Discovering Bono’s Retreat: A Sanctuary of Reflection and Renewal

From Dublin to the French Riviera: A Personal Journey

“Legend has it that W. B. Yeats was once buried standing upright along a highway,” Bono remarks casually as we walk together, referencing the famed Irish poet. It’s early April, and the lead singer of U2 is guiding me along the gravel driveway of his coastal estate in the South of France, heading toward my awaiting car. Behind us, the vast expanse of the Mediterranean stretches endlessly, its azure waters blending seamlessly into the sky. The estate itself is a private haven, featuring several residences, a handful of swimming pools, and sprawling gardens. Despite its seclusion, the glamour of nearby Monaco and Cannes is just a short drive away. Bono isn’t the first Irish artist to seek solace on the sun-drenched shores of the Côte d’Azur-yet he seems to do it with a unique sense of purpose and ease.

Shared Dreams and the Cost of Success

Bono co-owns this property with his bandmate, The Edge. Back in the early 1990s, while touring along the coast with the band, they happened upon the estate and couldn’t resist stopping to take in the view. The other members-drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton-decided that owning such a place was too extravagant, too demanding. But Bono and The Edge, driven by their success, couldn’t resist indulging. Having risen from a decade of underground experimentation to global stadium-filling fame-selling over 170 million albums worldwide-they had the means to make their dreams a reality.

Jacket and trousers by Umit Benan; T-shirt by Dries Van Noten; sandals by Toga Virilis; Bono’s own shades and jewelry.

Building a Personal Sanctuary Amidst Success

Over the years, the estate has expanded to accommodate Bono’s growing family. Currently, one of the structures is under renovation, and a swimming pool has been drained-preparations for the summer months. Yet, despite the ongoing work, this retreat has provided Bono and his band with more than just a luxurious escape; it has become a vital part of their creative and personal lives.

The Power of Place in Bono’s Musical and Personal Evolution

“This estate has truly saved our musical spirits,” Bono confesses a few days later, seated comfortably in a cozy living room. The space around us is inviting-two large gray sofas, a wall of windows overlooking the sea, a piano tucked into a corner, and a roaring fireplace. Bono, ever the icon, remains dressed in his signature dark jeans, a simple V-neck T-shirt, and a navy chore coat-an homage to his Dublin roots, even here in the sunlit south.

The Journey to the French Riviera: Triumphs and Tribulations

The path that led Bono to this tranquil haven was marked by both exhilaration and hardship. “Climbing a mountain of challenges,” he describes the decade before acquiring the estate. U2’s ascent to the top of the global music scene was relentless-an evolution from underground punk roots to stadium-sized anthems, with over 70 million albums sold. Yet, amid the fame, Bono admits they were “slow to find their groove,” still discovering their true musical identity.

Reflections on Creativity and Personal Growth

Throughout the 2000s, U2 released landmark albums such as All That You Can’t Leave Behind (2000) and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004). Bono reflects that the French coast became more than a retreat; it became an antidote to his persona as a relentless performer. “It’s a counterbalance to the persona I’ve built,” he explains. The region offered him a chance to step back from the spotlight and reconnect with simpler pleasures-long lunches, quiet evenings with family, and moments of genuine relaxation.

Reconnecting with Humanity and Purpose

In candid conversations, Bono reveals that the estate has been a space for healing and self-discovery. “It’s where I’ve come to terms with my past,” he says, recalling how the serenity of the French landscape helped him confront demons rooted in childhood. His memoir, released in 2022, and the recent documentary Bono: Tales of Resign-a deeply personal film shot during his solo stage show-are testaments to this journey. The film, which premiered at Cannes before its release on Apple TV+ and Vision Pro, explores his life with raw honesty, challenging perceptions and revealing vulnerabilities.

Facing Mortality and Embracing New Perspectives

At 65, Bono has faced serious health scares, including a life-threatening heart operation in 2016. The experience forced him to reevaluate his priorities. “I felt like I lost control of my breath,” he admits, recalling the panic that ensued after surgery. Yet, he chose to continue performing, even with physical limitations, discovering that his voice had actually improved. “I realized I’d been shouting for a living,” he jokes, appreciating the newfound clarity and depth in his singing.

Renewed Creativity and the Future of U2

Today, Bono is energized by the band’s upcoming projects. They are in the studio working on new material-potentially their first album in nearly a decade. His enthusiasm is palpable, driven by a desire to address pressing global issues through their music. “We’re writing songs that give us a reason to leave home,” he affirms, emphasizing that touring remains essential when it serves a purpose-connecting with audiences and inspiring change.

Engagement in Global Activism and Personal Reflection

Beyond music, Bono’s commitment to social justice remains unwavering. He founded organizations like ONE in 2004 and (RED) in 2006, aiming to combat poverty, disease, and inequality worldwide. Recently, he stepped down from the boards to make space for younger activists, acknowledging the importance of fresh perspectives. “I’m the wrong age, the wrong ethnicity, and I’m not African,” he admits, recognizing the need for local voices to lead change.

Confronting Political Realities and Ideals

His work has often been scrutinized-criticized for tax strategies or controversial partnerships. Yet Bono remains steadfast, emphasizing that his actions are lawful and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference. “I take full responsibility for everything,” he states, highlighting his pragmatic approach. His political stance is best described as “radical centrist,” seeking balanced solutions amid polarized debates.

Hope and the Power of Collective Action

Despite setbacks, Bono believes in the potential for progress. He references Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous quote about justice’s long arc but now emphasizes the need to bend that arc through sheer willpower. “We must actively shape the future,” he insists, acknowledging the urgency of current global crises-climate change, rising nationalism, and social unrest.

Personal Philosophy and the Search for Meaning

In moments of quiet reflection, Bono contemplates the interconnectedness of all life. He cites actor Jeff Bridges’ recent words about harmony in nature and human relationships, finding inspiration in the idea that “everything is one big song for peace.” Bono’s spiritual outlook is rooted in a belief that divine presence exists in all creation, guiding him through both personal and collective struggles.

Family, Faith, and the Joy of Living

His family remains his anchor. Bono and Ali, his wife of over four decades, have four children-ranging from 23 to 35 years old-and a growing number of grandchildren. Despite their fame, they chose to raise their children in Dublin, sending them to local schools and maintaining a grounded lifestyle. Bono admits that he often feels like an outsider in his own family, observing from the sidelines as his children forge their paths.

Bono in Dublin, reflecting on life and legacy.

Contemplating the Balance Between Ambition and Contentment

He recognizes that much of his drive stems from a desire to honor his father’s struggles and to leave a meaningful legacy. Yet, he also values the simple joys-listening to music, walking in the park, sharing meals with loved ones. “If I could do it all over again,” Bono muses, “I’d be more open to the divine in everything around me.”

The Ongoing Journey of Creativity and Purpose

As U2 prepares to release new music, Bono’s focus remains on creating songs that resonate and inspire. “Rock ‘n’ roll should be a feeling,” he asserts. “It’s about capturing the essence of freedom and sharing it with the world.” His latest project, a new album, aims to do just that-lifting spirits and sparking conversations about what truly matters.

Final Reflections: The Power of Hope and Action

In closing, Bono reflects on the importance of collective effort. “We can’t just hope for change; we have to make it happen,” he says. “The arc of justice bends, but only if we push it.” His life’s work-both musical and humanitarian-embodies this belief, demonstrating that perseverance and compassion can shape a better future.