Thalazur Bandol - Hôtel & Spa ★★★★★

Not far from the rugged coastline of Cassis, the shop-lined streets of Sanary-sur-Mer and the island of Porquerolles, you might say that Bandol is a concentrated mix of everything the south of France has to offer. The town brings together all the characteristics of a typical Provençal village, with traditional markets, a harbour and reputed vineyards. You can see gorgeous palms, pines, olive trees and vines everywhere, and the flora sums it up nicely.

Built on the very spot of the former home of Mistinguett, a famous French actress and singer from the early nineteenth century, the hotel's luxury Thalassotherapy and Spa overlooks the sea and makes you feel as lucky as lucky could be. We certainly did. The hotel is a magical and luxurious wellbeing centre, with a heated seawater infinity pool, conservatory with views over Rènocros beach and two private beaches with deckchairs, where you can relax between exhilirating activities on the water. The modern and stylish design, with a lovely touch of Art Deco, infuses the establishment with the beauty of the Mediterranean. The beauty of the real Mediterranean is never far away either; thanks to the hotel’s large bay windows you will almost always have a gorgeous view over the countryside and the glittering sea.

Any stay at the Thalazur Bandol - Hôtel & Spa is not complete without pampering yourself to the countless treats on offer at the Thalassotherapy and Spa centre. The hotel has direct access to this calm and peaceful space, decorated in stone and slate and affiliated with Thalazur for the high quality of its thalassotherapy and spa treatments. The beauticians offer a full range of high-quality treatments, alongside an 80 square metre water centre with indoor seawater swimming pool heated to 32°, fountains, jacuzzi, steam rooms, chromotherapy, algotheraphy and treatment courses adapted to your individual needs. You are sure to leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and beautified.

When my husband and I came to the Thalazur Bandol - Hôtel & Spa, we chose to stay in one of the hotel’s Prestige rooms with a view over the sea. On arriving, I was excited to discover our private balcony looking out onto the Mediterranean and the very refined interior design of the bedroom. The large bathroom and cutting-edge amenities made us fall head-over-heels in love with the place.

But we didn’t discover the very best part of this wellbeing haven until later on that evening. The hotel restaurant, Les Oliviers, offers a fantastic gastronomic menu. The hotel chef Bruno Chastagnac always takes great care to choose the very best suppliers, so freshly caught fish and meat from the best producers is on the menu every night. It is truly superb, and he offers healthy diet options that are no less delicious!

Wellbeing in the sunshine is the Ile Rousse speciality and we could see why. Make the most of it!