Hôtel Delos ★★★★

The sun beats down, twinkling and glistening on the surface of the inviting blue waters of the Mediterranean, while the coastline is dotted with stylish resort towns and spectacular scenery – the French Riviera makes for a pretty perfect spot to soak in some summer sun. This charming stretch of coastline even has a few surprises in store, and we have uncovered one of the very best at the Hotel Delos, not in fact situated on the French mainland’s coast but on the Ile de Bendor, just a stone’s throw across the water from the harbour town of Bandol.

As recently as 1950, the Ile de Bendor was nothing more than a big hunk of rock piercing the surface of the Mediterranean, but then in stepped French liqueur magnate Paul Ricard (creator of the Ricard pastis brand). He levelled the island and transformed it into a Mediterranean paradise, and now its heady mix of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, leafy vegetation and wildlife makes Ricard’s island every bit as intoxicating as his pastis! With just one hotel on the island, a scattering of beachside restaurants and a few traditionally styled cottages, this is a serene, private and romantic setting to unwind, escape the crowds and enjoy the endless sunshine.

In this respect the Ile de Bendor offers almost everything you need to instantly get that blissful holiday feeling, and the Hotel Delos is on hand to fill in the gaps, providing some luxurious facilities and delicious cuisine to go with the beautiful surroundings. When it comes to dining, the restaurant is an elegant and refined space to enjoy some sumptuously fresh Mediterranean fare, with large windows to admire the magnificent sea views. For an even more spectacular dining experience, however, head out to either of the restaurant’s two outdoor terraces to get even closer to those incredible views, enjoying every artistically created dish under the dying light of the sun on a balmy summer’s eve.

The views from the restaurant may be special, but it is by no means the only place from which they can be glimpsed. Thanks to the Hotel Delos’s privileged position practically hanging over the water’s edge, the shimmering, gentle surface of the Mediterranean is always in the background, luring you down to the nearby beach to dip your feet into the warm shallows. If that is a stretch too far though, the hotel has a fantastic outdoor pool which provides a scenic spot to cool off from the sun, nestled between the hotel and the sea.

Just to complete the ultimate serene and romantic getaway, the bedrooms are peaceful, luxurious and extremely comfortable, providing cosy nests to retreat to after every day in the sun. Decked out in elegant baroque or Venetian palace-style, they all boast a certain sophistication, while large windows and white walls help the rooms feel airy and refreshing, bathed in natural light. Those huge windows also afford some more stunning views, so as soon as you wake up you can gaze down at your dreamy surroundings and look forward to another day in paradise.