Le Beaumanoir ★★★★★

When I look back on my time at the Beaumanoir, I clearly remember my wonderfully relaxing first morning there. I opened my eyes after a rejuvenating sleep in a soft bed with Egyptian Cotton linen. The bedroom around me was decorated in a gorgeous neo-baroque style, with silky fabrics and antique furniture. Out of the window, I could make out the deep blue sky of the Basque country in the south of France, and see the palm, lemon and lime trees swaying gently in the breeze.

There are not many hotels like this. The Beaumanoir could possibly even be the most private five-star hotel in France, with only four bedrooms, two suites and two apartments. Staying here means being one of the privileged few. Old-fashioned excellent standards of service reign - the hotel butler is sure to look after you and take care of your slightest whim. The owner, Frédéric Hubert, put his heart and soul into the project of restoring the destitute. For two whole years, he worked hard to make sure that every little detail was perfect so as to give the place back all its former glory, and he succeeded.

I made my way to the breakfast room and was delighted to find a delicious array of treats on offer along with a selection of fine teas and world coffees. I sat down at the stunning 10-metre marble table, underneath the beautiful Seville chandeliers, and enjoyed my morning croissants while reading the newspaper.

I then wandered into the gardens to settle on one of the comfortable Starck loungers by the swimming pool. Breathing in the delicious perfumes coming from the lemon trees, lavender and wide array of beautiful flowers in the gardens, I could see the Atlantic in the distance. As I was brought a second cup of tea, I thought about how to spend the day ahead.

Do you feel like exploring the local towns and villages? Just ask for a little advice. How about going out in Biarritz for dinner? No problem, your booking will be made for you. Fancy a drink? You can choose from a selection of around fifty champagnes at the Dom Pérignon bar, along with a spoonful of caviar. And so the luxury continues.