Domaine Des Etangs, Auberge Collection, Appoints Damien Bastiat as General Manager

(February 9, 2026) – Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection, the 13th-century lakeside château set within 1,000 hectares of unspoilt countryside in France’s Charente region, today announces the appointment of Damien Bastiat as General Manager. Bastiat will oversee hotel operations, guest experience and strategic direction as the property prepares to reopen for the 2026 season this  March.

 

Bastiat brings three decades of international luxury hospitality experience to Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection, recognised for his authentic leadership style and focus on emotionally resonant guest experiences. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of the Almae Collection, shaping the vision of a refined, heritage-led portfolio. Originally from southwest France, Bastiat has led some of the world’s most celebrated hotels, including Ballyfin Demesne in Ireland, named ‘Best Hotel in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveler. Guided by the belief that true luxury lies in authenticity, emotion and attention to detail, his appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection.

 

Mo Elbanna, Executive Vice President of Global Operations, Auberge Collection comments: “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 Collection into its next chapter, positioning the hotel as one of France’s most distinctive luxury destinations.”

 

Damien Bastiat, General Manager adds: “I am honoured 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.”

 

Once the private estate of the Primat family, Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection blends historic château architecture and restored farm buildings with curated contemporary art, Michelin-starred dining at Dyades, a mill-housed wellness space, thermal baths, a floating tennis court and distinctive accommodations set across the estate. The property was welcomed into Auberge Collection in April 2023, joining the collection’s curated – and thoughtfully expanding  – portfolio of 30 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts worldwide.

 

Damien Bastiat Headshot HERE

Hotel Imagery HERE

 

About Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection 

Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Collection is a 13th century chateau set on 2,500 forested acres in the Charente region in south west France. Once the private holiday estate of the Primat family, the property was transformed into a luxury hotel and art de vivre retreat in 2015. As of April 2023, Auberge Collection was selected by Garance Primat to manage Domaine des Etangs, which, from its origin as a fiefdom of the knights of Chasteigner de la Roche-Posay to its 1860s renovation as a family castle, remains emblematic of rich French history. The chateau embodies the absolute best of French design, blending a world class restoration of an ancient castle and original farm buildings with a sophisticated palette of curated modern art and artisan architectural interventions. At Dyades, a Michelin-starred farm-to-table sanctuary, every dish is a love letter to the land—crafted under the visionary hand of Executive Chef Matthieu Pasgrimaud. The hotel also features a renowned art collection, a wellness space built around the original works of the old mill building, a floating tennis court, a Thermal baths pool house and charming multi-story rooms carved out of restored 18th century barns.

For more information, please visit .

 

Connect with Domaine des Etangs on Instagram and Facebook at @domainedesetangs 

 

About Auberge Collection

Auberge Collection is a portfolio of extraordinary hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine, innovative wellbeing, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. With 30 one-of-a-kind hotels, resorts, and residences, Auberge invites guests to create unforgettable stories in some of the world’s most desirable destinations.

 

For more information: auberge.com

 

Connect with Auberge Collection on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn @Auberge and #AlwaysAuberge

 

About Friedkin

Friedkin is a privately held family of global brands spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports. 

 

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Dan Friedkin, and united by a mission to build breakthrough brands that redefine the status quo.

 

The Friedkin portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton Football Club, GSFSGroup, Imperative Entertainment, Legendary Expeditions, NEON, Northside Lexus, Pursuit Sports, The Friedkin Group International, USAL and Westside Lexus.

 

For more information, please visit www.friedkin.com.