Our Story

The people behind Corallodgeseabreeze

A private resort and casino on the Mediterranean shore. Launched in 2003 with six rooms and a single conviction — that the finest hospitality never needs to announce itself.

Our story in three paragraphs

In the summer of 2003, two friends — a former hotelier and a chef — acquired a stretch of coastline and turned a private villa into a six-room inn. There was no investor deck, no marketing plan and no Instagram account. There was a notebook with two ideas: serve fewer guests better than anyone else; and refuse to do anything that is merely "industry standard".

23 years on we have 100 keys, two restaurants, a Michelin star, one private gaming salons, a full spa, and a guest book that quietly fills with the same families returning, year after year. The notebook still exists. The two ideas have not changed.

We remain owned by the same two families that founded the property. We have never sold to a chain, never franchised the name, and never opened a second location — though we have been asked, often. We answer the same way every time: do one place well.

What we believe

Hospitality without theatre

Fresh flowers because that is the standard. A heavy robe because that is the standard. The work that counts is the work you never see.

Continuity over churn

The bellman who greets you at the door has been here longer than most of our suites have stood. The head sommelier has served us for many years. We recruit carefully and retain for life.

Local over global

Our menu draws on what the coast provides, our wine cellar favours growers within four hours of the property, and our spa products are made by a chemist who lives forty minutes away.

Quiet by design

Adult-only, screen-free public spaces, soft lighting at all hours and a music programme composed to blend into the room. Loud is easy. Calm is hard.

The team

Six of the people who run the property day to day. Their backgrounds differ; their commitment to the standard does not. Behind them stands a 280-person team across operations, food, beverage, wellness, gaming, and concierge.

Freya Merrick
Managing Director

Many years in luxury hospitality across Europe's grandest houses. Has led the property since the early days and quietly sets the standard the rest of the team upholds.

Joined 2003
Sofia Calloway
Founding Partner

Oversees food, beverage and the guest experience. A former Relais et Chateaux board member and the architect of the resort's no-rush service philosophy.

Joined 2003
Adrian Laurent
Executive Chef

Trained at Le Cordon Bleu, with stages at some of Europe's finest kitchens. Secured the property its Michelin recognition.

Joined 2005
Julien Whitmore
Head Sommelier

Court of Master Sommeliers-certified, overseeing a cellar of several thousand bottles with a particular fondness for old Burgundy and small-grower Champagne.

Joined 2018
Anais Delacroix
Spa & Wellness Director

Trained in Kyoto and Marrakech, and shaped the spa programme around the belief that rest is a skill, not a luxury.

Joined 2023
Clara Sinclair
Gaming Director

Years on the floors of Europe's private salons. Built ours around discretion, fair play, and a personal-host model that rival houses now emulate.

Joined 2010

By the numbers

— Return to Corallodgeseabreeze