Belle Ile is the idyllic hideaway just off the coast of Southern Brittany, reached by ferry from Quiberon near Carnac. The island is famous for the freshest of fish and its saltmarsh lamb, the spectacular Celtic scenery and a very peaceful ambience. Just 20km long and 9km wide, Belle Ile only has 5000 inhabitants but over 100km of pathways and incredibly rich heritage, culture, fauna and flora.
The Relais et Chateaux Castel Clara is the jewel in the crown of Belle Ile. There are 63 stylish bedrooms, an outdoor heated seawater pool, tennis, bike hire, WiFi and parking. And its spa is famous throughout France with over 1200m2 of treatment space and a team of 13 full-time professionals to design the best way to bring out the real you.
With three restaurants – including the gastromic Bleu Maniere Verte, the buffet Café Clara and La Terrasse for summer lunches – there’s nothing nicer than great seafood served overlooking the sea itself.
Belle Ile even has its own golf course – it’s got only 14 holes but it’s a traditional layout, reminiscent of the older tracks in Scotland.