VILLA CATARIE

Basque villa that's a winner in the charm stakes

SITTING PRETTY IN THE VILLAGE OF GUETHARY, between the last crest of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, Villa Catarie is a nest for diehard romantics. With its painted shutters and balconies (ideal for catching the rays and Atlantic sea breezes) this 18th century Basque house glows with soft-focus colour and comforts.

Stylishly done out in kitten-soft creams, peach and pastels, it enjoys a delightful small terrace garden – perfect for sipping a glass of local Txakoli wine at dusk – and a pool. Its village location away from the bustle of nearby Biarritz adds to its sense of relaxed seclusion.

Villa Catarie's owner Peggy Alday – film-maker turned hotel owner – is the stylish hand behind the decor. Lovers are cocooned in a symphony of dreamy pastel greys, pearly pinks and soft whites. Well soundproofed rooms feature painted antiques, mood lighting, quality fabrics and great bathrooms. The effect is supremely restful.

Atlantic rollers
 
Villa Catarie is less than 500m from long sandy beaches, coves and cliff walks. Atlantic breakers roll in, so it's the place to grab a board – surf’s up. There are two 18-hole golf courses nearby, and fashionable Biarritz hosts any number of  cultural events.


Villa Catarie was reviewed by Room for Romance

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Dining in
Only breakfast is served but it’s a treat, with pastries, seasonal fruit, croissants and freshly-baked bread. Eat in the chic   cream-walled dining room or out on the rustic terrace.

Breakfast
Charged at EUR 12, breakfast is served until 10am.

Room service
Yes, for breakfast




See & Do
Coves and cliff walks are just a few minutes away, as is the surfing beach. Nearby Saint-Jean-de-Luz is great for exploring, with its narrow streets and lovely old buildings, while cultured Biarritz is a magnet: you’re sure to want to walk the promenades and pop into the Musée de la Mer, with its amazing fish. You’ll also see Europe’s coolest surfers in action.

Play Basque pelota in the village square, or hit the fairway: there are 18 golf courses within 20km of here. Those with a sweet tooth, should head straight for Planète Chocolat, the Biarritz chocolate museum, or check out the fixtures list at Biarritz rugby club, which hosts some of  Europe’s top matches.  Zip down to Spain, just 20km away for a day in Saint Sébastien or Bilbao (the Guggenheim museum is a must), play a different golf course every day or hit a walking trail in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Diary Dates
July
Surfers from around the world converge on the beach at Côte des Basques for the Biarritz Surf festival – the biggest of its kind in Europe.
 
August – September
Classical music performed in glorious church settings marks the Basque Coast Music festival at Bayonne.

Late August
No smutty jokes please – the Organ festival in Biarritz is all about serious music.

GETTING THERE

Location
Avenue de Général de Gaulle, 64210 Guéthary

Parking
There is free guest parking

Trains
Saint-Jean-de-Luz station  – 5km, or Biarritz TGV station – 8km

Taxis
EUR 15 from St-Jean-de-Luz

Airport
Biarritz – 8km

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 125 - 245

Open/closed
Closed November – mid December; and January – mid February

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
12 noon

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
No restrictions

Pets
Dogs are welcome

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
No