A collaboration between Société Paul Ricard and Zannier Hotels, the project honours the enduring vision of Marseille-born pastis pioneer Paul Ricard, who first brought the island to life in 1950 as a convivial gathering place steeped in old-world glamour.  Today, under the stewardship of the Ricard family – represented by great-grandson Marc de Jouffroy – and the vision of Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels, Île de Bendor reclaims its place as a vibrant Mediterranean enclave, reimagined for a new generation. With a joint commitment to restore and preserve its very essence, the Provençal-style village reopens as an elegant 93-key hotel, set across three island locations, complete with a holistic wellbeing centre, dedicated kids’ club, diving centre and a choice of eight dining spaces – including the second outpost of Nonna Bazaar – reframing Paul Ricard’s dream of an island imbued with soul.

Zannier Île de Bendor sees distinct styles: Delos, Soukana and Madrague, thoughtfully curated across these three signature settings, all with their own ambience and guest experience. 39-key Delos encapsulates the refined spirit of the 1960s French Riviera, 49-key Soukana centres around wellbeing and reconnection, while five two-storey Madrague houses, former fishermen’s houses each with a private garden, provide authentic Provençal charm for young families near the harbour. Bespoke interiors using natural materials carry the signature of Zannier Design Studio, while the extensive renovation, mindful of preserving what came before, has been led by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes.

At the heart of the opening is the 1,200 sqm Rēsonance Spa, one of the largest and most ambitious wellness offerings in the region. Designed as a deeply personalised journey, Rēsonance pairs ancient healing traditions with advanced diagnostic technology to support physical, emotional and energetic balance.  Central to the concept is bioresonance, an advanced wellbeing assessment technology that maps the body’s energetic and physiological state. Each stay begins with an in-depth consultation, 3D skin analysis, VISBODY body composition assessment and personalised cryotherapy profiling.  From this foundation, five distinct wellness paths unfold – spanning digestive health, emotional restoration, hormonal balance, physical performance and regenerative beauty – shaping each stay with precision, aligning treatments, movement and nutrition into a coherent and fully bespoke experience. A highlight of Rēsonance is its elevated skincare offering, expressed through three complementary philosophies: mēditatif, skincare as an emotional practice by Alicia Rountree Zannier, Apoticari botanical rituals, and Augustinus Bader’s science-led formulations, together creating a layered approach to skin vitality and renewal. The spa itself unfolds as a light-filled sanctuary, encompassing hammam, mud baths, far-infrared Iyashi dome, cryotherapy, acupuncture, osteopathy and dry needling, supported by yoga, meditation and reformer Pilates. A thermal journey through Aquae Rēsonance alternates heat and cold in a natural rhythm, while a racket sports complex, fitness centre and yoga deck extend the sense of movement beyond the spa and into the wider island landscape. 

Celebrating the joy of culinary merriment, Zannier Île de Bendor unveils an expansive collection of dining and social spaces, including three restaurants guided by Michelin-starred chef Lionel Lévy, four bars and lounges, and a creperie. Gastronomic restaurant Le Grand Large with sweeping sea views will host a programme of visiting chefs, Delos serves all-day casual dining beside the main pool, Café Paul Ricard offers traditional Provençal fare, while Bar Patrick pays tribute to Paul’s beloved son. Nonna Bazaar, a multi-sensory lifestyle and restaurant concept first launched on the island of Menorca in 2022, toasts to family tradition and friendship through sharing plates, with ‘Nonna’ evoking animated gatherings and ancestral tales; whilst ‘Bazaar’ draws on the vibrant bazaaris and soulful souks that scatted the Mediterranean. Extending the Nonna concept to the shoreline, Nonna Beach offers laid-back, all-day beachside dining and cocktails, bringing the spirit of convivial gathering to the water’s edge. Soukana Restaurant serves an Asian-fusion inspired cuisine with expertly paired cocktails; drinks also served on a magnificent rooftop terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Under the curation of Oraé Gallery, more than 200 artworks are dotted across the island, from guest rooms to gardens. Inspired guests can wander through the dedicated art gallery, while an artisans’ village hosts three creators in residence from embroiderers, potters, weavers and designers, inviting guests to reconnect through immersive craft workshops. Opening the programme, Croatian ceramicist Zeljana Vidoviec Mioli will share her creations this spring. Drawing on her background in architecture, her hand-built works explore the dialogue between structure and spontaneity, inspired by the textures and rhythms of the Adriatic coastline.

Zannier Île de Bendor is 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.