Zannier Hotels brings its conservation approach to the Mediterranean

With the recent opening of Zannier Île de Bendor in the South of France, Zannier Hotels is bringing its conservation-first approach to the Mediterranean. Set on a private island off the coast of Bandol, the new property expands Zannier Hotels’ portfolio in environmentally sensitive destinations and marks a new opportunity to adapt its sustainability model to the unique landscape and ecosystem of the Mediterranean.

BRINGING CONSERVATION TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

Arnaud Zannier, founder of Zannier Hotels explains “The iconic renovation of Île de Bendor we imagined with Société Paul Ricard and HLB Architects aims at preserving its soul, its history, and giving central importance to nature. We took the time to design a project that respects the philosophy and vision of its founding father, Paul Ricard. A project oriented towards the future and designed to best address climate challenges and meet the expectations of our visitors. We are convinced that together we will make the island of Bendor one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean.”

Zannier Île de Bendor’s project is a groundbreaking example of renaturation, featuring more than 15% additional trees compared to the initial state, de-paving of 1,500 m², and a return to nature, with 70% of rooms offering private outdoor spaces and 100% of the rooms with sea view. The initiative included the restoration of 25 buildings to modern environmental standards, the reuse of 25,000 tonnes of excavated material on-site, and an ambitious relandscaping aspect with 70% of Mediterranean plant species. The island is also car-free, promoting low-impact mobility. With its harbour, leisure facilities, beaches, and quintessential architecture, the island embodies the Provençal art de vivre, valuing conviviality, nature, and craftsmanship. The project aims for BREEAM Excellence, BiodiverCity, and Green Globe certifications, ensuring sustainability and harmony with the island’s natural and architectural heritage.

CONSERVATION IN ACTION ACROSS THE ZANNIER HOTELS PORTFOLIO

Conservation has been a cornerstone of Zannier Hotels since its inception, beginning with Zannier Phum Baitang in Cambodia, which has been Green Globe certified for five consecutive years with the highest hotel compliance score across all Asia at 97%, demonstrating that exceptional guest experiences and sustainable operations can successfully go hand in hand. Today, four Zannier properties hold Green Globe certification, spanning the Cambodian countryside and Vietnam’s coastline to the deserts of Namibia. Rather than following one formula, the brand adapts its approach to the landscape, ecosystem, and communities surrounding each property.

In Vietnam, Zannier Bãi San Hô works with SASA Marine Animals Rescue Center to protect and restore coral reefs and preserve the surrounding marine ecosystem. Over two years, 200 m² of coral were restored, 180 kg of ghost nets and 250 kg of sunken wood were removed, 1,100+ invasive species were eliminated, and a 100 m² coral garden was established, transforming the 26,000 m² reef into a thriving ecosystem.

In Namibia, Zannier Omaanda has expanded conservation through the Zannier Reserve, a nature reserve created in partnership with the N/a’an ku sê Foundation to protect biodiversity and threatened wildlife species. Since its launch in 2018, the Zannier Reserve has successfully relocated numerous endangered species, established a 24/7 Anti-Poaching Unit with a K9 team – achieving eight poaching-free years – and opened the Shiloh Wildlife Sanctuary, a ten-hectare convalescence clinic for rhinos and elephants, while also introducing a conservation levy program at Zannier Omaanda to engage visitors in its ambitious conservation efforts.

At Zannier Sonop, the lodge was strategically built on top of existing boulders to minimize soil erosion. Operating entirely on 923 solar panels, recycling 100% of non-organic waste and powered by a self-sustained water system distributing water through 9 km of piping and 10 storage tanks, Zannier Sonop aims at preserving 13,800 acres of Namib Desert wilderness through responsible tourism and conservation initiatives.

THE FUTURE OF CONSERVATION AT ZANNIER HOTELS

“We have a conservation-first approach to hospitality. For us, it starts with respect for the place. Nature should always be at the centre of the experience, and our role is simply to do our best to protect it. We try to remain humble because we are only guests in these extraordinary places. The real luxury is not to impress nature, but to let its beauty speak for itself.” summarizes Arnaud Zannier.

As Zannier Hotels continues to grow, conservation remains at the heart of how the brand approaches hospitality. From coral reefs and wildlife reserves to the Mediterranean, each property presents a new opportunity to understand its environment and find ways to protect and regenerate it for decades to follow.