Hotel Des Dunes

You don’t have to be fluent in French to guess what the Hotel des Dunes is all about. It’s named for the beach of the same name, which is just down the road, and for the dunes that are characteristic of Cap Ferret, the long spit of land that separates the Atlantic (and the Bay of Biscay) from the sheltered waters of Arcachon Bay. The hotel’s style is unpretentious, resembling first and foremost the oyster shacks that are common to the region — and, once you’re inside, displaying an affinity with California surf culture and with the laid-back but elegant atmosphere often found in the Hamptons.

The eleven rooms are cozy and a bit on the minimal side, with air conditioning but without televisions, to invite a bit of tranquility. A few open onto sunny south-facing balconies or terraces, and so do the three suites, which also spread out to an expansive 30 square meters. All are stylish and comfortable, though this isn’t the sort of hotel that bowls you over with creature comforts; what’s more important is that the vibe is impeccable. There’s yoga, a sauna, and an outdoor shower for when you return from the beach, and bikes and surfboards are available for rent — the rest is up to you.