Hemen
Coastal chic meets understated luxury — Basque heritage architecture with clean, contemporary Scandinavian-leaning interiors. Quiet and intimate. Not showy.
'Hemen' comes from the villa's original Basque name 'Hemen Ongui,' meaning 'here we are well' — built between 1920 and 1937.
Why It Matters
One of only a handful of true 5-star boutique hotels on the Charente-Maritime Atlantic coast. Only four bookable accommodations total. The original 1920s villa is a listed heritage building, which means no major structural changes — the intimacy is baked in. Selected by both the Michelin Guide and Tablet Hotels.
A 5-star boutique hotel occupying a 1920s Basque-style listed villa directly on Plage du Bureau in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. Just three rooms and one suite, all facing the ocean. The villa's original name was 'Hemen Ongui' — Basque for 'here we are well' — and nothing about the experience contradicts that. Interiors are white-panelled with light oak parquet, Carrara marble bathrooms, and Bang & Olufsen TVs. Below the hotel sits a mosaic hammam and Dermalogica spa; out front, a heated lagoon-green pool. The attached restaurant, Chez Bob, operates as brasserie, rooftop dining room, and tapas bar all at once.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
The Classic Room
The smallest of the three rooms, but still feels considered and complete. Sits on the first floor of the villa with an intimate feel and a beautiful view over the ocean. White panelling, light oak parquet, touches of marble, and sheer curtains keep things airy and light. The bathroom is fully marble with a walk-in Carrara shower. Standard for all rooms: Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TV, Japanese toilets, LA:Bruket toiletries, Dyson hair dryer, minibar, safe, fiber optic internet, room service 17 hours a day, and twice-daily maid service.
Double · 25 sqm
The Deluxe Balcony Room
Significantly larger than the Classic Room and the most popular configuration for couples. First floor, high ceilings, and a private balcony looking straight out at the beach and the lagoon-green pool. The marble bathroom has a walk-in shower. All the same high-spec fixtures as the Classic: Bang & Olufsen TV, Japanese toilets, LA:Bruket toiletries, Dyson hair dryer, minibar, safe, fiber optic, twice-daily maid service.
Double · 32 sqm
The Suite
The flagship accommodation — 42 sqm on the ground floor with direct access to the pool from a large balcony. Laid out as a separate bedroom (180cm bed), a living room with a sofa bed, a spacious dressing room, and a proper bathroom with double shower, double washbasin, and a bathtub. Good for a couple wanting the most space, or two guests who don't mind sharing. All the same in-room amenities as the other rooms, plus executive lounge access.
King · 42 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An on-site boutique stocking a curated selection of lifestyle items: Assouline books, Nick Fouquet hats, Maor jewelry, kaftans, and similar resort-wear and collectables.
Guided e-foil sessions on the water with a certified instructor, starting from the beach. Available solo or tandem. Flite is described as the world leader in electric surf.
Complimentary paddleboards available to borrow. Launch directly from Plage du Bureau in front of the hotel and explore the bay of Saint-Palais.
Complimentary electric bikes available for exploring the Sentier des Douaniers coastal path or the Grande Côte.
High-end Technogym equipment. A personal trainer/coach is available on request to create a personalized program.
Yoga sessions can be organized by the pool or on the beach in the morning. Listed as 'coming soon' on the official website.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Steps from the front of the hotel to Bureau Beach.
All rooms are equipped with Japanese smart toilets.
Heated lagoon-green mosaic pool in the hotel garden, with sun loungers. The suite has direct access; all other guests use the pool terrace.
Paid airport shuttle service available, primarily from La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport (83 km).
Private parking available at an extra charge.
BUILD YOUR HÔTEL HEMEN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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