Hotel Snapshot
Perched on a rocky outcrop in a small fishing village 40 minutes from Marseille’s bustling city center is Tuba Club, a waterfront five-star boutique hotel that was once an old scuba diving club. Since its opening in 2020, Tuba Club quickly became one of the most coveted hangout spots in France’s second-largest city.
Removed from the city’s frenzy, locals, creatives, and travelers alike flock to this little oasis all year round to bask on the private beach or linger over sunset drinks and dinner. Rumor has it designer Jacquemus counts it among his favorite spots in Marseille. As in true Marseille fashion, the hotel’s “beach” is in truth more of a sun-drenched rock with a ladder leading straight into the sea, studded with the now-iconic yellow-striped loungers that take over our Instagram feeds every summer.
Design & Character
At the helm of the hotel’s striking design is Marion Mailaender, whose motto is “Less is more, too much is cool.” For this project, she experimented with minimalist decor infused with a nautical vintage feel. The place is decorated with upcycled furniture and raw materials, and looks a lot like your design-savvy friend’s living room. Togo couches, oversized plants, seashells on the shelf, old books and graphic prints are scattered throughout the space, bringing in a very homey feel. The result evokes a 1970s beach hut brimming with memorabilia that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly cool.
The Rooms
With only eight rooms, the hotel feels like a laid-back beach house you might rent with friends for the summer. All rooms have a sea view and are filled with natural light, inviting guests to sit back, pick up a book, and listen to the sound of waves crashing right in front of their window. At golden hour, the light turns honeyed and soft, wrapping the room in a calm warmth.
Dressed in shades of beige and white, the sisal carpeting, dark wood paneling, and crisp white linens bring in some depth to the rooms. You’ll be amused to look around and find an old pair of flippers or fishing buoys hanging on the wall. The pastel blue-tiled bathrooms are one of our favorite areas. Equipped with a water hose in lieu of a shower head, they add a playful touch to the room.
The Food & Drink Situation
The hotel’s restaurant is a love letter to the Mediterranean. Much of Chef Sylvain Roucayrol’s menu is centred on raw preparations—perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. Think amberjack sashimi, sea bass crudo, and bluefin tuna sliced with surgical precision, each dish lifted with just the right touch of tang. The chef’s signature, though, is whole fish grilled over an open flame—simple, yet deeply satisfying.
At Tuba, you feast with your eyes before your taste buds. Presentation is an art form. One standout is the turbot and radish dish, served on a stainless steel platter. The dish is plated to fool the eye into thinking it is the fish’s own scales.
For a more relaxed dining experience, grab a table on the open-air terrasse, Bikini. Here, hotel guests and locals alike can mingle for hours on end, sipping on sparkling wine and indulging in oysters, or sharing small plates, jumping in the sea between bites to cool off.
Amenities
At Tuba Club, everything is designed to draw you toward the sea. There may not be a 24-hour gym or a pool, but there is something that feels much more curated and unique. Guests can rent paddleboards and canoes at the front desk to use on the water. Those who prefer to pay tribute to the property’s history can ask for complimentary masks and snorkels and drift over the seabed, looking for bright fish swimming by. An old fishing boat from the area is also moored in front of the hotel, offering excursions further out at sea.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
Who needs a spa when the sea is seconds away from your doorstep? Frankly, it would feel out of place for this friendly beach shack. Instead, indulge in thalassotherapy—free of charge. Guests can also join yoga sessions on the rooftop.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Set just beyond Marseille’s city center—about a 40-minute drive—Tuba Club makes an ideal base for exploring both the city and the surrounding coastline. With the Calanques National Park right at its doorstep, adventure is never far. We suggest you can rent a boat to reach secluded beaches accessible only by sea, or to drift toward the nearby islands for a day of exploration.
Fast Facts
Location: Marseille, France
Vibe: Minimalist and 1970s vintage beach hut
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 8
Pricing: From $260 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Staying here feels like you’ve rented a beach house with your best friends.
Dining: Every dish is not only tasty, but plated like a true work of art.
Amenities: Paddle boards, snorkelling, and canoes available on site
Nearby Attractions: Marseille, Calanques National Park
Airport: 45-minute drive from Marseille Provence Airport
