Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France
Les Bains Gardians
Bohemian Camargue neo-resort
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, France
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Local Design ResortOutside the door
The house
Les BainsBohemian Camargue neo-resort
The estate operates as a bohemian ranch, running live music and poolside DJ sets beside working horse stables.
“The sparse interiors, designed by Parisian firm Hauvette & Madani, are decked out with handpicked country furniture—a wooden stool, a desk—and a jug of wildflowers.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Thatched herdsmen cottages set along marsh canals, beside stables of resident Camargue horses.
Notable
Whitewashed curved walls, reed thatch roofs, and rustic furniture by Hauvette & Madani.
Notable
Ten marshland acres holding two outdoor pools and stables for twenty-five Camargue horses.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Situated on ten acres of raw, reed-fringed wetlands near Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, this offbeat Camargue retreat brings barefoot luxury to a place better known for wild horses and flamingos than boutique hotels.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer sits a mile down the road, and wild flamingos gather across the surrounding wetlands.
The rooms
Thatched herdsmen cottages curve against the Mistral wind, with mosquito-netted beds and porches overlooking the water.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 1970s kidney-shaped pool sits beside the terrace, lined with loungers looking across marsh reeds and canals.
The hot tub
A circular indoor whirlpool tub looks through sliding glass doors toward the estate's thatched cottages and gardens.
Restaurant Le Pont des Bannes
Chef Johanna Laporte cooks regional Camargue dishes, served inside the timber-beamed farmhouse or outside along the water.
At the table
The cocktail bar hosts live Gypsy guitar sets, and Sunday brunch extends across the reed-fringed wooden decks.
How it began
Hotelier Jean-Pierre Marois revived this former roadside inn, once a storied dining spot for local bullfighters.
Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer
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Mas de la Fouque
“Bohemian marshland mas”
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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.