Useful Information

Useful information for a successful stay

To ensure a successful stay at Villa Balāo, we invite you to read the following information.

You will find answers to many of your questions, and perhaps even some you didn’t have. We are sure you will appreciate this approach.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making your stay at Villa Balāo a fantastic experience.

Villa Balāo

Villa Balāo is our main residence, our home. This space is private; it’s neither an hotel nor a public space; it’s a guesthouse. We personally welcome our guests year-round.

Villa Balāo is a gay guesthouse. It is reserved for adults, and is not equipped nor suitable for guests under 16.

It is also clothing optional in outdoors during the warmer months, although this is not mandatory. Everyone is free to enjoy their stay as they wish.

We usually leave shoes at the entrance for hygiene reasons and for the pleasure of enjoying the softness of the polished concrete, cool in summer and warm in winter. No shoes, no stress.

We have three very comfortable double guest rooms. With a small capacity of guests, the layout is ideal for those who appreciate homes on a human scale.

We welcome our guests to connect, enjoy quality time, share our experiences, and help them discover our region.

We have put our heart and soul into renovating the original house and transforming it into Villa Balāo. We have decorated it with unique objects that we have collected during our travels and encounters.

We hope you will enjoy the warm and timeless atmosphere of our home.

Facilities nearby

As Villa Balāo is located in a residential area, there are no shops nearby in the street. However, by just a 10-minute walk away, you’ll find small shops, bakery and more. A little further at 1,500 meters away, you’ll find all shops, a shopping center, services, fast food restaurants, and more.

In the village, about a 15-minute walk away, there are many local restaurants, doctors, pharmacies, post office, market, casino, spa, and more.

The nearest city bus stop is a 7-minute walk away (Chemin Haut, line 10).

Ask us; we’ll be happy to help.

Seasons

Villa Balāo is open year-round.

We enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Each season offers opportunities to enjoy the surroundings and the region. Here, the sun shines more than 300 days a year.

Summer is ideal for sunbathing, and thanks to the immediate proximity of the lake and the sea, a welcome breeze mitigates the heat. This hot and dry season is also the busiest along the entire coast.

Spring and autumn offer very pleasant days with moderate temperatures; these are ideal seasons for quieter tourism. Autumn is more prone to Cévennes episodes, which quickly give way to sunshine.

Winter is mild, with cooler but not cold temperatures and beautiful sunny days.

The location on the edge of a lake, the sea, and at the foothills of the mountain ranges sometimes brings windy periods, combining the tramontane and the autan winds, thus helping to maintain clear skies.

For thermal baths, the Balaruc thermal establishment is open from mid-February to mid-December.

Some facilities or services at Villa Balāo may not be available during certain seasons or depending on the weather.

Check availability or ask us.

Check-in / Check-out

Check-in: Your room is available from 4:00 PM. Check-in is generally until 7:00 PM.
Please contact us to arrange your stay in case of late or early arrival.
According to regulations, you will be required to complete a “Guest Sheet” and present proper identification.

Check-out: The room must be vacated by 11:00 AM on the morning of the last day of the reservation. Once vacated, you may enjoy the garden in the afternoon, until 4:00 PM.

Luggage: You can drop off your luggage earlier upon arrival or leave it later before departure.

Parking

Parking is available on-site or nearby. To access the villa’s parking, we will provide you with a beeper for the automatic gate. The interior space is limited to 1 car or 2 motos per room. The layout of the premises may require some maneuvering depending on occupancy. Please be considerate and respectful of other vehicles. A standard charging socket (single-phase, 3kW) is available for electric vehicles, with an additional charge for each charge.

Your room

Each room is uniquely decorated. Your room is the most beautiful. It is smoke-free. It is prepared for you. If you have any special requests, please let us know.

Occupancy: Your room is designed to accommodate a maximum of 2 people. No extra beds are available.

Keys: Upon arrival, we will provide you with an access set, including one room key per person, as well as a beeper for the car gate if needed. Exterior pedestrian access (gate and main door) is via digital codes.

