Palavas-les-Flots, France
Hôtel Plage Palace & Spa
Modernist beach house
Modernist beach house
Low-rise white cubes sit right on the sand, trading busy resort promenades for a quiet strip of Mediterranean beach.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Idyllically located opposite the beach, this upmarket hotel which bears the Costes brothers’ hallmark, blends discreetly into the landscape.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
On the Mediterranean sands of Carnon Ouest, a calm drive between Palavas-les-Flots and Montpellier.
The rooms
Bathrooms sit inside slatted-wood beach huts, and every bedroom opens onto its own private balcony.
The lap pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 27-meter lap pool has a sand-colored basin heated year-round to 28°C, flanked by taupe umbrellas beside the beach.
The spa
An illuminated circular whirlpool sits against dark paneled walls, and private cabins draw on Comfort Zone body rituals.
Restaurant de l'Hôtel Plage Palace
Floor-to-ceiling glass looks onto the Mediterranean, where diners order regional seafood and dishes from Paris's Hôtel Costes.
Beach Bar & Terrace
A covered timber deck sits right on the sand, serving drinks under woven pendants from morning until late.
At the table
Backlit shelves rise behind the indoor cocktail bar, where deep armchairs and curved sofas gather around a central fireplace.
How it began
Brothers Jean-Louis and Guy Costes vacationed here as children, later spending seven years transforming a disused beachfront plot.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.