Inside Biarritz’s Playfully Elegant Regina Experimental Hotel
A cliffside, Belle Époque property with interiors by Dorothée Meilichzon
From Experimental Group—the international hospitality pioneers known for leading cocktail bars and beach clubs as well as impeccably designed restaurants and hotels—the Regina Experimental bridges the legendary surf scene of Biarritz with the luxury amenities of a five-star hotel and spa. Playfully elegant, with warm and welcoming service, the Regina Experimental does more than offer a spectacular view of France’s Atlantic coast; it embraces the spirit and style of the surrounding Basque region.
This location joins Experimental Group properties in Paris, London, Venice, as well as the Balearics, the Cotswolds and the Alps. “Biarritz has this perfect mix of classic elegance and cool, laid-back surf vibes. It felt right for us—somewhere you can have a great time but still feel grounded in the history and culture of the place,” Romée de Goriainoff, cofounder of the Experimental Group tells COOL HUNTING. “We love to have this mélange when choosing our next destination: chic yet cool and understated. A place needs to be strongly rooted in food and wine culture—that’s the Experimental ethos. That’s a key differentiating factor for us, and I believe very few brands manage to balance this mix.”
Even before entering the Regina Experimental, one is drawn to its stately facade and its towering position atop a coastal road overlooking the bay of Biarritz and Miramar Beach. “The moment I saw it, I fell in love,” de Goriainoff says. “The Belle Époque style is grand yet soulful, and being perched on the cliffs with that view? I mean, It’s just magic!”
Experimental Group tapped frequent collaborator Dorothée Meilichzon for the property’s colorful interiors. “She knows we love the mix of modernity and references to the past—a chic, relaxed vibe, but always uncompromising on the quality and originality of the materials, furniture and overall design,” de Goriainoff says. “At the same time, we’re opening a five-star hotel so the brief was also: don’t forget the fun! Don’t forget the surf!”
The room interiors and the colorful lobby speak to the same sense of relaxed luxury that defines Biarritz. “We wanted people to feel at home but also to feel like they’re somewhere extraordinary—somewhere that can only exist in a hotel,” de Goriainoff continues. “It was a challenge to create a homey feel with such large atriums, but Dorothée managed to transform it into a giant, cozy living room.”
In alignment with the culinary allure of Biarritz, Regina Experimental’s team created the on-site restaurant Frenchie, a delicious destination unto itself for elevated yet casual dining. It’s helmed by chef Gregory Marchand. “With Frenchie, the motto is: It’s not Basque cuisine, but a cuisine of Basque products. One cannot pretend to be from the region, so we decided to honor the culinary culture by working with staples of local ingredients without offering strictly Basque cuisine” de Goriainoff explains. “There are already amazing places around the hotel for Basque cuisine. We provide a unique menu and food experience with Basque products, but it’s not a Basque restaurant.”
Directly beside Regina Experimental is a sister property from Experimental Group known as Hôtel Le Garage (named for the fact that it is a former Belle Époque garage). This design-forward property encompasses only 27 rooms and suites, a sun-soaked pool and a chic restaurant known as Le Neo-Bistrot. “Le Garage is our wildcard,” de Goriainoff says. “It’s where people can kick back, have a killer cocktail and really feel the creative energy of the place. It’s less formal, more about the vibe and very approachable.”
For de Goriainoff, it’s important that guests remember the spirit of Experimental Group. “People see the beauty and elegance of Regina Experimental right away,” he says, “but what they might miss is how much fun this place is. It’s not just for relaxing—it’s for connecting, being inspired, and having a great time.” From its distinct position, the property offers an eagle-eye view of Biarritz, yes, but it’s also close enough to the beach and town below that hotel guests can tap into that energy, explore the local surf scene and then ascend back to their exquisite stay.
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