Wi-Fi: High-speed internet access is included in the price. Scan the QR code to use the “Villa Balāo” network. Wi-Fi is also available in the garden.

Nettoyage : Votre chambre est nettoyée pendant votre séjour (sauf le dimanche). Si toutefois vous souhaitez conserver plus d’intimité, n’hésitez pas à demander une fréquence moins élevée. Utilisez l’indicateur « ne pas déranger » sur la porte de la chambre pour indiquer que vous ne souhaitez pas être dérangé.

Housekeeping: Your room will be cleaned during your stay. However, if you would like more privacy, please request a lower frequency. Use the “do not disturb” sign on the room door to indicate that you do not wish to be disturbed.

Bed linen: Your sheets are changed depending on the length of your stay or every 3 days. However, if you require a more frequent change, please let us know.

Bathroom Linens: You are provided with a variety of bath towels, pool towels, and other courtesy items. Bathroom linens are changed upon your request, either by placing them on the floor in the shower or by requesting them directly, or every other day during your stay.
These items must not be taken outside the villa.

Laundry: Your room is not equipped for personal laundry. Occasional laundry service for your personal clothing may be available upon request; additional rates may apply.

Privacy: Your room has its own private bathroom with a large walk-in shower and toilet.
Your room is equipped with curtains and electric blackout shutters.
To protect your bedding, in addition to the existing protection, a protective vinyl sheet can be provided if needed.
A private shower is installed next to your toilet for your complete hygiene.

Minibar: Your room does not have a minibar or hot drinks facilities. Please ask us. A micro-filtered water fountain with fresh and/or sparkling water is available for your use in the kitchen.

Personal belongings: A digital code safe is available in your room to secure your valuables (jewelry, watches, electronic devices, means of payment, etc.).

Smoke Detector: Any false activation of the fire alarm may result in a charge for the restoration of the fire safety system. Smoking and burning candles are prohibited in the room.

Appropriate Use: Please leave the room in perfect condition at the end of your stay. Please do not dry your laundry in the room, jump on the bedding, use the sheets to clean your shoes or luggage, or make any other inappropriate use of the room and its amenities. We remind you that it is strictly forbidden to bring food or eat in your room.
Any damage caused by you will be your responsibility and may result in a charge for repair or replacement.

We thank you for reporting any malfunctions (shower, lighting, or other) to us so that we can make your stay as pleasant as possible.

Breakfast

A breakfast is included per person per day, based on a continental formula. The variety can be adapted according to supplies and needs (hot drink, breads, jams, honey, butter, yogurt, cow’s milk, vegetable milk, fresh fruit, fruit juice, pastries, muesli, etc.). Options may be possible, and depending on availability, such as eggs, cheeses, cold meats, etc. Please let us know your wishes. Breakfast is generally served at the communal table, inside or outside depending on the weather, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with some exceptions. Please let us know if you plan to leave early.

Food and Beverage

A simple lunch or dinner service, as well as snacks, picnics, or light lunches, may be provided as an option, although availability is not guaranteed. Meals are served at the communal table, indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather. Room service will not be available. All meals ordered will be charged. Please ask us.

Aperitif service may be served with tapas or other snacks. Alcohol included with meals is served in limitied quantity. Complementary drinks are available upon request.

In case of food intolerances or allergies, please notify us when booking.

You can request a wide variety of hot, cold, or festive drinks during the day or in the evening. All drinks must be paid on the day of departure. The micro-filtered, chilled, or sparkling water fountain is self-service.

For safety and hygiene reasons, it is not permitted to bring food (picnics, snacks, meals delivered) or alcohol from outside the villa, nor to bring leftovers from your breakfast or meal into your room.

The kitchen facilities are not available for your own meal preparation. However, if it is essential to store medication or a specific food item in the refrigerator, this will of course be permitted.

Meals are not clothing optional.

