OPENING MAY 1st 2026, ZANNIER BENDOR BRINGS A NEW CHAPTER

TO THE STORIED PRIVATE ÎLE DE BENDOR IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

Île de Bendor, France - November 20, 2025 – 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  

For more information and renderings, please contact Carol Ann Kelley-Elwell carolann@vkpr.com

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ABOUT ÎLE DE BENDOR

Facing the bay of Bandol, 45km East from Marseille and 15km West from Toulon, Île de Bendor was purchased in 1950 by Paul Ricard, who conceptualized his ideal of Mediterranean life on the shores of this stony island. Led by the desire to instill happiness in others, the French entrepreneur meticulously curated this island to bring his vision alive. In no time at all, Île de Bendor was the place to be, a social and cultural hub where locals, families and celebrities could gather, enjoy themselves, and be completely immersed in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. With its harbor, leisure facilities and beaches, its quintessential architecture and its “Provençal art de vivre”, the island is known for its laid-back and genuine approach to hospitality, an inspiring place valuing conviviality, nature and craftsmanship. Today, more than 75 years after Paul Ricard first set foot on its shores, the island is poised for a bold revival. Société Paul Ricard and Zannier Hotels have undertaken to modernize the island in order to continue the legacy of its founder. Their shared commitment to restoring, preserving and passing on this art of living marks the rebirth of Île de Bendor. Reopening its doors in May 2026, Zannier Bendor is set to re-emerge as an iconic Mediterranean destination.

ABOUT ZANNIER HOTELS

Zannier Hotels creates one-of-a-kind stays and experiences, united by a desire to inspire Life's Greatest Stories. Their hotels celebrate the beauty of simplicity, the return to simple pleasures and appreciation of adventure, gastronomy and nature. Echoing the spirit of their surroundings, each new destination enraptures every sense, inviting guests to experience enriching exchanges with local traditions, cultures and communities. Today, Zannier Hotels embraces a collection of five properties and five private estates in Europe, Africa and Asia. Their journey and desire to share unforgettable moments continues with Zannier Bendor in France, and Zannier Zardun in Saudi Arabia.

ABOUT SOCIÉTÉ PAUL RICARD

Created by Paul Ricard, Société Paul Ricard is a family-owned holding and operating company with headquarters on the island of Les Embiez in the South of France. A major player in tourism in the Var region, the company owns two islands: Île des Embiez and Île de Bendor. Hotels, restaurants, shops, leisure facilities, ferry services, a marina and a vineyard are operated there with one constant requirement: to preserve an exceptional natural heritage and to uphold the values and promise of its founder: 'to work for the happiness of mankind'. Société Paul Ricard is now run by the Ricard family and its managing director Marc de Jouffroy, Paul Ricard's great-grandson.