Hotels & Lodging: Hegia in Biarritz

Working with local architect Xavier Leibar of Leibar & Seigneurin, famed Gascon chef Arnaud Daguin and his wife, Véronique, transformed an 18th century stone and timber farmhouse into a modern gastronomic temple in 2006. In 2007, Hegia became the first guesthouse in Michelin history to win a star; we think the interiors are equally noteworthy. The five rooms feature oak floors, baths with Boffi fixtures, hand-forged iron windows, and a distinct minimalist vibe.

Here's what Tatler magazine says: "The Hermès lot are mad about Hegia, as is Karl Lagerfeld. The point of the thing is the evening feast. Daguin cooks up a storm in front of you using whatever produce he finds in the market that morning. Mid-conversation, he wrests knives from the steel wall, then chops, concocts and feeds the open oven. All this to the sounds of Stan Getz. Innovative, expressive, sublime, this is a hit of the unique – and the perfect break for the adventurous foodie." Go to Hegia for more information.