Special Awards Hotels 2023Establishment

Les Hortensias Du Lac

Les Domaines De Fontenille

Hossegor, France

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Hidden Gem Hotel Awards

Little-known and hard-to-find hotels that are worth a special trip

Take a detour from Aquitaine’s big names and ho tspots to discover Les Hortensias du Lac, a 25-room surf hotel from Relais & Chateaux, which sits between lake and sea in Hossegor, north of Biarritz. The words ‘luxury’ and ‘surf’ rarely go together, but expectations are turned on their head at this boutique retreat. The 1930s building is a prime example of Basque-Landaise design, and towering pines shade the infinity pool. The relaxed Hamptons-style vibe of surf, bike ride, and board games is perfectly matched with Landes levels of hospitality from the elegant restaurant, where chef Phillipe Moreno prepares modern coastal classics.