Useful Information

Useful information for a successful stay

For a successful stay at Villa Balāo, we invite you to review the following information.

You will find answers to many of your questions, and perhaps even some you hadn’t thought of. We are certain you will appreciate this information, which will help make your stay at Villa Balāo a fantastic experience.

With Villa Balāo, we wanted to offer a gay guesthouse that provides a high level of comfort. Villa Balāo is reserved for adults only, as it is not equipped or suitable for people under 16.

Villa Balāo is also naturist outdoors during the warmer months, although this is not mandatory. Everyone is free to enjoy their stay as they wish.

Villa Balāo is our home. This space is private; it is neither a hotel, nor a public space, nor a cottage, nor a cruising area.

We personally welcome our guests. We will be delighted to chat, share our experiences, introduce you to our region, and certainly have a great time together. And if you would like more independence, we are happy to accommodate you.

We usually leave shoes at the entrance for hygiene reasons and to allow you to enjoy the smooth feel of the polished concrete, which is cool in summer and warm in winter. No shoes, No stress.

With three very comfortable double bedrooms and a small guest capacity, the layout is ideal for those who appreciate intimate homes.

We poured our hearts and souls into restoring the original house and making it what it is today. We’ve decorated it with unique pieces we’ve collected during our travels and encounters.

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

Yes. We are a 100% gay guesthouse. We offer tourist accommodation in our guest rooms with all modern comforts for a relaxing stay for men, couples, solo travelers, or groups of friends.

We support the LGBTQ+ community while proudly embracing our cisgender gay male identity.

Come as you are, whatever your skin color, your spirituality, whether you are queer, drag, fetish, bear, skinny, cub, otter, twink, daddy, bull, gym queen, jock, wolf, pup, punk… You will find a safe, free, friendly, humane, and respectful environment with us.

However, WE ARE NOT A CRUISING SPOT, a resort, a day-use hotel, or a love hotel.

No. We have chosen not to open our facilities to outside visitors in order to preserve the privacy and tranquility of our guests staying with us.

We may exceptionally allow visitors invited by our guests for the day, to enjoy our facilities after they have paid an entrance fee,

We are not open to outside visitors for our evening meals (table d’hôtes), as we are not a restaurant.

We do not open our massage services to outside visitors.

Yes, even though it’s not in the immediate vicinity. Villa Balāo is geared more towards tourism and relaxation than partying, which doesn’t mean you’ll be bored.

The local gay scene is mainly concentrated on the beaches in the summer and in Montpellier’s establishments, although, as everywhere, exclusively gay venues are becoming increasingly rare. Montpellier Pride remains a major event on the national gay scene.

With its prime location, Villa Balāo offers easy access to a more vibrant gay scene, such as the gay bars, clubs, cruising areas, and saunas of Montpellier (30 minutes), Béziers (45 minutes), or Nîmes (60 minutes). There’s also a gay nightclub in the naturist village of Cap d’Agde (30 minutes). For those looking for cruising spots, you’ll find plenty.

For gay beaches, we have plenty of options nearby, such as Aresquiers in Frontignan (15 min), Cap d’Agde (30 min), Grand-Travers in La Grande-Motte (35 min), and Espiguette in Le Grau-du-Roi (60 min). You’re sure to meet people there.

The village of Balaruc is very safe, even at night. As a precaution, we recommend avoiding overly affectionate displays of affection in public.

Yes. You will find shops and restaurants easily accessible. Villa Balāo is located in a residential urban area. While shops aren’t immediately on the street, you’ll find them within a 10-minute walk: restaurants, small shops, a bakery… and a little further, at 1500 meters, you’ll find all kinds of shops, a shopping center, services, fast food outlets, restaurants, etc.

In the village, there are numerous local restaurants, doctors, pharmacies, a post office, a market, a casino, a spa, etc.

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

Just ask us; we’d be happy to provide you with more information.

We enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Every season is perfect for exploring the area and the region. Here, the sun shines more than 300 days a year.

Summer is one of the best seasons to soak up the sun. Thanks to the proximity of the lagoon and the sea, a welcome breeze tempers the heat. This hot and dry season is also the busiest along the entire coastline.

Spring and autumn offer very pleasant days with moderate temperatures, making them ideal seasons for a more relaxed getaway. Autumn is more prone to heavy rains, which quickly give way to sunshine.

