How Île de Bendor is celebrating its grand reopening

After a five-year transformation phase, Île de Bendor is preparing for its return. On 1 May 2026, under the aegis of the Zannier Group, a retreat will open that carefully translates the spirit of Paul Ricard into the present. The island has not simply been renovated, but reimagined as a ​“miniature world” for art, gastronomy and well-being.

Only a short boat ride separates the lively promenade of Bandol from the tranquillity of the seven-hectare island – yet this passage feels like a shift in perspective. Since its closure in autumn 2021, the Zannier family, together with Société Paul Ricard, has worked to reinterpret the original vision of the island’s founder for the 21st century. Architecturally, the project deliberately moves away from traditional hotel structures. Instead, Zannier Île de Bendor presents itself as an organically grown Provençal village, where indoor and outdoor spaces merge seamlessly. Under the direction of Hardel Le Bihan Architectes and Niez Studio Paysagistes, the island has also been ​“rewilded”: 200 newly planted trees – an increase of around 15% – and an intelligent rainwater system create a natural, almost untouched landscape.

Within this ensemble, three distinct design worlds unfold. At the centre is Delos, with 39 rooms and suites reflecting the elegant spirit of the 1960s Riviera – with sculptural forms and textiles reminiscent of the iconic parasols of that era. A calm counterpoint is provided by Soukana, with 49 units located near the wellness area. Earthy tones, reduced design and a conscious connection to nature define this space, dedicated entirely to inner balance and ​“reconnection”. By the harbour lie the five Madrague houses: authentically restored, two-storey fishermen’s houses with private gardens – retreats designed especially for families while maintaining a close connection to the vibrant life of the island.

The culinary heart of the island beats under Executive Chef Lionel Levy. Eight different concepts are spread across the property – from the fine dining restaurant ​“Le Grand Large” with panoramic views and rotating guest chefs, to the lively ​“Nonna Bazaar”, which celebrates sharing dishes in a Mediterranean atmosphere. Levy himself speaks of ​“culinary joy” – an approach that combines lightness with ambition.

With ​“Rēsonance”, the Zannier Group also introduces a new wellness concept. Across 1,200 square metres, they pursue a holistic approach, centred on bioresonance technology. Based on individual analyses, programmes are created that combine movement, nutrition and treatments such as cryotherapy or Iyashi Dome sessions. Paul Ricard’s creative spirit lives on in the ​“Village des Artisans”. Three ateliers invite guests to become active themselves – from baking Provençal bread and preparing bouillabaisse to pottery workshops and insights into the perfume-making tradition of Grasse.

With prices starting at around €620 per night, Zannier Île de Bendor positions itself as a destination for travellers seeking ​“silent luxury” and authenticity. The fact that the island remains car-free and integrates the local community through programmes such as ​“Libertá” underlines its ambition to be not a secluded resort, but a living island ecosystem. When the first guests arrive on 1 May 2026, Bendor will not only tell its story – it will continue it.

In Austria and Switzerland, Paul Louis Marius Ricard (1909 – 1997) is often known merely as a name on a bottle of pastis, yet his life’s work shaped modern France far beyond the beverage industry. Ricard was an industrialist, patron of the arts and ecological pioneer in one.

The path to the ​“King of Pastis”

In 1932, Ricard took advantage of the end of the ban on anise spirits and created his own recipe for the ​“true pastis of Marseille”. His success was based on visionary marketing: since advertising for spirits was often restricted, he designed ashtrays, jugs and glasses himself, which became icons of the French way of life. In 1975, his company merged with Pernod to form today’s global market leader Pernod Ricard SA.

A private island realm: Bendor & Embiez

To understand Bendor, it is important to note that the islands do not belong to the corporation but are privately owned by the family, managed by Société Paul Ricard. Ricard acquired Île de Bendor in 1950 and transformed it into a cultural refuge. He dedicated its larger sister island, Île des Embiez (acquired in 1958), to nature conservation. There, in 1966, he founded the renowned Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute to combat marine pollution – a pioneering environmental initiative for its time.

Motorsport and legacy

The famous Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet (opened in 1970) was also his initiative and long considered the most modern racetrack in the world. Although the circuit was sold in 1999 to Excelis (Bernie Ecclestone) and is now owned by Slavica Ecclestone, his name remains inseparably linked to the site. Today, Ricard’s legacy is preserved by his descendants: while his grandson Alexandre Ricard leads the corporation, his great-grandson Marc de Jouffroy oversees the private transformation of Île de Bendor, preserving Paul Ricard’s dream of an ​“island of happiness” for a new generation. His philanthropic legacy continues through the Fondation d’entreprise Pernod Ricard.

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