Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection, a 13th-century lakeside château in France’s Charente region, has announced the appointment of Damien Bastiat as general manager. Bastiat will oversee hotel operations, guest experience and strategic direction as the property prepares to reopen in March.
Bastiat brings three decades of international luxury hospitality experience to the property. Most recently, he served as managing director of the Almae Collection. Originally from southwest France, Bastiat has led several hotels throughout his career, including Hotel Le Toiny St. Barth, Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland and Gidleigh Park Hotel in Newton Abbot.
“With a deep understanding of heritage-led hospitality, authentic leadership style and unwavering focus on guest experience, Damien is exceptionally well placed to lead the team at Domaine des Etangs Auberge into its next chapter, positioning the hotel as one of France’s most distinctive luxury destinations,” said Mo Elbanna, EVP of global operations, Auberge Collection.
“I am honored to be joining the team at Domaine des Etangs Auberge Collection at such an exciting moment ahead of our reopening in March. I look forward to working with the team to continue celebrating the property’s heritage and sense of place while delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Bastiat.
Earlier owned by Garance Primat’s father and late businessman Didier Primat, Domaine des Etangs Auberge Collection joined Auberge Collection in April 2023.