The mild winter offers beautiful sunny days with cooler temperatures, but not freezing; it practically never freezes or snows.

The location on the edge of a lagoon, near the sea, and at the foot of the mountain ranges sometimes brings windy periods, combining the Tramontane and Autan winds, thus helping to maintain clear skies.

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

Some facilities or services at Villa Balāo may not be available at certain times of the year, or depending on the weather.

Villa Balāo is usually closed during winter. Check availability or contact us.

Check-in: Your room is available from 4:00 PM. Check-in is generally until 7:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you can enjoy the garden and the swimming pool.

Please feel free to contact us to arrange your stay if you plan to arrive early or late.

As required by regulations, you will need to complete a Guest Information Form and present a valid form of identification.

Check-in: The room must be vacated by 11:00 AM on the last day of your reservation. Once you have vacated your room, you are welcome to enjoy the garden in the afternoon.

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

Yes. Parking is available on-site or nearby. The villa’s parking area is secured, enclosed and uncovered. Parking at Villa Balāo is limited to 1 car per room.

A standard charging point 3kW is available on-site for electric vehicles, with an additional charge per charge. There are also several public 22kW electric vehicle charging stations within a 1500m radius.

Your room is uniquely decorated. Your room is the most beautiful. It is non-smoking. It is prepared just for you. If you have any special requests, please let us know. We will do everything we can to accommodate them and make your stay more enjoyable.

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

Wi-Fi: High-speed Wi-Fi internet access is included in the price. The network is also accessible in the garden.

Cleaning: Your room will be cleaned during your stay.

Bed linens: Your bed will be made upon your arrival with a light cotton blanket for summer or a cozy duvet for winter. Sheets are changed regularly, depending on the length of your stay.

Towels: You will find a variety of thick and fluffy towels (sets include hand towels, face towels, and bath towels), foutas for outdoor use, and other complimentary items. Towels are changed regularly, depending on the length of your stay.

Amenities: We provide complimentary, high-quality, eco-friendly toiletries with a low environmental impact, formulated with plant-based and organic extracts. We have chosen vegan products that are GMO-free, paraben-free, EDTA-DTPA-free, and free of other harmful substances.

Air conditioning: Your room is equipped with individually controlled air conditioning.

Laundry: Your room is not equipped for doing your own laundry. If you need to do a load of laundry for your personal items, a laundry bag is available in your room. A service fee may apply. Please ask us.

Privacy: Your room has its own private bathroom with a large walk-in shower and toilet.
Your room has curtains and electric blackout blinds.
A bidet sprayer is located next to your toilet for your convenience.

Minibar: Your room does not have a minibar or hot beverage supplies. Please ask us for the drinks menu. A self-service fountain offering chilled and/or sparkling micro-filtered water is available throughout the hotel. We provide a water bottle in your room, which is replenished as needed.
If you need to store medication or any other item in the refrigerator, this is of course possible; just ask us.

Personal Belongings: A digital safe is available in your room for the security of your valuables.

Smoke Detector: Your room is equipped with a smoke detector connected to the building’s alarm system.

No. Everything is included. Your bed will be made upon arrival. You will have several towels available in the bathroom, as well as toiletries such as soap, shower gel, and shampoo. You are welcome to bring any personal items you are used to.

If you have any special requests, please let us know.

Remember to bring sunscreen (on sunny days) as the sun can be strong, and mosquito repellent if you wish.

Your swimsuit is optional.

Yes. Every morning you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast. It’s included in the room price. We’re sure you’ll love it. We offer a wide selection: hot drinks, breads, jams, honey, sweet and semi-salted butter, yogurt, milk (dairy and vegetal-based), fresh fruit, fruit juice, pastries, muesli, seeds, eggs, cheeses… The selection may be adjusted depending on availability, needs, or your preferences. Let us know what you’d like, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

We’ll introduce you to wonderful local and artisanal products, such as authentic homemade jams bursting with fruit flavor, flavorful garrigue honey, organic eggs, artisanal fruit juices, and homemade pastries.

Breakfast is generally served at the communal table, either indoors or outdoors depending on the weather.

If you have any allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions, please let us know.

