The Ile de Re is one of the most beautiful islands in France. It’s considered to be the French version of The Hamptons. If you’re looking for a luxurious Ile de Ré hotel, one of the most charming places to stay there is La Baronnie Hotel & Spa. This family owned boutique hotel is located just a few minutes from Saint-Martin-en-Re harbour.
La Baronnie: A Luxury Ile de Ré Hotel & Spa
A four star deluxe property, this hotel and spa has oodles of style. Here’s our review of this stunning property, which is a member of the Les Collectionneurs boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants collection.
Location of La Baronnie Hotel
La Baronnie is located right in the centre of Saint Martin de Re. This attractive village is one of the largest on Ile de Re and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It’s easy to get to the Ile de Re, as La Rochelle airport which is only 20 minutes from the centre of Saint Martin de Re. A toll bridge connects the mainland to the Ile de Re. There’s also a TGV fast speed train service to La Rochelle from Paris, which takes 2.5 hours.
Saint Martin has a lovely harbour, from which you can take a boat trip to nearby Fort Boyard. This was where the well known gameshow of the same name was filmed.
For a panoramic view of Saint Martin and the surrounding area, climb up the church bell tower. There are 117 steps, but it’s worth the effort!
One of the most striking architectural features of the village is the military fort constructed by General Vauban. Citadelle Vauban was built in the 1670s to protect the island from invasion by the English.
Now a prison, you cannot visit the inside of the fort, however you can walk around the perimeter and admire the fortifications. From above, they form a distinctive star shape.
Donkeys graze in the fort’s moat and there are bastion tunnels leading through the grounds. Vauban also designed the two main gates into town, which once controlled all comings and goings into the village. These days, you can cycle or walk through the Porte de Toiras and the Porte des Campani.
History of La Baronnie Hotel
Dating from the 18th century, this elegant manor house was built on the site of a 13th century castle. It was commissioned by Jean Masseau de Beauséjour, the Lord of the Ile de Ré.
Over the years, La Baronnie was home to several significant historical figures. In 1785, King Louis XVI bought the house for Marie Antoinette and it later became the property of the State before passing back to private ownership.
La Baronnie has been meticulously restored to its former glory by the present owners. From the outside, there’s a discreet entrance on Rue Baron de Chantal.
Once inside, you’re greeted by Joachim or his friendly multilingual colleagues. They’ll quickly check you in and show you to your room.
Unusually for the island, the interior of the property is painted a cheerful shade of yellow. Cobblestones, lavender and floral shrubs add to the atmosphere.
La Baronnie Rooms and Suites
There are 22 spacious rooms and suites at Hotel La Baronnie. Several of them are pavilions with their own entrance and some are family rooms.
All the bedrooms have their own individual style and are adorned with fabrics inspired by 18th century designs, by Braquenié and Pierre Frey. Rugs by Casa Lopez creations and antique woodwork complete the elegant effect.
We stayed in the Rose de Parme bedroom, which overlooks a picturesque courtyard. This spacious Prestige room is decorated with subtle shades of lilac and rose.
In the wardrobe you’ll find fluffy bathrobes and slippers for the full luxury experience. As well as the king size bed, there are two single beds in a cosy alcove.
The marble bathroom has a full size bath and a hair dryer. It’s very quiet here at night and you’ll get an excellent night’s sleep.
Amenities at La Baronnie
There are several comfy lounges and nooks located within the hotel, all decorated with French antiques. You could easily wind away a rainy afternoon reading some of the books here.
As well as the breakfast room, there’s a large adjacent dining room which is ideal for meetings or events. La Baronnie would make a lovely wedding venue too.
There’s a car park to the rear of the property at Le Clos Gilson, for which a fee applies. You can securely leave any bicycles in the complimentary racks provided.
The reception desk is manned from 8 am to 11 pm each day by a professional team who speak excellent English. They offer a full concierge service including restaurant and tour bookings as well as tips on what to see on the Ile de Re.
In the lobby you can also buy spa products by the luxurious Cinq Mondes brand, and borrow umbrellas in case of a downpour.
Breakfast at La Baronnie
Guests at La Baronnie can enjoy a delicious breakfast, from 8 am until 11 am each day. It’s served in the cosy breakfast room or the courtyard if the weather permits.
There’s a great selection of pastries, breads and cereal as well as hot dishes such as scrambled eggs and spicy merguez sausages. Save some room for the homemade cake!
La Baronnie Bar
La Baronnie has a really stylish bar, open from 5 pm to 11 pm each day. Decorated in warm shades of red, it’s a lovely place to while away some time.
Stephan, the friendly barman can rustle you up a great cocktail. His specialty is The Gossip, made with Midori Asian melon liqueur, 3 year aged Havana Club rum, banana, pineapple juice and lime.
For special events, you can also hold a wine tasting in the 13th century wine cellar.
When the weather is good, why not take your drink on the terrace overlooking the lawns. We enjoyed a chilled glass of Deutz, one of the best French champagnes, while listening to the birdsong.
There are quite a few restaurants just a few minutes walk away from the hotel. For seafood, try Le Tout Cru or La Baleine Bleue.
You’ll enjoy great steak dishes at Le Bistro du Marin, and for crepes, La Sarrasine is a great choice.
Hotel La Baronnie Spa
One of the highlights of Hotel La Baronnie is the spa. Set in one of the hotel’s two gardens, it is reserved for adults only.
The spa is available for guests to book privately for two hour slots. There’s a large whirlpool bath with balneotherapy jets, a treatment room, changing room and toilets and a sauna. You can also relax in the private courtyard in good weather.
Complimentary herbal tea, coffee and water are available, or you can order champagne for a truly luxurious experience. Why not book a treatment from the expert beautician, such as the Cinq Mondes Ko Bi Do Supreme Youth Facial.
Using Japanese massage techniques, it was awarded the 2019 Wellbeing Grand Prize by Marie-France magazine. There’s also a good selection of Asian inspired body massages and scrubs. You can purchase Cinq Mondes products at the Spa Boutique in the hotel reception.
Facilities at La Baronnie
Guests of La Baronnie benefit from a 10% discount on cycle hire at YouToo cycle shop, upon presentation of a voucher. A few minutes walk away on Avenue Victor Bouthillier, they have pushbikes, electric bikes, beach cruisers and even monocycles to rent.
There are over 110 kilometres of cycle paths on Ile de Re so it’s an ideal way to get around the island. Take a break at one of the oyster shacks along the way, such as Re Ostrea or La Cabane Oceane.
As you can see, this Ile de Re hotel is the perfect getaway! Check out their website here.
Have you visited the Ile de Re yet?
You might also enjoy these related posts:
- Things to Do on Ile de Re
- Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the World
- Cool Things to Do in Languedoc, France
- Famous French Landmarks
- Luxurious French Riviera Towns
- Luxurious Hotel Brands
- Most Luxurious Hotels in the World
- Paris Hidden Gems
See all our France travel features here
Like this Ile de Re hotel review? Pin for later or share with friends.
Thanks to La Baronnie Hotel & Spa for hosting us
