Overlooking the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Hôtel de Toiras, a member of Once in a Lifetime, embodies timeless elegance within a UNESCO-listed setting. A former 17th-century shipowner’s residence, this first five-star property on Île de Ré cultivates an art of living where heritage and refinement unfold with understated subtlety. Behind its historic stone façades, the hotel reveals interiors designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, where period furniture, delicate fabrics and carefully sourced objects compose a warm, deeply lived-in atmosphere. The 18 rooms and suites, each entirely unique, pay tribute to figures linked to the region, offering luminous spaces opening onto the port or gardens, in a harmony of soft tones and noble materials. A true place to live, the landscaped patio imagined by Louis Benech invites quiet contemplation, while lounges and intimate spaces gracefully extend this timeless retreat.

Best Gastronomy: On the port, George’s stands as a must-visit address, where Chef Ronan Fillatre celebrates with precision the dialogue between sea and vegetal. Locavore and seasonal, the menu evolves with daily arrivals, enhancing each ingredient with finesse and clarity. Fish sourced from trusted local partners, herbs and aromatic flowers shape balanced and expressive plates, while lightly sweetened desserts extend the experience with elegance. A refined and carefully curated wine selection accompanies the whole, in an elegant and vibrant atmosphere open onto the port.