Piscine / Spa / Jardin

Naturisme : Les espaces extérieurs sont libres au naturisme, chacun décide de son confort pour profiter de la piscine, du spa, du jardin, ou même jouer à la pétanque. Merci toutefois d’utiliser les foutas prévus à cet effet avant de vous installer sur le mobilier, lits d’extérieur, bains de soleils, fauteuils…

La Piscine : Notre piscine, d’une taille très confortable, est traitée par électrolyse au sel, et est chauffée à une température moyenne de 27/28°C, pour votre plus grand confort.
Elle est en service de mi-avril à mi-octobre, généralement à partir de 9h jusqu’au diner. Toutefois des adaptations sont possibles selon l’activité et la saison. Des restrictions temporaires peuvent survenir en particulier pour des exigences d’entretien ou les contraintes météo.
La piscine (fond plat à 1,50m de profondeur) n’est pas surveillée. Accès au bassin par des escaliers et par une plage immergée. Elle est équipée d’un volet de sécurité à verrouillage automatique conforme à la réglementation.
Vous pouvez utiliser des accessoires de piscine ou sauter dans l’eau. Attention toutefois à la profondeur du bassin et au respect des autres personnes.

SPA/Jacuzzi extérieur : Nous mettons à votre disposition un Spa de balnéothérapie pouvant accueillir jusqu’à 6 personnes. Toutefois si vous souhaitez pouvoir profiter pleinement des différents postes de massage, nous préconisons de vous limiter à 2 ou 4 personnes. Cet équipement haut de gamme est traité par électrolyse au sel, et est chauffé à une température moyenne de 36°C, et dispose de jets puissants pour votre plus grand confort. Pour son bon fonctionnement, il est demandé de ne pas modifier les réglages (traitement, température) et de ne verser aucun produit dans l’eau. Profitez des différents postes de massage avec les commandes.
Il est en service toute l’année. Il n’est pas surveillé.
Il est équipé d’une couverture à bras relevable facile d’utilisation. Merci de la manipuler sans forcer et de la refermer après utilisation. Il est formellement interdit de monter sur la couverture relevable malgré son apparence rigide.

L’usage du Spa peut être contre-indiqué dans certaines situations : Selon votre situation personnelle, telle que difficultés cardiaques, hypertension artérielle ou autres affections médicales, intervention chirurgicale récente, il est recommandé de demander conseil à un médecin avant utilisation. N’utilisez pas le Spa en état d’ébriété.

Consignes communes pour la piscine et le Spa : Une douche extérieure chauffée est à votre disposition à proximité. Aussi, afin de préserver la qualité de l’eau, il est demandé de se rincer avant toute baignade ou séance de Spa, pour éliminer les huiles corporelles et lotions solaires, ou d’utiliser des protections solaires compatibles avec notre installation. Nous rappelons qu’il est interdit de fumer dans l’espace piscine (plage, transats et bassin) et le Spa.
Pour des raisons de sécurité, il est interdit d’utiliser des verres en verre autour de la piscine, nous proposons des verres synthétiques adaptés à l’usage.
L’usage de la piscine et du Spa se fait toujours sous votre seule et entière responsabilité.

Le Jardin : Nous avons réalisé un jardin aux plantes méditerranéennes riche de plus de 150 variétés pour votre plaisir de découverte. Vous y trouverez des lauriers roses, oliviers, palmier, grenadier, figuier, oranger, citronnier, cactus, aloes et tant d’autres, sans oublier les plantes aromatiques comme le romarin, le thym, la citronnelle, sauge, et nombreuses plantes nectarifères et mellifères qui participent à la biodiversité… Nous tâchons de l’entretenir soigneusement, nous comptons sur votre vigilance pour le préserver de toute dégradation.

Terrain de pétanque : S’il y a bien un incontournable dans le sud, c’est de taquiner les boules. Si certains excellent assurément à ce jeu tels des pros, pour bon nombre c’est l’occasion de partager un bon moment à plusieurs même si le coup de main n’est pas toujours précis. Le terrain est confortable 10*3.5m, et à proximité de la nouvelle cuisine d’été et de son bar (prévision 2026), de quoi passer un apéro détendu avant de passer à table.

