Opening May 1, 2026 on the private Île de Bendor, just minutes by boat from the coast of Bandol in the French Riviera, Zannier Bendor is set to reemerge as a creative and cultural destination, capturing the imagination of a new generation of modern travelers.
The 17-acre island was first brought to life in 1950 by Marseille-born Pastis pioneer Paul Ricard, who conceptualized his ideal of Mediterranean life on the shores of this stony island. The reimagined Provençal-style village will feature a 93-key elegant boutique hotel set across three island locations, complete with a holistic wellbeing center, beach cove and diving center, and eight dining venues – including the second location of Nonna Bazaar – designed to reframe Ricard’s dream of an island infused with a soul.
This meticulous five-year revival has been spearheaded by hotelier Arnaud Zannier, hand- in-hand with Ricard’s great grandson, Marc de Jouffroy of Société Paul Ricard. Working as a united front, Zannier and the Ricard family have overseen all aspects of the island’s evolution, together with the new General Manager Emmanuel Blanchemanche, Hardel Le Bihan Architectes and Niez Studio Paysagistes, as the destination is poised to become the new social, culinary, wellness and art community on the French Riviera.
Zannier Bendor will showcase three distinct design styles: Delos, Soukana and Madrague, each offering its own ambience and guest experience. The 39-key Delos style will encapsulate the refined spirit of the 1960s French Riviera; the 49-key Soukana style will focus on wellbeing and reconnection; and the five two-story Madrague houses, each with a private garden, will provide authentic Provençal charm for young families near the harbor and kids club.
An art gallery, three artisan ateliers and a concept store will ignite creativity and honor the cultural legacy of Paul Ricard, while the dedicated kids’ club ensures engaging activities for younger guests and families.
“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”, explains Arnaud Zannier.
Renowned chef Lionel Levy, as Executive Head Chef, will lead a variety of convivial dining and social spaces, including three restaurants, four bars and lounges, and a crêperie. Gastronomic restaurant Le Grand Large, with sweeping sea views, will host a program of visiting chefs, Delos will serve all-day casual dining beside the main pool, Café Paul Ricard will serve traditional Provençal fare, while Bar Patrick will pay tribute to Paul’s beloved son, Patrick Ricard. Nonna Bazaar – a multi-sensory lifestyle and restaurant concept first launched on the island of Menorca in 2022 – will celebrate family tradition and friendship through shared plates, with ‘Nonna’ reflecting the essence of convivial family meals and ‘Bazaar’ inspired by the lively spirit of Mediterranean souks. Soukana restaurant will offer Asian-fusion cuisine with expertly paired cocktails; drinks also served on a magnificent roof top terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Rooted in four pillars – wellbeing, spa, movement and nutrition – the island’s 13,000 sq. ft. spa, set to be one of the largest spas in the region, will blend ancient healing wisdom with modern practices. Drawing from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy and naturopathy, alongside gentle lifestyle and nutritional adjustments, the wellbeing center will guide guests on a personalized wellbeing journey that supports the body’s natural healing processes, helping to return to a state of ease while promoting deeper resilience and connection. Facilities will include 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 center, tennis court and three pickleball courts.
“It is with great emotion that we finalize the rebirth of 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” says Marc de Jouffroy.
For reservations, please visit www.zannierhotels.com/bendor
