FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 30, 2015
Dinard, a long-established, exclusive seaside enclave for upscale vacationers and British aristocracy, is set to welcome a new luxury hotel: Castelbrac. Situated on the Côte d'Émeraude beside the Prieuré Bay, Castelbrac's site was originally a vacation residence of the wealthy, American Faber family, constructed in 1865. During this time, elegant and often palatial mansions began populating the Dinard coastline and through the years, the Faber estate grew curiously with added Victorian-era embellishments. In 1873, the property exchanged hands to Lord Robert Hamilton who renamed it Villa Bric-à-Brac and over three years, he whimsically expanded the villa’s architecture to resemble an ornate, Scottish castle. In 1935, parts of the rambling edifices were transformed into Dinard’s Aquarium and Museum of the Sea, led by an initiative of French nautical explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot. In 2012, Yann Bucaille, of the Émeraude Groupe, bought the property with the intention of turning Villa Bric-à-Brac into a luxurious Brittany destination. Now, after more than three years of intense renovations, Bucaille’s dream is set to be a reality this spring, as Castelbrac will welcome its first guests. The lavishly appointed property boasts 25 rooms and suites, two restaurants, an oyster bar and cocktail lounge, a thermal spa, pool and a solarium, creating what the hotel describes as a “Soul Heaven." In addition to gorgeous room views of Prieuré Bay and the neighboring village of Saint-Malo, the Castelbrac features private terraces and easy access to promenade Clair de Lune. Bucaille hired hotel veteran Dominick Adrian as the general director of the hotel and interior designer, Sandra Benhamou, to give the Castelbrac’s 1930s décor a touch of contemporary panache. Venerable Dinannais chef, Julien Hennote, will oversee the Castelbrac’s dining. Prices per night at the hotel start from €355 ($384) for a double room with breakfast.