A private island off the South of France is becoming the Mediterranean’s newest wellness destination.
In May, Zannier Hotels, whose artisanal approach to hospitality spans residences across Europe, Africa and Asia, unveiled Zannier Île de Bendor – a 93-key retreat on Bendor Island.
Emerging after a five-year transformation after parts of the island began to deteriorate, the project reimagines holistic wellbeing through cutting-edge bioresonance technology, which maps the body’s energetic and physiological state. This allows wellness practitioners to tailor individualised treatment, movement and nutrition plans for guests.
A mere seven minute boat ride from the Provençal coastal town of Bandol, Bendor Island was purchased in 1950 by French entrepreneur Paul Ricard to create a social and cultural hub where locals, families and celebrities could escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
Inspired by Ricard’s vision and philosophy of “nul bien sans peine,” or “no pain no gain,” each stay on the island retreat begins with a bioresonance session, with the initial consultation aimed at highlighting stress, energy and overall balance to begin their unique programme.
As the retreat opened its doors to the public, the hotel has also launched its Rēsonance approach to wellbeing.
Arnaud Zannier, the hotel’s founder, described the approach as a way to “empower guests to connect deeply with their own body energy”.
“It is a journey of self-awareness and subtle transformation, providing tools and guidance so individuals can understand and restore balance, wherever they are in life,” he added.
Three unique stay experiences
The hotel’s 93 keys are spread across three styles of stay, all in one hotel, along the harbour.
Zannier’s five two-storey Madrague Houses combine authentic Provençal charm, with rustic simplicity and elegance. Set in converted fishermen’s cottages, each stay can accommodate two adults and features a lounge area on the ground floor, a king-sized bed upstairs and private garden.
For nostalgic travellers, Delos rooms and suites embody 1960s South of France – its refinement, glamour and chic, vibrant atmosphere. The Delos Suite offers a panoramic sea view from its terrace. Its open-plan area features a king-sized bed, sofa bed and can house three adults and a baby.
The Delos Harbour Suite also offers a private terrace view over Bendor harbour and the village. It features a lounge, a bedroom with a king-sized bed and can accommodate two adults and a baby.
For guests not travelling with children looking for a cosier vibe, the smaller Delos Rooms, located in the historic Delos & Cloitre area, are designed for a maximum of two adults.
A stone’s throw away from the retreat’s wellness centre and Neptune’s Garden are the reconnection and relaxation-focused Soukana suites and rooms. The Family Suite can accommodate four adults and a baby, The Terrace Suite three and a baby, while the couples friendly Sunrise Room can house two adults.
A night’s stay at Zannier Île de Bendor in August starts from €815, excluding city tax.
Five tailored wellness programmes to choose from
After guests finish their personalised consultations, the retreat offers five signature wellness programmes to explore.
“Each guest is unique and must learn to tap into the body’s own resources. The bioresonance scan provides a mirror for the body’s energy, guiding each personalised path,” said Élise Rimbaud, Naturopath & Wellness Director at Zannier Île de Bendor.
“This is why we named our wellness philosophy Rēsonance. It reflects the layers of insight, balance, and awareness.”
With Florea – Digestive Harmony, a combination of abdominal massage, reflexology, naturopathy consultation and workshops in castor oil therapy and abdominal breathing, is designed to support the microbiome from the inside out.
While for stress release and emotional restoration, Serena – The Art of Letting Go walks guests through an immersive water-based experience, or Aqua Rēsonance, to encourage deep release and fluidity. This is paired with botanical massage, the epicure ritual, sound healing and the serenity escape facial. Guests are also walked through breathing techniques and Qigong, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and emphasises slow, flowing movement to instil inner balance.
The Harmonia – Hormonal Vitality & Balance Programme focuses on somatic practices and specialist therapies to offer an inclusive approach to wellbeing.
Other programmes include Maestria – Energetic Awakening, designed for fitness enthusiasts and athletes, which combines sports massage with deep tissue therapy, osteopathy and cryotherapy. The physical journey also examines nutrition to support physical performance and overall vitality.
Meanwhile, guests look to rejuvenate dull, tired-looking skin, Lumea – Skin Within combines facials, LED therapy and full-body treatments to promote a more relaxed and radiant complexion.
Where to dine and replenish
There is no shortage of spots to dine on the island retreat.
At the gourmet Le Grand Large overlooking the picturesque sea, guests can choose from five and seven-course menus curated by Chef Lucas Antoniotti and his team.
Guests spending the day by the shore need not venture far for refreshments. All-day dining at Nonna Beach comes with a side of the Mediterranean Sea.
A nod to the late-owner of the island, the Café Paul Ricard & Crêperie is a quaint Provençal bistro with a large terrace directly overlooking the harbour.
Beyond overnight stays, Zannier Île de Bendor’s offerings are not solely reserved for hotel guests. Its wellness and dining offerings are open to non-guests looking to experience a restorative escape, even if just for a day.
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