Zannier reimagines legendary Côte d’Azur private island retreat

Zannier Hotels has reopened Île de Bendor following a major five-year transformation of the private Mediterranean island originally envisioned by French entrepreneur Paul Ricard during the 1950s. The redevelopment, led by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes in collaboration with landscape designers Niez Studio, sought to revive the island’s historic identity without losing the character that originally defined it. Off the coast of Bandol, the 93-key retreat marks the return of one of the Côte d’Azur’s most recognizable private island destinations.

Resort Exterior, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

At the center of the reopening is a 1,200-square-meter wellness center built around bioresonance technology, an assessment system designed to evaluate the body’s energetic and physiological condition before treatments begin. Each stay starts with a personalized bioresonance session measuring stress, recovery, energy levels, and overall balance, allowing practitioners to shape movement, nutrition, and treatment plans around individual needs. Additional diagnostic tools include 3D skin analysis, body composition assessments, and personalized cryotherapy profiling.

Rēsonance Wellness Center, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Rēsonance Wellness Center, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Rēsonance Wellness Center, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Rēsonance Wellness Center, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Neptune Garden, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

The retreat’s wellness programming is organized around five signature pathways focused on digestive harmony, emotional restoration, hormonal vitality, athletic performance, and skin health. Treatments and therapies span cryotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture, dry needling, mud baths, reformer Pilates, meditation, yoga, sound baths, and the thermal Aquae Rēsonance circuit, which alternates heat and cold therapies throughout the wellness journey. Facilities also include a far-infrared Iyashi Dome, yoga decks overlooking the Mediterranean, a fitness center, and racket sports facilities positioned across the island.

Three distinct skincare philosophies shape the spa’s treatment offering. Augustinus Bader contributes regenerative treatments supported by advanced formulations, while mēditatif centers around mindfulness-led rituals designed to restore emotional balance and sensory awareness. Botanical skincare brand Apoticari introduces plant-based therapies rooted in apothecary traditions.

Soukana, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Soukana Rooftop, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Nonna Bazzar, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Nonna Bazzar Terrace, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Nonna Bazzar, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Nonna Bazzar, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Le Grand Large, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Le Grand Large, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Café Paul Ricard, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Bar Patrick, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Dining across the island includes three restaurants, four bars, a café, and a crêperie, combining all-day Mediterranean dining with wellness-oriented nutrition programs integrated into the retreat experience. Soukana, the property’s dedicated wellness restaurant, introduces healthy cuisine influenced by Vietnamese flavors, including traditional pho designed around digestive and remineralizing benefits. Healthy juices, artisanal cocktails, guest chef collaborations, and communal terraces further extend the island’s social atmosphere.

Resort Aerial, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Resort Exterior, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Delos Pool Deck, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Suite, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Delos Suite, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Delos Suite Terrace, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Delos Suite, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Suite Bathroom, image courtesy of Zannier Île de Bendor

Originally purchased by Paul Ricard in 1950, Île de Bendor became known as a Riviera gathering place centered around hospitality, leisure, and Mediterranean culture. The reopening marks the island’s first major revival in decades, with Société Paul Ricard and Zannier Hotels repositioning the destination around contemporary wellness, culinary programming, and slower Mediterranean living while preserving the island’s longstanding social identity.