Following a five-year transformation, Zannier Bendor brings a new chapter for the storied private island of Île de Bendor
BIRD is delighted to announce its partnership with Zannier Bendor, one of Europe’s most highly anticipated openings. With bookings now live ahead of its debut on the French island of Île de Bendor in spring 2026, Zannier invites you to the new social, culinary and wellness capital of the French Riviera.
The Revival of Île de Bendor
Facing the town of Bandol in Provence, the seven-hectare Mediterranean Island was first bought to life in 1950 by pastis-pioneer, Paul Ricard. Spearheading its revival is hotelier Arnaud Zannier together with Ricard’s grandson, Marc de Jouffroy, of Société Paul Ricard. Zannier and the Ricard family have overseen all aspects of the island’s revival.
Committed to restoring and preserving its very essence, while reframing Paul Ricard’s dream of a miniature world imbued with art de vivre soul, the Provençal-style village reopens as an elegant 93-key hotel, complete with a holistic wellness spa – set to be one of the largest in the region – a beach cove, diving centre, art gallery and a choice of eight dining spaces – including the second outpost of Nonna Bazaar.
Zannier Bendor brings distinct styles: Delos, Soukana and Madrague Houses, thoughtfully curated across three signature settings, all with their own ambience and guest experience. 39-key Delos encapsulates the refinement of the 1960s French Riviera; 49-key Soukana centres around wellbeing and reconnection, and the five, two-storey Madrague Houses, each with their own private garden, offer young families authentic Provençal charm near the harbour.
A Bold New Gastronomic Direction
Celebrating the joy of culinary merriment and the simple pleasure of eating together, Zannier Bendor unveils an expansive collection of dining and social spaces, including three restaurants, four bars and lounges, and a creperie, showcasing all-day dining and Mediterranean inspired menus with expertly paired dishes. The entire culinary vision is overseen by acclaimed Head Chef Lionel Levy, placing food and shared experience at the heart of Zannier Bendor’s bold new direction.
Restaurant Le Grand Large, with sweeping sea views, hosts a programme of visiting chefs, Café Paul Ricard serves traditional Provençal fare, Soukana offers Asian fusion with expertly paired cocktails, and Bar Patrick pays tribute to Paul Ricard’s beloved son, Patrick Ricard. Nonna Bazaar, a multi-sensory lifestyle and restaurant concept first launched on Menorca in 2022, toasts to family tradition and friendship through sharing plates, with ‘Nonna’ capturing the warmth of lively gatherings and stories passed down through generations, while ‘Bazaar’ reflects the vibrant bazaaris and soulful souks that have long shaped life and cuisine around the Mediterranean.
A Sanctuary for Body, Mind and Spirit
Rooted in four pillars – wellbeing, spa, movement and nutrition –the island’s 1200 square meter spa reflects holistic wellness where the ancient wisdom of the body’s equilibrium, meets modern healing practices. Drawing from Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy and naturopathy, alongside gentle lifestyle and nutritional adjustments, the wellness centre guides you on a personalised wellness journey that supports the body’s natural healing processes, helping to return to a state of ease while promoting deeper resilience and connection. Facilities feature: eight treatment rooms including a honeymoon massage suite with private spa, indoor and outdoor pool, hammam, cold bath, mud bath, balneotherapy, Iyashi dome, yoga, meditation and reformer Pilates studio, as well as a high-tech fitness centre, tennis court and three pickleball courts. Zannier Bendor is the sixth Zannier Hotels property, 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