Mobilier de jardin : Divers mobiliers de jardin, fauteuils, bains de soleil, lits d’extérieur, parasols sont à votre disposition et répartis principalement près de la piscine. Merci d’y placer un fouta pour vous y installer. Merci de ne pas vous tenir debout sur les matelas. Certains mobiliers ne sont pas en service entre novembre et avril.

Toilettes extérieures : Des toilettes extérieures sont à votre disposition à proximité de la piscine. Elles sont équipées d’un broyeur, aussi il est strictement interdit d’y jeter d’autres choses que le papier toilette habituel (pas de préservatifs, coton, lingettes etc.). Une poubelle est à votre disposition.

Robinets extérieurs : Ils sont alimentés avec une eau de forage non potable. Ne pas consommer cette eau. Des indications sont présentes sur chaque robinet.

Naturism

Villa Balāo is clothing-optional friendly in outdoors. Also, if you wish to enjoy the sun on your naked body and swim freely, we offer you the freedom to quit off your clothes in peace and quiet, in complete discretion, while enjoying a certain level of comfort. The garden is fully enclosed and not overlooked. Naturism is not mandatory; everyone is free to enjoy their stay as they wish.

Please use the foutas provided for this purpose to settle down on the furniture.

Remember to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen…

To maintain a certain conviviality during meals, everyone is asked to wear appropriate clothing.

For hygiene reasons and as a courtesy, it is requested that you avoid using the interior furniture in living rooms while completely nude in the house.

Villa Balāo is located in a region known for its freedom of living for many communities.

There are many no clothes beaches to enjoy the sea and nature:

Les Aresquiers in Frontignan, the closest to Villa Balāo and one of the wildest on the coast, boasting a wealth of biodiversity. It remains less crowded than other gay naturist beaches. Made of pebbles and sand, bordered by groves, it can be reached after a short walk. Parking is very limited and can sometimes be difficult.
Le Grand Travers, near La Grande-Motte, the gay naturist section of this large sandy beach benefits from the slightly wilder area bordered by a few dunes and a pine forest. It is also the closest to Montpellier in terms of its number of visitors.
Le Cap d’Agde, the most diverse, adjoins the naturist village and is accessible via the large, fine sandy beach of Marseillan. The northern section is a highly protected birdwatching area. The beach is very popular in high season, with families, swingers, gays, and more. The Pigs Bay is no myth.
Espiguette in Grau-du-Roi is the furthest from Villa Balao. This immense, fine-sand beach, located at the entrance to the Camargue, requires a bit of a walk to reach the gay naturist section, but will reward you with intense moments of freedom and nature. Driving is very difficult during the season.

All these beaches are wonderful. Be careful, however, during the peak summer season; they are very busy and require some effort. Access and parking can be difficult.

There are also other small beaches all along the coast, not particularly gay, where naturism is tolerated as long as it remains discreet (Maguelone, Salines de Villeneuve, Petit Travers, etc.).

Accessibility / PRM

Even though the house is on one level and accessible with an external access ramp, and despite our efforts to make it more accessible, Villa Balāo and its facilities cannot be fully accessible or fully usable for people with disabilities or PRMs. Please ask us according to your situation.

Pets

Even though we love them, whether they are tiny or cute, pets are not allowed.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in the indoor areas, rooms, and common areas. Smoking is not permitted in the pool or spa, nor at the table. Smoking is prohibited, whether with tobacco, e-cigarettes, or the like. Smoking is permitted outdoors, provided you respect the rules and those around you, and avoid any risk of fire. Request an ashtray. We do not allow cigarette butts in the garden.

If a tobacco odor is detected in the room, a cleaning fee equal to the room rate will automatically apply.

