Hôtel Villa Colette is bringing a new level of boutique luxury to Cap Ferret, becoming the peninsula’s first five-star hotel. Created by Laurent Taïeb and designed by renowned French designer Philippe Starck, the 28-room property combines the character of a traditional coastal villa with a playful and contemporary sense of style.
Overlooking the calm waters of Arcachon Bay, Villa Colette has been designed to reflect the distinctive spirit of Cap Ferret. The hotel sits close to the village, local boutiques and market, while the surrounding pine forests and Atlantic coastline provide a natural backdrop to the stay.
The location is a major part of the hotel’s appeal. Cap Ferret has long attracted visitors looking for a slower pace of French coastal life, with its oyster-farming heritage, beaches, pine forests and relaxed village atmosphere. Villa Colette places guests directly within this setting, while adding the comfort and service expected from a five-star property.
A Playful Take on French Coastal Design
From the outside, Villa Colette takes inspiration from the traditional architecture of the region. Its neo-19th-century appearance features red brick, white-painted detailing and terracotta tiles, giving the building the appearance of an elegant coastal villa.
Inside, however, the mood becomes more colourful and unexpected. Philippe Starck has created interiors filled with powdery pink tones, rich mahogany furniture, distinctive fabrics and carefully selected artwork. The result is sophisticated without feeling overly formal, with details designed to give the hotel a sense of personality.
The 28 rooms and suites continue this approach. Many feature private balconies, terraces or garden access, with views extending towards Arcachon Bay, the surrounding pine forest or the heart of the village.
Bathrooms and living spaces are finished with the same attention to detail, while photographic artwork and playful decorative touches add to the feeling that Villa Colette is intended to be experienced as much as admired.
Dining Beneath the Glass Roof
Food is another important part of the Villa Colette experience. The hotel’s restaurant, led by chef Benjamin Six, takes an international approach while making space for local produce and the flavours of the region.
The menu combines refined dishes with a relaxed approach, including locally caught fish prepared simply alongside more adventurous creations influenced by international cuisine.
The restaurant itself is designed to make an impression. A glass roof brings natural light into the space during the day, while after dark it offers guests the chance to dine beneath the night sky.
The atmosphere changes with the time of day, making the restaurant suitable for a leisurely lunch as well as a more intimate evening meal.
The Heart of the Villa
Away from the restaurant, the hotel’s bar offers a quieter setting. Tucked away within the property, the space has been designed almost like a private boudoir, with a striking lemon-yellow colour scheme, intimate seating areas, a traditional stove and a beautifully crafted piano.
It is a space designed for lingering rather than rushing. Guests can stop for coffee while looking out towards the bay, enjoy afternoon tea after a day exploring Cap Ferret or settle in for a signature cocktail as evening arrives.
The bar adds another layer to the hotel’s personality, combining the relaxed rituals of a traditional French coastal retreat with Starck’s more unexpected design touches.
The Spirit of Cap Ferret
Villa Colette is ultimately closely connected to its setting. Cap Ferret sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Arcachon Bay, surrounded by pine forest and known for its oyster-farming villages, beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
The destination has a distinctive identity that is quite different from France’s larger coastal resorts. Rather than grand promenades and high-rise hotels, Cap Ferret is characterised by small villages, cycling routes, wooden oyster huts and a strong connection to the natural landscape.
Villa Colette reflects that character while offering a more polished interpretation of the area. Its combination of traditional architecture, bold interiors, considered dining and its position overlooking the bay gives the property a distinctive place within the French luxury hotel scene.
For travellers seeking an elegant coastal escape with plenty of personality, Hôtel Villa Colette offers a fresh interpretation of five-star hospitality in one of France’s most distinctive seaside destinations.
Source: Hôtel Villa Colette
Image: Hôtel Villa Colette