L’Île de la Lagune

After eight months, I finally got my money back through my bank. The hotel management had told the bank that I’d run away without paying, which was false and unsupported. I found that shocking. I had to dispute an unauthorized €900 charge after the hotel didn’t respond to my emails. At check-in, I’d been told everything in the minibar was included, and I’d cleared everything with reception before leaving. The charge came a week after check-out. I booked two rooms for my family at Relais & Châteaux Thalasso & Spa Île de la Lagune expecting luxury. The hotel itself is nice and the restaurant decent, but it’s vastly overpriced for what you get. I can’t recommend it. Luxury should come with honesty, and this place lacks integrity. Avoid at all costs!

The people at Ile de la Lagune made this the best trip we could have hoped for. João, the concierge, took his time finding cycling and walking routes that suited us, and was warm and helpful. Cassandra in the spa gave me the best massage I’ve ever had. Her Hawaiian style massage was phenomenal, and she made such a relaxing setting that I was only disappointed when it ended. Bruno at the bar is a master mixologist. He made us delicious drinks each night, suggested local or different spirits, and let us sample some new creations. He also put together the best cheeseboards in all of France and was great company in the evenings. Jeremy from the restaurant was kind and attentive, always greeting us with a smile and arranging alternatives when a dish didn’t suit our palate. We had great talks with him about anything and everything. Benjamin worked hard in the restaurant and bar to make everything seem effortless, recommended perfect wines, and made the best chocolat chauds we’ve had. Nicolas was the most knowledgeable sommelier we’ve spoken to. He knew how to pair wine with our meal and explained the wines’ backgrounds and why they worked so well. My partner is a budding sommelier, and he always made time to share his knowledge with her. Nadeje seemed to work around the clock across every part of the hotel, yet still had time for warm conversations and help whenever we needed it. She’s an angel, a very special person. Emilie from the front of house team took care of even the smallest bumps along the way, and made us feel like special guests. The area was beautiful, the hotel incredible, the restaurants amazing, and the beds so comfortable. The little boat to the beach was a perfect extra. We stayed for just over a week at the start of September and can’t thank the hotel enough. If you want a special, luxurious stay in the South of France where you’re treated like family, we can’t recommend Ile De La Lagune enough.

We were glad to make this a stop on our journey. My family and I had a wonderfully relaxing stay, with beautiful accommodations in a stunning setting. We enjoyed the Michelin-starred restaurant and some rejuvenating spa treatments.

Saskia at reception was a huge help when I discovered that my return flight to the USA had been cancelled and rebooked incorrectly. She spent an hour helping me reach the right person at the airline, and I really appreciated it. Earlier, Gerade (??) had greeted me at reception, handled check-in and my luggage, and shown me to a grand suite. It was an upgrade because the hotel wasn’t full. My balcony looked over the pool, and the evening music was quite enjoyable. I’d booked the Llle de la Laguna Thalasso & Spa for two restful days after some very active touring, and it delivered. The sea views from the hotel and outdoor areas are beautiful and add to the peaceful feel. I had dinner at the Italian restaurant both nights and enjoyed it. There’s also a Michelin Restaurant. The Italian restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, and you can have dinner fully outside or partly indoors. Breakfast has the same options, and I enjoyed mine by the pool each morning. Magalie gave me a wonderful 80-minute massage that left me very relaxed. Afterward I enjoyed the heated pool on the building’s third floor. It’s covered, but since the weather was nice, all the sliding doors were open. So relaxing up there.