Villa Banane (La)

On this island which boasts more than its fair share of gorgeous villa estates, only a handful have a history as fascinating as Villa La Banane. This very private 9 bedroom compound is surrounded by lush tropical gardens filled with bougainvillea, fragrant frangipani and fittingly, banana trees. It boasts two swimming pools that are flanked by chaise lounges; palm trees accommodate shade seekers. Each chic bungalow houses a boudoir with a delightful en suite bath and a terrace. Well over 50 years ago, the property caught the eye of Jean-Marie Rivière, a luminary of the Parisian cabaret world and by the way, a cher ami of Brigitte Bardot. He just had to have the hotel and he created a hideaway that became a favorite of the era’s glitterati. Rivière staged his first sexy revue here; he called it - and the hotel - La Banane. Fast forward, and enter new owner Parisian entrepreneur Jean-Marc Israel who was enamored with the petit property and together with his partner Benjamin Fabbri, artfully restored it, paying homage to both its past and noted mid-century designers. The bungalows feature draped, four-poster king beds under whirling ceiling fans, a striking white-on-white palette with bright pops of colors, refurbished antiques, unique pieces and objects d’art. They have a lovely vintage-tropical feel but include all the 21st Century must-haves, air conditioning, WiFi, flat screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docking stations and such. The en suite baths have open-air showers with rainheads, fluffy robes and the upmarket Acqua Di Parma toiletries. What was the poolside lobby and bar, now functions perfectly as a sheltered outdoor living room complete with an extra-long - and beautiful - teak dining table. Guests will enjoy having a serene shaded spot to read and relax or surf the web. The retro-chic mid-century modern décor includes rosewood pieces commissioned in the 50’s from artisans in the Indian city and design mecca Chandigarh, adding a dash of glamour to the ambiance of simple luxury. An air-conditioned media room with a plasma TV and satellite service makes for a cool retreat. A fully equipped professional kitchen is tucked away just behind the bar and a guest bath is located adjacent to the living area. Very similar in design and décor and with the same amenities, the bungalows vary some in size and in the layout of the bathrooms. Four measure 324 sq ft and the others range from 365 to 430 sq ft. Number 4 is the largest. Some of the smaller bungalows have open terraces with bistro tables for two and the larger have more outdoor space that is covered. Location is everything and La Banane is just a short sashay from the perfect-for-swimming Lorient Beach; five minutes and your toes are in that white-sugar sand. Worth mentioning - there is a divine boulangerie right near the entrance to the beach where you can get goodies-to-go. Although secluded, the villa is just 2 minute walk to the Oasis center with its grocery store and the casual open-air eatery Le Bouchon (think les burgers and les pizzas). Attention : les nouveaux tarifs haute saison 2016 seront appliqués à partir du 04/11/2016 et la villa sera louée en 8 chambres. The new 2016 high season rates will be applied from Nov. 4th, 2016 and the villa will be rented in 8 bedrooms. Du 15. 12. 2015 au 14. 04. 2016 (sauf période de Noël), tarifs TTC en 7, 8 et 9 chambres $51, 750 / From Dec. 15th, 2015 to April 14th, 2016 (except Xmas period), all taxes included rates for 7, 8 or 9 bedrooms: $51, 750. Du 15. 04. 2016 au , tarif TTC en 7, 8 et 9 chambres $40, 250 / From April 15th to Nov. 3rd, 2016, all taxes included rates for 7, 8 or 9 bedrooms: $40, 250. Jusqu'au : Service recouche tous les soirs sauf le dimanche. Until Nov. 3rd, 2016: Turn-down services every day except Sundays. Du au 14. 04. 2017 (sauf période de Noël), tarifs TTC en 7 et 8 chambres $92, 000 / From Nov. 4th, 2016 to April 14th, 2017 (except Xmas period), all taxes included rates for 7 & 8 : $92, 000. Du 15. 04. 2017 au 14. 12. 2017, tarif TTC en 7 et 8 $57, 500 / From April 15th to Dec. 14th, 2017, all taxes included rates for 7 & 8 : $57, 500. This villa belongs to the "Grand Cru Collection" A partir du 04/11/2016 / From Nov. 4th, 2016. Xmas period stays: rate of 14 nights minimum applied Minimum standard equipment : refrigerator, freezer, oven, stove, iron, TV, DVD player, radio/CD, hair dryer, air-conditioning in the bedrooms.


Level of villa: nice.
Telephone: restricted, WiFi, computer and printer, skype access.
Location: in town.
Kitchen: Kitchen
Settle in: a large landscaped garden.
BBQ: gaz.
Composed with: one main house and bungalows.
Bedroom 1: in separate bungalow, king, shutters, ceiling fan, video, safe, terrace, minibar, Bed netting.
Oriented: West, East.
Bathroom 1 : ensuite, bathrob, Welcome products.
Access: easy.
Bedroom 2: in separate bungalow, king, shutters, ceiling fan, video, safe, terrace, IPod dock, mostquito net, mini bar.