Xavier Destribats has been named General Manager at Hôtel du Palais Biarritz - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Xavier Destribats has been officially confirmed as General Manager of the iconic Hôtel du Palais in Biarritz, France, effective October 9, 2026. Destribats, who joined the property in May, succeeds Vincent Poulingue, who departed to lead Mandarin Oriental Paris. His appointment follows a mutual evaluation period during the summer season and required approval from Hyatt and the City of Biarritz, which owns the historic property. The hotel operates under Socomix, a mixed-ownership company in which the municipality holds a majority stake, with Hyatt responsible for hotel operations.
A graduate of the École hôtelière de Lausanne, Destribats brings nearly four decades of international hospitality experience across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. He began his career with Hyatt in 1986, holding operational and executive positions in Mexico, Israel, France, and Japan, including General Manager of Grand Hyatt Tokyo. In 2011, he joined Kempinski Hotels, where he held several senior leadership positions, including President Europe and Chief Operating Officer for the Americas. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer for EMEA and the Americas until December 2025. His appointment in Biarritz marks a return to property-level leadership following many years in regional and corporate executive roles.
Destribats takes the helm at a pivotal moment for the landmark luxury hotel, which lost its prestigious Palace designation from Atout France in June 2026 despite renovations reportedly exceeding €80 million. While the decision highlighted remaining challenges involving bathroom facilities and the hotel's fine-dining offering, commercial performance has remained strong, with occupancy reaching 90% in August. His immediate priorities are expected to include addressing outstanding renovation requirements, strengthening food and beverage operations, and reinforcing the property's relationship with the local community. Balancing commercial performance, heritage preservation, and the expectations of the hotel's municipal ownership will be central to his leadership agenda.
Xavier Destribats is an alumnus of EHL Hospitality Business School .