Experimental Group announces four new hotel launches in 2023
All four properties have been reinvented by interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon.
Experimental Group has announced the launch of four new hotels within the portfolio this year, all reinvented by Group Interior Designer Dorothée Meilichzon. The launches strengthen the brands presence across Europe, with new hotels set to open in the Cotswolds, Ibiza, Switzerland and the Basque Country, Biarritz. Experimental Group will showcase its unique “Made in France” approach to the design, food and beverage, and atmosphere, creating new highly-sought after destinations in each thoughtfully selected location.

Above: Montesol Experimental, Ibiza. Opening Spring 2023. Top: Le Regina Experimental, Biarritz, France
Montesol Experimental, the White Isle’s most anticipated opening and the newest addition to the Experimental Group portfolio is set to open its doors in April 2023. Set in a prime location at the foot of the island’s Dalt Vila, in Ibiza’s historic Old Town, the property is a short walk from the harbour and bustling town centre. The redesign by Dorothee Meilichzon, takes inspiration from holistic principles; lunar interiors are mixed with textured walls to invoke the joy and laidback nature of Ibiza. Sculpted moons overlook each of the thirty rooms and three suites, dotted in wavy lines. Majorcan contemporary artist and poet, Anna Alexandra’s handmade masks feature throughout the interior, alongside bold playdough stools by Diego Faivre and traditional zelliges. The playful bohemian decor plays homage to the eccentric and authentic vibrations of the island. At rooftop cocktail bar Café Montesol, Spanish chef Alex Larrea heads up the kitchen. The cuisine infuses local delicacies with a touch of whimsy, concocted with produce from the area. Tapas style dishes for sharing, washed down with a cold beer or some of Spain’s best small producer wines. Head upstairs to the rooftop cocktail bar with views of Dalt Vila for a laid back vibe and an extensive cocktail menu.

Le Regina Experimental, Biarritz, France
Le Regina Experimental, Biarritz
Opening Summer 2023
In the Basque Country, collaborator Dorothée Meilichzon has sensitively redesigned Le Regina Experimental to pay homage to its Art Deco origins, drawing inspiration from coastal Atlantic holiday homes and traditional Basque design. Le Regina reopens alongside the recent acquisition of boutique hotel Le Garage, with Experimental Group bringing its edge and sophisticated approach to French coastal hotspot, Biarritz. Standing on a cliff and overlooking the ocean, the Belle Époque building of Le Regina Experimental overlooks Biarritz’s bay of Biscay. Accessible through an art deco atrium, its seventy-two white, blue, and mint green rooms face the sea. The large, preserved bedrooms have been cleverly mixed with local inspirations – neo-Basque architecture, reflecting the close ties of this territory with Japan, and the seaside lifestyle. The decor of the new room and suites has a feel of traditional French coastal homes, featuring a mix of natural elements and comforting textures, such as rope finishings and cord marquetry to project a sense of tranquillity. Armchairs and sofas feature a stripe jacquard design, and room terraces have been elegantly separated by hanging canvases. The hotel features several small lounges, a large orangery, Frenchie Biarritz restaurant, cocktail bar, and spa with an outdoor swimming pool.

Cowley Manor Experimental, Cotswolds, UK
Cowley Manor Experimental, Cotswolds
Opening Summer 2023
Cowley Manor Experimental is a 17th-century manor house set in the Cotswold English countryside, framed by rolling landscaped grounds, 55 acres of natural lakes and stable buildings. Dorothée Meilichzo’s reimagined aesthetics are inspired by Lewis Carol’s Alice in Wonderland. The Cotswolds is a coveted place to stay and visit, dotted with charming villages and picturesque rolling hills. Cowley Manor estate is a little paradise: thirty-six spacious rooms, a garden room, a games room, a bar and a lounge for Experimental Cocktail Club Cotswolds, a restaurant, a library, a gym, a large spa, two swimming pools. Four-poster beds will adorn the guest rooms, accompanied by sophisticated rattan furniture, enamelled lava, graphic fabrics and carpets, fully upholstered furniture, bright colours, shiny lacquer, and lots of checkerboards, a nod to Alice in Wonderland herself.

Experimental Chalet Moritz, Saint-Moritz, Switzerland
Experimental Chalet Moritz, Saint-Moritz
Opening Winter 2023
St. Moritz, the pioneering ski resort in the Engadine Valley in the Swiss Alps, is due to welcome Experimental Chalet St. Moritz settled in one of the town’s oldest hotels. with incredible charm. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, the chalet features lacquered furniture, inspired by sledge and ski blades, and a contemporary version of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s highchairs, created at the beginning of the 20th Century. All the furniture in the hotel is original and bespoke: from vintage-shaped sofas to more contemporary elements such as a curved lacquer cabinet and an all-stainless steel bathroom vanity. Home to forty-three rooms, all filled with abundant charm and individually represented by the emblematic sun of St. Moritz (created by graphic designer Walter Herdeg in 1932), symbolising the exceptional sunshine of the ski destination. Experimental Cocktail Club St-Moritz will celebrate the Alpine way of living with its circular mosaic bar counter, a tiled fireplace from the La Courbe workshop and luxurious carpets.
The Experimental Group
Founded in 2007 by three childhood friends, Olivier Bon, Pierre-Charles Cros and Romée de Goriainoff. Xavier Padovani later joined the group and their shared vision: to offer the ultimate hospitality experience to an ever-demanding clientele. Celebrated for bringing the cocktail bar culture to Paris, the Experimental Group operates four Experimental Cocktail Club bars in Paris, London, Venice and Verbier; live music restaurant and bar in London, Stereo; three wine bars, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, in Paris, London and New York City and 11 hotels, beach clubs and restaurants in London, Cotswolds, Biarritz, Paris, Ibiza, Verbier, Menorca and Venice.