Nestled in the tranquil bay of Arcachon, on the edge of the shore, and backing onto lush pine forests, you will find the luxury Villa La Tosca.
Location
Located just 35km from Bordeaux-Merignac Airport and, more importantly, an hour’s drive from all the world-famous vineyards of Bordeaux, this luxury Villa is ideal for a weekend away. The Villa serves as both a boutique hotel (you can book just one room) or can be rented out in its entirety if you have enough family and friends to fill its nine bedrooms.
Nearby you will find Cap Ferret, a chic, laid-back seaside town popular with French VIPs and celebrities, and great fun to explore on bikes. Piraillan & Le Canon, two charming oyster-farming villages on the bay’s western side known for their narrow lanes of brightly-painted cabanesm, are just moments away. You can also visit the l’Ile aux Oiseaux, Domain d’Certes by boat, or picnic on the magnificent Banc d’Arguin. Finally, Parc Ornithologique du Teich, an area of protected wetland for migrating birds on the south side of the Bay, is a must-see for bird lovers.
The Gironde enjoys an ideal climate with 2000 + hours of sunshine. Being mild in winter, with dashes of Indian summer in springtime and autumn, this is a place to grab some sunshine. There is just the right amount of rainfall required for the Bordeaux vineyards to flourish and to ensure the countryside’s luxuriant greenery. Summers are hot and sunny but never overbearingly so.
Style & Character
The Villa itself is a mix of sumptuous and restored features. I say Villa. There are eight bedrooms but also one separate family chalet, which is also on the grounds (the chalet is rentable for larger groups).
A locally sourced breakfast is served on a beautiful oak table in the hall or on the terrace each morning, setting the tone for the whole day. Chefs come in and prepare your afternoon tea or an evening of fine dining on request. In the summer, meals and drinks can be enjoyed on the large deck. As you would expect, there is an extensive wine list at the Villa, which regularly revolves and features wines of the world-renowned Bordeaux Wine Region, such as Margaux, St Emilion, Pessac Leognan, Medoc… There are few more inspiring places to enjoy a tipple than on the terrace at Villa La Tosca while the sun dips behind the sea.
Rooms
Rooms at Villa La Tosca are all beautifully and individually decorated. Possibly my favorite room is La Vue, a large room on both the 2nd and 3rd floor, offering 360-degree sea and pine tree views. These mesmerizing views stretch from Arcachon to Cap Ferret. Even the large bathroom has a sea view which you can enjoy from the bath or the walk-in shower.
L’eau Vive is also an exquisite room choice and, is an enormous space from which to enjoy those glorious sea views. You don’t even need to leave your bed to enjoy the vista, as the tall French windows open out from the end of the bed directly onto your own private sea-view terrace. Other highlights of this suite are the walk-in shower with massage jets and your state-of-the-art Jacuzzi bathtub, which sits adjacent to your own private fireplace. I don’t think bath time gets more romantic.
Whichever room you choose, naturally, all the fittings are designed by Philippe Starck, toiletries are by Claudalie, and you will enjoy satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi if you can tear your eyes away from the vista. On arrival, all rooms also receive the most generous basket of fruits, nuts, and chocolates.
Service & Facilities
The main villa is a mansion with a soul and a story to tell. Highlights of the property are the beautiful interiors, stunning garden, and gorgeous eco-pool. At the end of the garden, you step through the gate and have direct access to a beautiful beach.
Conclusion
Villa La Tosca has all the benefits of a luxury hotel coupled with a luxury holiday villa which provides a more intimate and cozier experience. Staff are on site 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, after which you get the villa to yourself so you can enjoy a glass of wine in peace or a book from the library while watching the exquisite golden sunsets.
If you are looking for an exceptional place for an exceptional moment, you would be hard-pressed to find a more stylish and welcoming retreat.
Villa La Tosca comes is our first choice in our selection of the best beach hotels around Bordeaux and also features in our top 5 best beach houses in the world.
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