Freya Devereux
Managing Director
Decades in luxury hospitality across Europe's grandest houses. Has led the property since the early days and quietly sets the standard the rest of the team upholds.
Joined 2002
About Us
The people behind Velvetgetawayharbour
A private resort and casino on the Mediterranean coast. Opened in 2002 with six rooms and one conviction — that the finest hospitality is the kind you never need to announce.
Our story in three paragraphs
In the summer of 2002, two friends — a former hotelier and a chef — acquired a stretch of coastline and turned a private villa into a six-room inn. There was no investor deck, no marketing plan and no social media presence. There was a notebook with two principles: serve fewer guests better than anyone else; and refuse anything that is merely "industry standard".
Twenty-four years on we have 180 keys, three restaurants, a Michelin star, three private gaming salons, a full spa, and a guest book that quietly fills with the same families returning, year after year. The notebook still exists. The two principles have not changed.
We remain owned by the same two families that founded the property. We have never sold to a chain, never franchised the name, and never opened a second location — though we have been asked, often. We answer the same way every time: do one place well.
What we believe
Hospitality without theatre
The flowers are fresh because they ought to be. The robe is heavy because it ought to be. The work that matters is the work you never notice.
Continuity over churn
The bellman who greets you at the door has worked here longer than most of our suites have stood. The head sommelier has been with us for many years. We hire slowly and keep people for a lifetime.
Local over global
Our menu draws on what the coast provides, our wine cellar favours growers within four hours of the property, and our spa products are made by a chemist who lives forty minutes away.
Quiet by design
Adult-only, screen-free public spaces, soft lighting at all hours and a music programme curated to blend into the room. Loud is easy. Calm is hard.
The team
Six of the people who run the property day to day. Their backgrounds differ; their commitment to the standard does not. Behind them is a 280-person team across operations, food, beverage, wellness, gaming, and concierge.
Henrik Vaughn
Founding Partner
Oversees food, beverage and the guest experience. A former Relais et Chateaux board member and the origin of the resort's unhurried service philosophy.
Joined 2002
Anais Larsen
Executive Chef
Trained at Le Cordon Bleu, with stages at some of Europe's finest kitchens. Secured the property its Michelin recognition.
Joined 2017
Oscar Marchetti
Head Sommelier
Court of Master Sommeliers-certified, curating a cellar of several thousand bottles with a particular fondness for old Burgundy and small-grower Champagne.
Joined 2005
Lucas Beaumont
Spa & Wellness Director
Trained in Kyoto and Marrakech, and shaped the spa programme around the idea that rest is a skill, not a luxury.
Joined 2013
Adrian Laurent
Gaming Director
Years on the floors of Europe's private salons. Built ours around discretion, fair play, and a personal-host model that other houses now emulate.
Joined 2015
By the numbers
- 2002 — year founded
- 180+ suites, villas and bungalows
- Three restaurants, including one Michelin-starred
- Three private casino salons
- 280 staff across all departments
- 4.9 / 5 guest rating across 2,400+ reviews
- 65%+ of reservations from returning guests
- 9 languages spoken by our concierge team