THE STORY: On the main road to Cap-Ferret, a big white and ocean blue sign lets you know that you’re on the right track… Behind its typical oyster shack look, the Hôtel des Dunes actually hides a 1950s motel that wouldn’t feel out of place on the California coast. Updated to reflect modern tastes by Karine Tiphagne-Hecquet (a former communications consultant) and Jean-Philippe Hecquet (who used to work in the luxury sector), with help from local architect Delphine Carrère, this big house located just a stone’s throw from the ocean and the lighthouse boasts a luminous lobby, 11 bedrooms with butter and sand tones, tiled headboards and custom-made pine furniture, all bathed in light from the south-facing windows, along with two 40-m2 suites equipped with big bathtubs and private terraces. But everyone can relax on the lush terrace dotted with palm trees, before borrowing one of the surfboards if you’re in the mood to catch a wave. In short, the perfect spot to sail smoothly into your Indian summer. Double rooms starting at €170 a night.
TOILETRIES: Local, organic shampoo, soap and body wash by Océopin.
BREAKFAST: €25, featuring Kodama teas and herbal teas, L’alchimiste coffee roasted in Bordeaux, freshly-squeezed juice upon request, all kinds of bread, SuperNature cereal bars and granola, fresh fruit, local Maison Marelia jams, honey from the Arcachon bay, a cake of the day, charcuterie from the southwest, smoked fish… and even avocado toast and omelettes upon request.
LITTLE LUXURY: Take the hotel’s private trail straight to the ocean.
Save this spot in the Fooding app, available on iOS! Download it now in the app store.