The Vibe: Regal revamp.

The Area: Standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean, the historic property faces out towards the bay of Biscay with views across to Biarritz lighthouse.

The DNA: Constructed in 1907 by architect and landscape designer Henry Martinet, the Regina is a renowned Belle Époque building with a monumental 15-metre high atrium, expansive bay windows, an Eiffel glass roof and plentiful Art Deco touches complemented by Neo-Basque architecture. Once a coastal haven for royalty, today Biarritz is a surfer’s paradise offering sandy beaches and rolling waves. Following a full refurbishment, the Regina is now run by the hip Experimental Group. The stunning foyer has been brought to life with local design. At the heart of Regina Experimental is a bar plucked from the Roaring Twenties and serving a selection of classics and signature Experimental cocktails. The hotel’s vast restaurant and its large terrace overlooking the ocean are home to Frenchie Biarritz, a creative brasserie where Chef Gregory Marchand takes inspiration from local cuisine and the richness of Basque products. The hotel also features a boutique, a Susanne Kaufmann & Alaena spa and a large outdoor pool.

Suite-Me-Up: Reaching skywards, corridors envelop the atrium where 72 white, blue, dark green and Basque red rooms face either the ocean or the iconic Biarritz golf course, one of the most prestigious courses in Europe. Bedrooms are awash with straw and rope combined with marine stripes and plaster frescoes with aquatic motifs. Evocative of an ocean liner, each bedroom incorporates curved forms and long horizontal lines.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 72 rooms & suites (24-55m2) (258-592 sq ft) • hotel opened: July 2023 • interior design: Dorothée Meilichzon • on-site parking (charged) • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk

Seen: Architectural Digest France