy (great-grandson of Paul Ricard), together with Arnaud Zannier (founder of Zannier Hotels), Emmanuel Blanchemanche (General Manager), Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, and Niez Studio Paysagistes. The project beautifully intertwines heritage and modernity, positioning the destination as the new social, culinary, and wellness capital in the South of France.
Image credit: Zannier Hotels
True to Paul Ricard’s wish to “make Bendor an island garden,” the island has been completely rewilded, now boasting 15% more trees than before. With a joint commitment to restore and preserve its very essence, the Provençal-style village will reopen as an elegant 93-room hotel, set across three island locations, complete with a holistic wellbeing center, beach cove and diving centre, and a choice of eight dining spaces – including the second outpost of Nonna Bazaar – to reframe Paul Ricard’s dream of an island imbued with soul.
“The ambition is to reimagine Paul Ricard’s island dream, crafting a destination that captures his forward-looking spirit of creativity, sharing, and openness ; values that we embrace”, Arnaud Zannier
Zannier Île de Bendor will see distinct styles: Delos, Soukana and Madrague, thoughtfully curated across these three signature settings, all with their own ambience and guest experience. 39-room Delos will encapsulate the refined spirit of the 1960s in the South of France, 49-key Soukana will centre around wellbeing and reconnection, and the five two-storey Madrague houses, each with a private garden, will provide authentic Provençal charm for young families near the harbour.
Image credit: Zannier Hotels
Celebrating the joy of culinary merriment and the simple pleasure of eating together, Zannier Île de Bendor will unveil an expansive collection of convivial dining and social spaces, including three restaurants, four bars and lounges, and creperie.
An art programming, three artisan ateliers and a concept store will ignite creativity and honour the cultural legacy of Paul Ricard, while a dedicated kids’ club ensures engaging activities for younger guests and families.
Rooted in four pillars – wellbeing, spa, movement and nutrition – the island’s 1200 sqm spa, set to be one of the largest spas in the region, will reflect holistic wellness where the ancient wisdom of the body’s equilibrium, meets modern healing practices. Drawing from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy and naturopathy, alongside gentle lifestyle and nutritional adjustments, the wellbeing centre will guide guests on a personalised wellbeing journey that supports the body’s natural healing processes, helping to return to a state of ease while promoting deeper resilience and connection.
Image credit: Zannier Hotels
Facilities will feature: eight treatment rooms including a honeymoon massage suite with private spa, indoor and outdoor pool, hammam, cold bath, mud bath, balneotherapy, Iyashi dome, meditation, yoga and reformer Pilates studio, as well as a high-tech fitness centre, tennis court and three pickleball courts.
“It is with great emotion that we finalise the rebirth of Île de Bendor and with pride that we entrust ‘Paul Ricard’s miniature world’ to Zannier Hotels, whose vision for hospitality is fully in line with our ambition to elevate Bendor to the rank of one of the most iconic destinations in the Mediterranean” said Marc de Jouffroy.
Image credit: Zannier Hotels
Zannier Île de Bendor will be the sixth property from Zannier Hotels, with the brand currently operating five hotels, resorts and lodges around the world: Le Chalet (France); Phum Baitang (Cambodia); Omaanda (Namibia); Sonop (Namibia); and Bãi San Hô (Vietnam), and is an exciting next chapter as the brand continues to make its mark beyond the hotel space following the launch of Zannier Private Estates and Zannier Residences.
Main image credit: Zannier Hotels