Security

Access to Villa Balāo is via a digital code (enclosure and main door) and a remote control for the car gate. The rooms are equipped with key locks.

The villa is equipped with an alarm. Please be advised that the common areas of the villa, as well as the outdoors, are under video surveillance.

The villa is equipped with fire extinguishers, and your room is equipped with a fire detector. Fire instructions are available in the room. Please do not accidentally activate the fire alarm, as a fee may apply for restoring the fire safety system.

Your room has a safe to secure your valuables. We recommend exercising caution by not leaving your valuables in plain sight in your vehicle, room, or common areas. Villa Balāo declines all responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of unsecured personal belongings, whether in the common areas or your room.

In the garden, water taps are marked as non-potable; for your safety, it is prohibited to consume this water.

We decline all liability for any bodily injury occurring on the premises due to non-compliance with safety regulations, particularly in areas not intended for your use.

We encourage you to inform us before your departure if, during your stay at Villa Balāo, you are the victim of an accident or if any of your personal belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen.

House rules

We trust you.

We usually leave your shoes at the entrance for hygiene reasons and for the pleasure of enjoying the softness of the polished concrete, cool in summer and warm in winter.

Enjoy the living spaces made available to you while preserving everyone’s privacy. Some areas are not available to you even if they are unlocked (laundry room, kitchen, basement, other bedrooms, workshop, technical areas, storage rooms, etc.). The closets in the house, except those in your room, are not intended for your use.

The grocery store or pantry are not self-service. Self-service drinks are on extra (except those included in your package or water). Please note your consumption for payment at the end of your stay.

You will not be alone during your stay at Villa Balāo, so we invite you to spend your stay in a mind of conviviality, open-mindedness, and mutual understanding.

Maintain a respectful attitude toward others. Any inappropriate behavior, or behavior that disturbs the peace and quiet of guests or neighbors, or the integrity of the premises, is prohibited (drowsiness or excessive noise, inappropriate gestures, inappropriate language, excessive drunkenness, willful damage, etc.).

For everyone’s comfort, sexual behavior must remain private and is not tolerated in the pool or spa.

Playing music outdoors is not permitted, in order to preserve the tranquility of the premises.

The use of narcotics is strictly prohibited in Villa Balāo.

All commerce is strictly prohibited in Villa Balāo.

You may not receive third parties in Villa Balāo without prior agreement. A daily visitor fee may apply per third party to access non-accommodation facilities.

In the event of manifestly inappropriate behavior, despite our warnings, or if the safety of the premises or people, or the peace of the neighborhood so requires, we may interrupt your stay.

Environmental footprint

Villa Balāo strives to limit its environmental footprint without sacrificing modern comfort.

Here are some simple, low-impact actions you can take to support us:

Close windows and bay windows when the air conditioning is running, or turn it off.
In summer, lower your room shutters during the day to limit excessive overheating and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily when you are not in your room.
Don’t leave the water running unnecessarily, and moderate the flow during showers.
Only use the towels you really need.

We thank you for your understanding.

Here are some of the measures we have implemented to support our approach:

Heating, including the pool, air conditioning, and hot water are provided by a low-energy heat pump. We favor air circulation over air conditioning in the common areas. Drinking water is filtered; we do not use bottled water unless necessary. The faucets have an eco-function that limits the flow of water without sacrificing comfort. We have chosen showers rather than bathtubs to limit water consumption. Laundry treatment uses water-saving machines and eco-responsible products. Bathroom linens are renewed at your initiative. For uses other than consumption or personal hygiene, such as watering or the swimming pool, we use non-potable water. For the garden, we have chosen plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate with low water consumption. We offset our electricity consumption as much as possible with our solar panels. We have favored low-energy electrical appliances whenever possible, and exclusively LED lighting. The lighting durations of technical or circulation areas are optimized thanks to presence detectors. We have used recycled or natural materials whenever possible to renovate the house. Thermal insulation has been significantly reinforced. We ourselves drive electric vehicles.