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A newly redesigned luxury hotel in Biarritz
Welcome to Hotel Regina Experimental Biarritz, a jewel ideally located a stone's throw from the center of Biarritz, overlooking the ocean, offering a breathtaking view of Cap St Martin and the Atlantic coast for nearly 120 years. Discover the new style of this historic establishment, where architect Dorothée Meilichzon has reinterpreted the elegance of the Belle Époque by adding local inspirations and contemporary touches.
A Belle Époque Architecture Restored in Biarritz
Hotel Regina Biarritz, built in 1906 by architect Henry Martinet, features charming architecture in the Belle Époque style. The starting point of the renovation orchestrated by Dorothée Meilichzon was the impressive 15-meter-high atrium, adorned with vast windows and sculpted interior details. The objective was to preserve the historic essence of this mythical hotel on the Basque coast, while breathing new life into its aesthetic.
A Hotel with Local Influences from the Basque Country
Dorothée Meilichzon wished to pay homage to neo-Basque architecture, drawing inspiration in particular from the works of the Gomez brothers, famous for their collaboration with Villa Malaye. The villas Leihorra (Joseph Hiriart) and Arnaga (Albert Tournaire) also served as sources of inspiration. Thus, the Regina hotel features all-white architecture, with semi-circular shapes, sculpted frescoes, fluted cornices, and 45-degree angles. Genoese eaves in tile form, semi-round mirrors, and black iron add a touch of authenticity. Some Winckelmans art deco tiles also enrich the décor.
A Meeting Between the Atlantic Ocean and Hotel Elegance
The characteristic elements of the Atlantic Ocean blend harmoniously with the style of Hotel Regina Experimental Biarritz. Moldings and rope-like baseboards evoke the maritime world, while striped fabrics recall ocean waves. The dark blue and light blue lacquers, as well as the architecture inspired by ocean liners, lend an elegant and maritime ambiance to the spaces. Elements such as bathroom furniture in the shape of a pelota fronton and fabrics suspended like sails transport visitors on an oceanic journey. Shells, present in appliqués, on the reception counter, as well as in fabrics and bas-reliefs, recall maritime treasures.
Japan's Influence and Its Connection to Biarritz
Another fascinating aspect of the design of Hotel Regina Experimental Biarritz is the homage paid to Japan. Elements such as Japanese straw, black lacquer, indigo suspended fabrics, and paper lamps are found throughout. These subtle touches add a unique cultural and aesthetic dimension to the whole, merging Japanese and Basque influences in a refined manner.
A Bright Hotel Space with Natural Accents
The mixture of inspirations within Hotel Regina Experimental creates a bright and warm space, where dark green, dark red, and various shades of blue dominate. Materials such as stoneware, ceramics, straw, and ropes bring natural and authentic touches. The spacious rooms offer a breathtaking sea view and have been decorated with taste: tones mainly white, blue, and mint green are complemented by wavy Genoese eaves, paneled doors, and an imposing bedhead lacquered in light blue. The corridors, opening onto the grand atrium, feature printed carpeting representing aquatic fauna.
Hotel Regina Experimental Biarritz is a true embodiment of revisited elegance. Thanks to architect Dorothée Meilichzon, the establishment successfully blended the original Belle Époque architecture, neo-Basque influences, and elements evoking the Atlantic Ocean. By adding Japanese touches and playing with natural materials, this charming hotel in the Basque country offers a unique experience for a stay in Biarritz.
