Nestled at the foot of “Les Dunes” beach on the Atlantic coast, the cabin-like building was originally inspired by the typical oyster cabins of the Arcachon Basin on the other side of the peninsula. Thoroughly refurbished, the timber-clad building’s vernacular character is complemented by the chic elegance of the revamped interiors which were inspired by the West Coast motels that Tiphagne Hecquet stayed in on her surf trips around the world – other destinations including Hawaii and Montauk. White-painted timber wall panelling, raffia ceiling panels, zellige tiles in earthy hues and yellow and beige striped fabrics, imbue the lobby and dining area with a soothing ambience that elegantly echoes Cap Ferret’s natural landscape, as well as attest to Carrère’s eye for detail and knowledge of the local vernacular.

The muted palette of white and earthy hues carries on in the hotel’s eleven guest rooms and two suites which feature custom-made pine furniture, rattan details, tiled headboards with green or yellow accents, colourful mosaics in the bathrooms, and photographs by Sylvain Cazenave, a big name in the surfing world. Organic bath products by Océopin, a sustainable brand with products made from maritime pine seeds, some of which are harvested in Cap Ferret’s pine forests, are part of the hotel’s eco-friendly ethos, as is the focus on locally sourced produce for the breakfast offerings and its pledge to ban all plastics in the table service, mini-bars and bathrooms.

The hotel’s understated, no-frills redesign – there are no TV sets in the rooms, nor is there a swimming pool – makes for an elegant design statement but it’s also meant to encourage guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. To help them do so, the hotel offers picnic baskets with essentials like champagne, wine and tapas, surfboards and bikes for rent, and yoga and meditation classes, plus recommendations for horseback riding, tennis and kite surfing as well as tips for the best hiking trails, restaurants, and oyster huts. With so many nature-inspired options, the new-found simplicity and laidback vibe of Hôtel des Dunes offers its guests the perfect base from which to fall in love head over heels with this beautiful part of France.