On Bendor island, the rebirth of a Mediterranean jewel

After five years of a colossal construction project, Bendor island, a jewel of the Mediterranean facing the bay of Bandol, was inaugurated on April 20. Société Paul Ricard, the historical owner of the site, unveiled the destination “Zannier île de Bendor” in the presence of an audience of institutional guests and partners. Among them were Philippe Tabarot, Minister of Transport, Simon Babre, Prefect of the Var, Renaud Muselier, President of the Region, François de Canson, President of the CRT, and Jean-Louis Masson, President of the Department of the Var, alongside Alexandre Ricard, CEO of Pernod Ricard, and Arnaud Zannier, CEO of Zannier Hotels.

The day marked the culmination of an ambitious transformation project, symbolized by the christening of the island's first 100% electric shuttle boat, named “Amista”. LOYALTYAcquired in 1950 by the visionary industrialist Paul Ricard, who affectionately nicknamed it “the island of happiness”, Bendor has long embodied a certain Mediterranean art of living, blending culture, conviviality, and nature across its seven hectares. Today, his heirs perpetuate this vision by partnering with the family hotel group Zannier Hotels, renowned for its approach focused on authenticity and discreet luxury.

The goal is clear: to make Bendor a destination in its own right, anchored in its time while remaining faithful to its soul.

The project, led by the agency Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, consisted of the rehabilitation, construction, or renovation of 25 buildings over an area of 28,000 m². This modern reinterpretation of the island gave a central place to nature, with the planting of 250 trees, and to local craftsmanship, extending the founding ambition of Paul Ricard: “To create a place of meeting, transmission, and pleasure”.

COMPLETE DESTINATIONEntrusted to Bouygues Bâtiment Sud-Est, the work transformed the island into a complete tourism ecosystem, aimed at both local and international clienteles. The hotel offering consists of 93 rooms, divided into three distinct worlds to vary the experiences: in the heart of the pine forest, on the harbor, or along the shores. Gastronomy is a pillar of the Bendor experience, with eight restaurants and bars orchestrated by chef Lionel Levy, celebrating the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.

A 1,200 m² Résonance spa dedicated to holistic well-being, an artisans' square run by Oraé, a concept store, and numerous spaces dedicated to families and sports activities complete this high-end resort offering.

The rebirth of Bendor is part of a forward-looking approach, combining innovation and respect for the environment. The electric boat “Amista” is the perfect illustration of this. Capable of carrying 11 passengers, it provides the crossing from Bandol silently and without direct emissions.

Its recyclable aluminum structure and its systems designed to preserve marine life testify to a commitment to gentle and sustainable mobility.