Chances are, you’ve never heard of the French seaside town of Biarritz. And if you have, it’s in the context of surfing, not luxurious vacations. But limiting Biarritz to being a major surfing destination is a rookie mistake. Biarritz has been synonymous with luxe and glamour since the mid-19th century, when none other than Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie transformed the then-small whaling village into a resort town for Europe’s aristocracy. Today, Biarritz is still very much an elegant vacation spot for the well-to-do, but the surfing culture has made it less pompous and more easygoing. And we’re here for it. If you’re seeking a beach destination, where you can easily go from wellness treatment to excellent Basque-country food to splendid architecture and surfing, Biarritz is your answer. And the following four properties should allow you to enjoy it while living in the lap of luxury.
Hôtel du Palais
Address: 1 Av. de l’Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz, France
Hôtel du Palais is a Biarritz landmark, and it’s easy to know why. The imposing Empire-style 1854, red-and-cream building that faces the Atlantic Ocean is glorious. The fact that it used to be the residence of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie has something to do with it. Today, Hôtel du Palais is still fit for nobility – high ceilings, antique furnishings, wrought-iron balconies, chandeliers, huge windows with views of the ocean, rich textiles, mouldings, etc. You’ll feel transported a couple of centuries back. The immense spa, with its columns and glass ceiling, is especially fabulous, but the onsite restaurant, La Rotonde, is just as impressive. In fact, the marble-filled lobby alone will likely leave you a little breathless. We like the curved outdoor pool, but the beach is a hop and a skip away for those who prefer to play in the waves.
Regina Experimental Biarritz
Address: 52 Av. de l’Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz, France
A few minutes up the road from Hôtel du Palais is Regina Experimental Biarritz, another hotel in a gorgeous building facing the ocean. This time, however, the exterior is a riot of Belle-Epoque style in bright white, while the interior is a colorful and tasteful example of contemporary design. This is the handiwork of designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who transformed Regina Experimental Biarritz into a joyous yet refined property in 2023. The 72 rooms and suites are vibrant and fun — in blue, red, mint green and geometric patterns, with curved furnishings and unique headboards. The most impressive (and Instagrammable) area in the hotel, however, is the atrium with its glass ceiling. The furniture in this space is worthy of a modern museum, so make sure to book lunch there, or have a cocktail at the bar to enjoy it all to the fullest.
Le Talaia Hotel & Spa
Address: 1 Carr d’Hélianthe, 64200 Biarritz, France
Unlike the previous two properties, the exterior of Le Talia Hôtel & Spa is nondescript. It’s a modern white box on the sea front. Indoors, however, it’s a different story. Red stripes, the likes of which are omnipresent on beach tents along the French coastline, are the main motif of this property. This pattern, paired with natural materials and all sorts of curved furnishings, is a recipe for a joyful, yet relaxed, interior. And, of course, because it’s a luxury hotel in Biarritz, you get sea views — which you can best admire from the rooftop pool and the rooftop bar. The Cinq Mondes Spa offers treatments from global wellness traditions, including Japanese facials and Indian Ayurvedic massages.
Hôtel de Silhouette
Address: 30 Rue Gambetta, 64200 Biarritz, France
If big hotels aren’t your thing, then Hôtel de Silhouette might be a better choice for your Biarritz vacation. Hôtel de Silhouette inhabits a 17th-century home that comprises only 21 rooms and suites, keeping things intimate for guests who want a quiet, more personalized experience. Maison de Silhouette, a shoot off the main building, consists of only six rooms for those who feel a little antisocial. Both properties are located in the dynamic Halles neighborhood, just a couple of minutes on foot from the beach. The decor at Hôtel de Silhouette is rich in colors, textures, and patterns, yet peaceful and home-like. While Maison de Silhouette was thought out by a different designer, both properties are coherent and exude the same cozy atmosphere. The garden and the terrace are lovely spots for a meal of regional and seasonal specialties in the shade.
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FAQs
Q: Is Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz a real palace?
A: Yes, Hôtel du Palais is a real palace. It was the residence of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie in the 19th century. Today it is categorized as a palace hotel by the France Tourism Development Agency.
Q: When was the Regina Experimental Biarritz hotel renovated?
A: It was fully renovated in 2023.
Q: Are Hôtel de Silhouette and Maison de Silhouette in Biarritz the same?
A: Hôtel de Silhouette and Maison de Silhouette are two different buildings but they are owned by the same brand and both located near each other in the town of Biarritz.
