Maison Atlantique, Arcachon

Just west of Bordeaux, this luxurious and historic, traditional, beachfront villa is discreetly tucked away in the serene and tranquil bay of Arcachon on the southern French Atlantic coast.

Maison Atlantique is not your average boutique villa-hotel. This is a home away from home and the perfect location for the ultimate luxury experience. Either book by the room or take the whole villa in its entirety for that perfect holiday, surrounded by friends or family, but with all the advantages of staying in a hotel.

The villa is quite beautifully run and all eight bedroom suites are finished to an extremely high standard with most offering fabulous sea and/or forest views. The bathrooms feature Philippe Starck fittings and there are televisions and safes in all bedrooms. The reception rooms are large and spacious, perfect for entertaining and with French windows opening up to the huge covered terrace running the length of the house.

From the gardens there is direct beach access but, for those who don’t like saltwater, the rectangular minimalist infinity pool with its natural filtering and regeneration ponds is perfect for cooling off – no chlorine in sight!   The pool deck offers yet another site perfect for a massage, a romantic candlelit dinner or a sundowner.

Arcachon Bay is just a stone’s throw from Bordeaux, home to the world’s most famous vineyards and wonderful restaurants and bars. There is so much to do in this area and the concierge service provided can organise all types of activities from boat tours, wine tours, shopping with a guide, restaurant reservations and numerous ideas for children.   What about horseback riding through the pine forests or a round of golf at the Golf du Medoc Chateaux course? Try your hand at paragliding or kite surfing at the Dune du Pyla or just a laid-back boat trip followed by the perfect picnic. There really is something for everyone here.