Yes. We can offer you a light and simple meal, platters, or even a more elaborate menu or a snack, depending on availability. For us, sharing a meal is a wonderful opportunity. We are not a restaurant; meals are reserved for guests of the bed and breakfast. They are served at the communal table, either indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. Room service is not available.

If you have any allergies, intolerances, or special dietary requirements, please inform us.

You can enjoy a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, aperitifs, and festive beverages, as well as ice cream and other snacks. Just ask us.

The micro-filtered, chilled, and sparkling water fountain is available free of charge.

For safety and hygiene reasons, and because we are not a bed and breakfast, it is not permitted to bring food to eat on the premises (snacks, takeaway meals), or alcohol from outside into the villa.

The kitchen facilities are not available for your use in preparing meals. However, if it is essential to store medication or a specific item in the refrigerator, this will of course be possible.

You will also find many restaurants nearby in the village. The closest are about a 10-15 minute walk away, offering local fish and seafood cuisine, as well as more traditional and fusion dishes, pizzas, burgers, fresh pasta, salads, and more.

We understand that sometimes you might want to prepare your own meals while on vacation. Unfortunately, we don’t make our kitchen available for your use. We are a guest house, not a self-catering cottage.

However, if you prefer not to eat out, and if we are available, we will do our best to prepare a meal to suit your taste, whether light or more elaborate.

We do not accept outside meal deliveries.

Yes. The outdoor areas, facilities, swimming pool, and jacuzzi are free to use.

Naturism: During the warmer months, we recommend naturism outdoors, especially for swimming in the pool or using the spa. You can even play pétanque or stroll around the garden naked. If you don’t feel comfortable with that, we understand that you may wish to keep your swimsuit on. Please use the beach towels before settling onto the furniture, outdoor beds, sun loungers, armchairs, etc.

The Swimming Pool: Our comfortably sized swimming pool is treated with salt electrolysis and heated to an average temperature of 27/28°C for your comfort.

It is open during the spring and summer, generally from 9:00 AM until dinner. However, adjustments may be made depending on the activity and the season, or if you wish to enjoy a midnight swim. Temporary restrictions may apply, particularly due to maintenance requirements or weather conditions.

The swimming pool (flat bottom, 1.50m deep) is unsupervised. Access to the pool is via steps and a shallow end. It is equipped with a self-locking safety cover that complies with regulations.

Outdoor Spa/Jacuzzi: We offer a hydrotherapy spa that can accommodate up to 6 people. However, to fully enjoy the various massage jets, we recommend limiting your group to 2 or 4 people. This high-end equipment is treated by salt electrolysis and heated to an average temperature of 36°C, and features powerful jets for your comfort.

It is available year-round. It is unsupervised.

The use of the Spa may be contraindicated in certain situations: Depending on your personal situation, such as heart problems, high blood pressure or other medical conditions, recent surgery, it is recommended to seek medical advice before use.

A heated outdoor shower is available near the jacuzzi and swimming pool, allowing you to rinse off before swimming and preserve water quality.

The Garden: We have created a Mediterranean garden with over 150 varieties for your enjoyment. You will find oleanders, olive trees, palm trees, pomegranate trees, fig trees, orange trees, lemon trees, cacti, aloes, and many others, not to mention aromatic plants such as rosemary, thyme, lemongrass, sage, and numerous nectar-producing and bee-friendly plants that contribute to biodiversity.

Pétanque Ground: If there’s one thing you absolutely must do in the South of France, it’s a game of pétanque. While some undoubtedly excel at this game like pros, for many it’s simply a chance to share a pleasant moment with others, even if their throws aren’t always accurate. The playing area is a comfortable 10 x 3.5 meters, perfect for a relaxed aperitif before dinner.

Garden Furniture: Various garden furniture, including armchairs, sun loungers, outdoor beds, and parasols, are available and mainly located near the pool.

Outdoor Restrooms: Outdoor restrooms are available near the pool.

Yes. Villa Balāo is naturist during the warmer months, though it’s not mandatory. So, if you’d like to enjoy the sun, feel a breeze on your bare skin, and swim freely, we offer you the freedom to practice naturism in peace and privacy, while still enjoying a certain level of comfort. The garden is enclosed and private. Remember to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

For those who are strict about naturism, don’t be surprised to see us swimming or sunbathing naked and being clothed in other situations. We are not affiliated with any naturist federation, movement, or association.

