Hotel Itsas Mendia, Bidart, France

A stay at the Hotel Itsas Mendia, in the quaint town of Bidart just a few miles down the coast from Biarritz, France, is like a visit to your rich uncle’s seaside villa.  Perched on a steep incline overlooking the Basque countryside and the Pyrenees beyond, the pocket-sized maison looks like it was a grand country house back in the day.  With just 15 rooms (11 with balconies, some of them quite large), this boutique property is across from a stunning beach and is just what you’d expect from Mademoiselle Maider Etchayde, the charming French proprietor of the place.  She has woven a magic spell over the surroundings which include a delightfully lush landscaped garden (chirping birds a plus), a big open air terrace with killer views and an Olympic sized swimming pool. And let’s not forget her friendly cat, Diabolo.

The hotel takes full advantage of its excellent location just outside of the bustling resort town of Biarritz.  When you tire of roaming the crowded streets and ogling the stately Hotel du Palais, head back to your tranquil chamber in the little Basque village a short taxi away.  There you’ll be enveloped in a state of Zen for your clever innkeeper has capitalized on maximum tranquility on a busy main street. That is accomplished with a deft hand here with double frame windows and French doors, a soothing palette of greys and beiges worthy of a Calvin Klein collection, natural wood custom built-in bed islands and a sea of white linens flowing from white cabinetry with little cubby holes for your personals .

The whole scheme is set off by pale parchment shaded sconces, state of the art recessed lighting, blonde oak floors and a bath and immense walk-in shower tiled in tones of taupe, with a custom built-in battleship grey vanity and gleaming nickel fittings.  Even the floor of the shower surround is tiled in a non-slick striated pattern for maximum movement with no slipping.  Now that’s clever!  If it all sounds like a successful design theme was executed, well, yes, you’re right!  And it doesn’t end with the accommodations.

Public spaces are similarly carefully laid out with punches of bright colors, so typically French.  The lobby’s red patterned cushioned arm chairs are a sly nod to the 1980’s but don’t let those fool you. This was once a distinguished resort era charmer and that DNA is still there along with the original wooden staircase (now painted white of course). About the only thing that might be missing is the ubiquitous Nespresso machine that now seems to inhabit every 4 star hotel room. But take my advice and get out of the room and head for the comfort of Pedro da Silva, the property’s manager and all around bon vivant.  He’ll bring you as much coffee as you require, give you driving directions, make impromptu recommendations and even reservations if you want to maintain that Zen tranquility and skip the hassle.  And isn’t that what a great hotel is really about?  Feeling at home when you’re away.  A stay at Hotel Itsas Mendia does exactly that.