Just a 10-minute drive inland from Biarritz, you will find the Hotel Indarra surrounded by the beauty of the Basque countryside. This hotel, a renovated and converted 1870 farmhouse, is a new player on the Biarritz hospitality scene. You don’t actually feel you are in a hotel as it has more the vibe of a stylish surf retreat but in the countryside. It has a very cosy touch since the guests gather in the main ‘salon’ which offers comfortable couches and a home-away-from-home feeling. Cakes are set out in the afternoon for the guests and the helpful young staff attend to all your wishes.

Most of the rooms are located outside the main house and open onto the garden and pool. They are soothing, with crisp white walls, light oak floors and surf photography. The breakfast, with local organic products, is wonderful. You could easily stay here for a long time as the ‘surf dudes’ normally do but it’s also a great place for a different clientele: those who want to discover the Basque country and spend their holiday in a totally different way. And it’s interesting to see how all the guests mingle so easily.