Please use the provided towels (foutas) when using the furniture, sun loungers, beds, armchairs, etc.

To maintain a certain “French elegance” during meals, everyone is asked to adopt a dress code.

A sarong or pareo is welcome when using the indoor communal areas.

Naturism in the region, beaches:

Villa Balāo is located in a region known for its relaxed lifestyle.

There are many naturist beaches where you can enjoy the sea and nature:

    • Les Aresquiers in Frontignan (15 km away), the closest to Villa Balão and one of the wildest on the coast with great biodiversity. It remains less crowded than other gay naturist beaches. Made of pebbles and sand, bordered by groves, it is reached after a short walk. Parking is very limited and can sometimes be difficult.
    • Le Grand Travers near La Grande-Motte (40 km away), the gay naturist section of this large sandy beach benefits from a slightly wilder area bordered by a few dunes and a pine forest. It is also the closest to Montpellier in terms of popularity.
    • Cap d’Agde (30 km away), the most diverse, it adjoins the naturist village and remains accessible via the large sandy beach of Marseillan. The northern part is a highly protected bird sanctuary.

The beach is very popular in season with families, swingers, gay men… The Bay of Pigs is not a legend.

  • Espiguette in Grau-du-Roi (60 km away) is the furthest from Villa Balão. This immense fine sandy 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 in season.
  • Lake Salagou (50 km away) is a freshwater lake with an enchanting hilly setting and its typical red earth. There are mixed naturist beaches, either near the village of Ceilles or on the Liausson peninsula. The many meanders offer good privacy. Some sections require walking in steep areas.

All these beaches are fantastic. Be warned, though, that during peak summer season they get very crowded and require some effort to reach. Access and parking can be difficult.

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

No. We’re sorry we can’t accept pets, even though we love them, no matter how small and cute they are. We’re trying to protect the fragile local wildlife (squirrels, hedgehogs, etc.).
If you have a blind guide dog, please contact us.

No smoking inside. Smoking is not permitted in the interior spaces, including rooms and common areas.

Yes smoking outside. Smoking is permitted outdoors while respecting those nearby and avoiding any risk of fire. Please ask us for an ashtray. We do not tolerate any cigarette butts in the garden.

Please note that even outside, smoking is not permitted in the pool or jacuzzi, nor at the table, whether it be tobacco, e-cigarettes, or similar products.

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

Any illegal substance is prohibited.

Everyone is welcome, regardless of their circumstances. However, despite our efforts, Villa Balāo and its facilities may not be fully accessible or usable in all situations. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

All bedrooms are on the ground floor. Access to the villa is via an exterior ramp. Indoors are on one level, excepted for the massage room. Bathroom space may be limited for wheelchair use. Direct access to the pool area is via a few steps, but remains wheelchair accessible by going around the house. The pool and jacuzzi are not equipped for swimming by people with reduced mobility.

We are not trained in sign language.
We do not have information materials in Braille.
We have not received specific training in welcoming people with disabilities.

The environment at Villa Balāo is peaceful and safe. To our knowledge, there is no particular stigma against the LGBTQ+ community.

Access to Villa Balāo is via codes and keys.

The villa is equipped with an alarm system. Please note that the villa’s common areas and exterior are under video surveillance.

The villa has fire extinguishers, and your room is equipped with a smoke detector. Fire safety instructions are available in your room.

Your room has a safe.

The swimming pool and jacuzzi are unsupervised; their use is entirely at your own risk.

We trust you.

We customarily leave shoes at the entrance for hygiene reasons and to allow you to enjoy the smooth feel of the polished concrete.

Please make the most of the living spaces provided, while respecting everyone’s privacy. Some areas are not for your use, even if they are not locked.

You will not be alone during your stay at our guesthouse, Villa Balāo, so we encourage you to spend your time in a spirit of conviviality, open-mindedness, and mutual understanding. This is an opportunity for enriching exchanges.

The introduction or use of illicit and/or dangerous objects or substances is strictly prohibited at Villa Balāo.

You may not receive any third-party visitors at Villa Balāo without prior agreement. A daily visitor fee may apply per visitor to use the facilities outside of the accommodation.

