The largest, and most easily accessible, of the three Îles d”Hyères, the island of Porquerolles (the name means “lavender port”) is a car-free national park, with wooded cliffs and sandy beaches. At its western end, amid pines and eucalyptus trees in its own large park, is this luxury hotel, “close to paradise” according to a reader. Best bedrooms, with a balcony and views, are in an annexe. The older rooms, in a courtyard, are judged “adequate”, and are furnished in Provençal style. Meals are served to en pension residents in the Pinède terrace restaurant, with a view “too good to miss”, and to others in the more expensive Olivier, glass-panelled, with an olive tree in its centre: residents can pay extra to eat here. Chef Julien Le Goff – who was under previous chef Joël Guillet for six years – took over in 2013 and retains a Michelin star. Food in both restaurants is thought “excellent”. The generous breakfast is served in the terrace restaurant. The hotel manages a 100-metre strip of sandy beach nearby, for which a charge is made, and there's a swimming pool and tennis courts.