Surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal-clear Mediterranean coastline, Hotel Le Bailli de Suffren surely encapsulates most people’s idea of a beach-side paradise. It is no surprise, then, that François Champsaur, a talented interior designer from Marseille, sought inspiration from this landscape for the hotel’s new interior.
For François, it was particularly key to immerse the hotel’s guests within the surrounding seascape. Each of the 55 guest rooms is thus centred around the coastal view, which can be admired from the bed, shower and even the bathtub.
Blue ceilings echoe the blue of the sky and sea, while a wooden frame around the large window accentuates the stunning views. A large, custom royal blue armchair, colourful laminate coffee table and artwork by young arists perfectly complement the scheme.
Framed by large, white cotton stonewashed curtains, the guest room terraces allow guests to enjoy al fresco relaxation with two stylish Vincent Sheppard chairs and 1950s retro coffee tables.
François’ integral palette of wood, terracotta, ceramic, cotton and wicker throughout the hotel’s interior creates a gentle, poetic ambiance. Within the reception area, the front desk is made from solid wood, with enamelled lava stone legs, while terracotta plantation shutters, designed by pottery manufacturer, Ravel, offer shade in front of the large bay windows.
This same focus on natural materials can be seen throughout the hotel’s three restaurants – The Loup de Mer, which serves up refined Mediterranean dishes; innovative pool snack bar, La Piscine; and bar-restaurant L’Escale, which offers guests the chance to dine against a backdrop of pastel-coloured beach décor.
The Loup de Mer is the hotel’s chic, yet down-to-earth bistro, profiting from an enivable terrace that faces the Golden Islands. For the restaurant’s interior, François opted for planks of redwood and pine, painted in white, folding tables, wooden chairs with linen seat upholstery and colourful cotton cushions covering the banquettes.
The bar at Hotel Le Bailli de Suffren was another focal point of the renovation for François. One of his first decisions was to remove the second floor to create double-height ceilings here. This – combined with a large high-hanging terracotta trellised panel designed by Patricia Urquiola, and a bar counter in terracotta and colourful enamelled lava stone – has created a more inviting, cosy ambiance.
To complete the experience, a luxurious spa offers four treatment rooms, a hammam, lounge area overlooking the beach and a heated fresh water pool.
