Hôtel Le Sénéchal, Île de Ré
The tall blousy Hollyhocks were my first memory. Arriving across the bridge from the mainland, the glistening Atlantic, boats and narrowing road all passed by, but it was the pretty palette of proud Hollyhocks against the bleached and weathered former fishermen’s cottages, that sucked me in. Slowly we scooted around the outskirts of one photogenic little village after another, pointing out a house, perfect rows of vines (unexpected) and snippets of the sea to each other, before finally spotting the sign for Ars-en-Ré. Pulling up into the main square, we saw our delightful home from home for the next week - Le Sénéchal.
Le Sénéchal is like staying at your favourite aunt’s beach haven. It is warm and welcoming, cosy and relaxed but with a design led, Le Labo* boutique sensibility, the owners potter in the garden each morning picking flowers for beautiful bouquets scattered all over the hotel, smiles are genuine and the light is well, just a little bit brighter and more perfect. Recommendations for activities, dining and bike rides were made and organised by front desk staff with generosity and joy. It was my favourite and best immediately.
Traveling with teens who like their own space, we opted for a bijou two bedroom cottage around the corner from the hotel. Even better, their room was on the other side of the little sun trap of a courtyard and ours upstairs, which pleased them greatly. Apart from loving a separate room, the teens are also rather partial to a buffet breakfast, so on the first morning we wandered over to the hotel to start the day in the flower ladened courtyard. In Europe I am anti hotel breakfast, sorry, but I like to sit out on the street and watch the passing parade whilst my eyes glaze over the architecture. But, sitting in Le Sénéchal’s quiet courtyard, lingering over delicious homemade treats, was an oasis and we settled into our table every morning happily.
Ars-en-Ré is a great village for a couple of days or a week long stay. It has everything to keep you happy - restaurants, coffee, boutiques, sublime little houses and walks, bike rides and oyster huts, a daily market, weekly brocante, beach and a divine relaxed feeling. I have already recommended Le Sénéchal to a couple of friends for their European summer holiday next year, and it is a place that we hope to return to regularly with our little family and with a crowd (they have a villa, loft, cottages and hotel rooms).
Happy travels xxSara
I first read the description likening Le Sénéchal to a Le Labo showroom in Yolanda Edwards’ YOLO Newsletters and now cannot think of a better description, so trust she and the YOLO family indulges me in this theft.
