And, the views are pretty special...
Set on the highest point in Biarritz, La Regina’s mainstay is its breath-taking Art Deco central atrium from which 65 rooms line the circumference over three tiers, finally leading up to a breath-taking 1920s glass ceiling. The interior design takes note from it’s Art Deco heritage and celebrates impressive original features. The minute you set foot through the impressive gallery, with swathes of red, white and black, you're transported to a bygone era. You can just imagine the parties held here: think martini coupes filled to the brim with champagne and a grand piano taking centre stage.
THE ROOMS
The 65 rooms in the hotel boast high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows and doors which open to views of either the coast to the front and side or the impressive golf course to the rear. The design also celebrates the city’s fashionable heritage, with Coco Chanel’s favoured Camellia flower used everywhere and the famous Hermes scarf prints splashed across headboards – both fashion houses still have stores in the city, which can be found just a ten minute walk from the hotel.
THE FOOD
Yes, we know that Biarritz has plenty of fabulous restaurants to try but the hotels restaurant Iqori, really is one that you should visit. Take solace in the beautiful appointed dining room or soak in the atmosphere in the sunny terrace with views of the Lighthouse. The chef’s signature dish, lobster ravioli (38 Euro) is simply stunning. A crash course in luxurious dining; think succulent lobster, caviar and delicate foie gras. The other highlight of the menu is the creamy pasta with Gambas (15 Euro starter, 22 Euro as a main). And to finish, you must try the blackberry sorbet with meringue twirls (12 Euro) that will be sure to awaken your taste buds. Dinner for 2, including starters, mains, deserts and wine will set you back around 120 Euro.
THE SPA
The best way to wind down after a day in Biarritz is a luxurious full body massage in the hotels spa. After a chilled few minutes in the Hammam make your way to a relaxing and delicately scented room where you can enjoy a customised treatment. Using natural ingredients, Sothy’s products are full of mood enhancing and beneficial properties. Choose from either oil, cream or melted wax in six different scents - our pick of the bunch is a creamy and green fig blend.
DON’T MISS
The sun trap pool area for some R&R and views over Biarritz. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no pool here if you arrived first thing or late at night. The magnificent pool is revealed at a push of the button and is the perfect temperature, even on a slightly chilly day.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Turn right when you exit the hotel and take a stroll to the lighthouse either via the main road (five minutes) or the winding path via the cliff where you can stop at the many vistas (ten minutes) for the best view in Biarritz, over Miramar beach and a little more round the corner with views over Anglet.
To get to the centre, turn left and take a ten minute walk down to Miramar beach, where you can look back and see the striking Lighthouse. And a little further you have all the fabulousness that Biarritz has to offer.
THE NEED TO KNOW
Le Regina Biarritz Hotel & Spa MGallery by Sofitel. Website: Le Regina Hotel & Spa Address: 52 Avenue de l'Impératrice, 64200 Biarritz, France Rooms: 65 Restaurant: YesPool: Yes Spa: Yes Rates: From £164 per night
