Salty Woods Lodge

Anyone who has ever experienced the beauty of the wonderfully fragrant pine forests against the backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean and taken a dip in one of the idyllic saltwater lakes in the hinterland will never forget the south-west of France. And the picturesque white sandy beaches on the coast with their famous, crashing waves really offer a fantastic natural spectacle. Swimming, surfing, kitesurfing—water sports enthusiasts are in wind and wave heaven here. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can cycle through shady pine forests and visit one of the beautiful weekly markets to sample the region’s many delicacies, especially the oysters, of course. Right on the coast and next to the salt lake, in the small village of Soustons, is where the hosts Lynn and Kristof opened the Salty Woods Lodge in 2021, at the end of a small road in a quiet wooded area. The partly wood-clad, modern five-star guest house blends in beautifully with the green surroundings. The Lodge consists of two buildings connected by a large terrace, one featuring four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, while the other includes a fully equipped kitchen, a living area and two further bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The entire Lodge can be rented weekly in summer, and individual bed and breakfast rooms in spring and fall. The five rooms are named after plants: Alba, Luffa, Tapia, Yucca, and Soba. Chic designer lamps illuminate the small and cozy rooms, which are furnished in a contemporary and minimalist style with lots of wood and light colors. On the airy wooden terraces with their colorful garden loungers and white awnings, you can enjoy life à la française—an aperitif in your hand embraced by the scent of pine trees. If you like, you can take a dip in the heated saltwater pool later on, accompanied by birdsong and the distant sound of the waves.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The light and airy, Scandinavian-style design
• The wooden architecture, which exudes a lot of warmth creating a feel-good atmosphere
• The quiet and idyllic location at the sea and the lake; the nearest beach can be reached on foot in approx. 15 minutes.
• Fragrant pine trees grow around the house ensuring the ultimate vacation feeling.
• The Lodge is furnished with high-quality, natural materials.
• Each room has its own terrace.
• Being able to listen to the birdsong and feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean in the distance while being at one with nature.
• Spending a day at the nearby saltwater lake, where there are also great sandy beaches protected from the waves.
• The famous seaside resort of Hossegor, also known as the European capital of surfing or French California, is only a 15-minute drive away.
• Lynn and Kristof are passionate hosts and are on hand to offer help and advice on site.
• The homemade vegetarian and vegan breakfast is delicious and healthy: Fresh fruit, fresh juices, local organic produce and French pastries are supplemented daily with a changing vegan special.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The Salty Woods Lodge is a five-star vacation home.
• In summer, the entire Lodge can be rented, accommodating a maximum of 12 people; in spring and fall, it’s in bed and breakfast mode.
• The rooms are each designed for two people.
• A total of two baby beds and two highchairs are available.
• All rooms have air conditioning.
• A coffee machine and kettle are available in all rooms.
• The saltwater pool is heated from mid-May to mid-October. 
• Bars, restaurants and stores as well as the nearest beach are within walking distance.
• Bicycles can be rented.
• The honesty bar provides guests with drinks from the region when they like. 
• The bed and breakfast rooms are bookable from two nights; they are only available for adults or families with children aged 12 and over.
• The Lodge can be rented from three nights in low season and from seven nights in high season; children are also welcome here.
• Soustons Plage and Vieux-Boucau are within walking distance.
• The whole coastline offers many great beaches and towns: Seignosse, Messanges and Bayonne. The glamorous city of Biarritz is only about 60 kilometers away, making it a great destination for a day trip.
• Salty Woods Lodge can also be booked for photo shoots and events.