La Baronnie Hotel & Spa

La Baronnie Hotel & Spa, Ile de Re, France - Explore & Book

"Just a few steps from the centre of bustling Saint Martin, Ile de Ré’s oh-so-pretty capital and main town, lies a huge iron gate; step inside and you enter French history. This is La Baronnie Hotel & Spa – a stone mansion with an 18th-century baronial pedigree transformed into a wonderfully peaceful hideaway. More like a private home than hotel, it has been sympathetically restored to keep the building's history intact without forgetting about guests' comfort.La Baronnie has a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, bucolic views and huge bedrooms with plenty of natural light. Style sways from room to room. Some are regal and elegant, inside and out. Think summer home away from the palace (albeit on a smaller scale) and you’ll be about right, though the ambiance is not at all royal, more well-to-do. Others are less grand and more coastal-chic with wood-clad walls, but with the same traditional French décor and original features. Outside, the fabulous gardens, rampant with wisteria and roses, offer peace and tranquility under shady pine and fruit trees. Venture through the front door and within minutes you can be sitting in a cosy restaurant, browsing through the chic boutiques that line the streets of Saint Martin, or ambling along the town’s picturesque harbour. Highs A great location, with the harbour and all that Saint Martin offers just moments awayThis is a historic gem, with fascinating interiors and personal touches everywhereThe ambiance is homely, restful and very welcoming, and the quiet gardens are ideal for escaping summer crowdsThe dozen staff really know the island inside out and have lots of suggestions for your time hereA heated outdoor swimming pool Lows The 18th-century décor is a bit sober and heavy-looking, which may not appeal to those on a beach holidayRooms at the front overlook the street and may be a little noisy, particularly during high seasonNoise from kids playing in the pool can drift over to some of the nearby roomsParents note that over 5s only are permitted in the heated pool" - Kate Parsons