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

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

Here are a few simple and easy things you can do to support us :

  • Close windows and doors when the air conditioning is running, or turn the air conditioning off.
  • In summer, lower your bedroom blinds during the day to limit overheating and reduce the need for air conditioning.
  • Avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily when you are not in your room.
  • Don’t let the water run unnecessarily, and moderate the flow when showering.
  • Use only the towels you actually need.

Thank you for your understanding.

Here are some points we have put in place to achieve our goal:

Heating, air conditioning, and hot water are provided by a low-consumption heat pump. We prioritize air circulation over air conditioning in the common areas. Drinking water is filtered; we do not use bottled water unless absolutely necessary. The faucets have an eco-function that limits water flow without compromising comfort. We have opted for showers rather than bathtubs to reduce water consumption. Laundry is done using water-efficient machines and eco-friendly products. Towels are changed at your request. For uses other than drinking or personal hygiene, such as watering plants, we use non-potable water. For the garden, we have chosen plants adapted to the Mediterranean climate that require little water. We offset our electricity consumption as much as possible with our solar panels. We have prioritized energy-efficient electrical appliances and LED lighting whenever possible. The lighting duration in technical and circulation areas is optimized using motion detectors. We used recycled or natural materials as much as possible to renovate the house. Thermal insulation has been significantly improved. We ourselves drive an electric vehicle.

FAQ Booking

On the website, go to the booking page, select your dates of stay, then select your room and the offer according to your needs. A minimum stay of several nights may be required depending on the dates. Fill in the requested information (name, address, preferences, payment information) and then confirm. To confirm your reservation, you will need to pay a deposit, and you will have to pay the balance upon arrival, or make a full prepayment (deposit). Online payment is made by credit card. On site, the balance can be paid by credit/debit card, bank transfer or cash (Euros). If payment is not received or a credit card is not registered as a guarantee, we will be unable to confirm your reservation, and it will be canceled. After your payment is processed, you will receive a booking confirmation email with a summary. An invoice will be issued once the balance of your stay, including any extras, is paid.

You can contact us by phone or WhatsApp for assistance with your booking.

We accept a wide range of payment methods :

  • Credit / debit cards, secure payment with Stripe:
    (CB, Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • Bank transfer (instant, in Euros)
  • Cash (in Euros)

Other payment methods are not accepted : bank checks, holiday vouchers or restaurant vouchers, specific payment cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Alipay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, WeChat Pay, other e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, other payment methods.
Currencies other than Euros are not accepted.

For cash payments upon arrival, a credit card imprint is required as a guarantee on booking. Without this guarantee, the reservation cannot be confirmed.

For payments by bank transfer, the reservation is confirmed only after we received the funds.
Only instant transfers are accepted for payment by bank transfer.

Transaction and exchange fees are the responsibility of the sender.

Yes. Contact us directly so we can find a solution together. Please let us know as soon as possible.

  • Date Change: Date changes are subject to availability for the new dates. Modification fees may apply for a new period of stay.
  • Room Change: Room changes are subject to availability for the new dates. There is no change fee. The price of your stay and the deposit may be adjusted depending on the room selected.
  • Traveler Changes: You can add or remove a guest, up to a maximum of two travelers per room. There is no change fee.
  • Personalization Changes: You can request personalization after booking (for example, for a birthday, a marriage proposal, a surprise arrival, etc.). Only the cost of any additional charges will apply. Additional items already ordered and requiring special customization cannot be cancelled.

Yes. However, the amount paid is non-refundable (deposit or prepayment) and will be lost. Contact us directly so we can find a solution together. Please let us know as soon as possible. If you think there is a possibility this could happen, take out holiday insurance with a specialist company that covers risks such as cancellation or interruption of stay.

Yes. However, no refund, even partial, will be issued in the event of an interruption of your stay. The entire amount of the booked stay still remain due. If you think there is a possibility of this happening, take out holiday insurance with a specialist company that covers risks such as cancellation or interruption of stay.

You made a reservation but can’t attend, and you know someone who can take your place. Contact us directly so we can find a solution together.

Yes. Contact us directly, we can offer you a gift card solution.

No. Breakfast is an integral part of the bed and breakfast stay (art. D. 324-13 of the French Tourism Code). Therefore, there are no discounts, refunds, nor credits for breakfasts not consumed.