Nothing says French Riviera during the summer than St. Tropez, and that’s where we visit this week. Our mission? To show you its best resorts and their top suites.
1. Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
2. Hotel Byblos
3. Airelles St-Tropez
4. La Reserve
5. Hotel Lou Pinet
6. Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez
7. Hôtel de Paris
1. Cheval Blanc St-Tropez
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Cheval Blanc Saint Tropez has two serious local brags that curiously seem to precede both its three Michelin-starred restaurant and lavishly restrained interiors: it has access to a beach (more a small patch of white sand) and is a hop, skip, or Bentley nano-second away from Saint Tropez, unlike its Ramatuelle competitors. A tastefully contemporary expression of Riviera glamour, this Côte d’Azur Maison comprises the original Pinede Chateau, extended and retuned inside for a less formal (but no less fabulous) set. This is where quiet luxury comes into play, to recline on creamy sun loungers following gourmet Truffle Croque-Madame lunches, or to inspect the hotel’s feast of modern art before a caviar and Champagne tasting menu, courtesy of Chef Arnaud Donckele. Rooms dressed in sumptuously simple blues and creams echo the views across a sequin bay to Saint Maxime, therapists work Guerlain potions into weary shoulders in the spa, and impeccably dressed waiters glide across the pine-shaded terrace, topping up paper-thin glasses of Ruinart.”
The Telegraph writes, “This fourth Cheval Blanc Maison, following outposts in Courchevel, the Maldives, and St Barths, is a 30-room property with interiors designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. It’s located on the edge of St Tropez with, uniquely, its own private beach and three Michelin stars at the acclaimed La Vague d’Or restaurant.”
Duplex Pinède Suite
The 970 sq. ft. Duplex Pinède Suite offers a residential experience designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte. On the first floor, the bedroom evokes an elegant, contemporary ambiance in a palette of blue and cream, enhanced by works of Provençal artist Roger Capron. The bedroom is accompanied by a terrace, a separate dressing room, a light-filled bathroom with an elegant vanity area, a bathtub, a walk-in shower, and separate toilets. On the second floor, the living area offers views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez and opens onto a terrace with a table and sun loungers.
More suites at Cheval Blanc St. Tropez.
2. Hotel Byblos
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Imagine a hotel that blends a pastel-hued Provencal fishing village with an ancient Lebanese port, replete with ancient Greek references and Roger Capron ceramics. Gay-Para, the Lebanese billionaire who created it, did exactly that, but he also imagined it would win over Saint Tropez queen Brigitte Bardot, for whom he had an unwavering obsession. It didn’t, although she politely attended the opening party. But it did win the hearts of the glitterati, shortly followed by the deep wallets of Europe’s fortunate few. This is a fabulous, unapologetic vestige of the Riviera’s golden era, where heavy silver trays of seafood sit on balconies and Chanel heels strut to poolside dinners for live jazz and lobster. Mick and Bianca married here and the legendary nightclub, Les Caves Du Roy, continues to lure in the celebrities and high rollers, all drunk on the iconic party snaps of Grace Jones (and Veuve Clicquot).”
The Telegraph reports, “Ever since the Lebanese billionaire Gay-Para created the Byblos out of a hopeless infatuation with Brigitte Bardot, the glitterati have flocked here. Whether you’re lazing at the new Byblos Beach club or rubbing shoulders with Leonardo DiCaprio at the nightclub, this celebrity playground is the place to be seen.”
Missoni Suite
The 2,034 sq. ft. Missoni Suite is the Presidential Suite of the hotel and overlooks the resort’s main pool. It has two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms.
More suites at Hotel Byblos.
3. Airelles St-Tropez
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “The biggest and one of the most prestigious hotels in the French Riviera, Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière looks straight out of a fairytale, with its turrets, domes and arcades. Enter this magnificent property, you’ll be welcomed with a breathtaking view of Pampelonne’s famous beaches and Ramatuelle’s widespread vineyards. But you’ll want to explore: walk amid pine, cypress, palm, olive and boxwood trees along the botantical trails in the park surrounding the Château; get a soothing treatment at the Valmont spa; or savor authentic Provencal cuisine at L’Auberge des Maures restaurant. Retreat to the heated pool and its lounge bar, whose champagne cocktails are a delight. The luxury hotel serves as a local icon in St. Tropez. It is the place to discuss business, throw formal parties or host unique exhibitions — in fact, the hotel housed the well-known Brigitte Bardot Exposition in 2015.”
The Telegraph writes, “Kids and parents alike adore this five-star, family resort near the beach in St-Tropez that is the latest Mediterranean address from luxury brand Airelles. The picture-book chateau spoils with magical sea views, versatile rooms, creative dining and an exclusive range of activities unmatched on this chic coastline.”
Four Bedroom Residence
At 2,950 sq.ft., the Four Bedroom Residence is a duplex villa with its own kitchen, private garden, and swimming pool.
More suites at Airelles St. Tropez.
4. La Reserve
Conde Nast Traveler says, “The epitome of contemporary calm, La Reserve Ramatuelle hides away from the Cote d’Azur crowds in the pine-shaded hills, 20 minutes inland from Saint Tropez. The traditional terra-cotta tiles dressing its villa and suite roofs belie the minimalist feast inside—the work of Jean-Michel Wilmotte who brought the splendid simplicity of the landscape indoors with a spoiling effect. The pool scene (apparently ripped from a book of Slim Aarons prints) is animated by golden sunlight and endless glasses of rosé. Jasmine clings to the air and Mini Mokes whizz guests to La Reserve’s Pampelonne outpost, where plates of ceviche and tomatoes sprinkled in truffle line up like the cream umbrellas shading those digesting a long, lavish lunch.”
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “This Provençal-style property offers an excellent setting for enjoying the beauty of Southern France, with eight rooms, 19 suites, and endless views of the Mediterranean. The resort also includes 14 villas, offering maximum privacy for families or groups of friends. The breathtaking looks at the sea are the common thread throughout this exclusive hotel experience. Whether you’re relaxing in your room, dining on authentic local flavors at La Voile, or receiving a cutting-edge treatment at the hotel spa, your eyes will remain fixated on the gorgeous panorama.”
Villa 10
The 5,290 sq. ft. Villa 10 offers six bedrooms, a private garden, and a pool. Inside is a large central living room, a dining room, and a separate kitchen. The patio is ideal for Summer dining. Opposite the master suite, one of the six bedrooms offers a separate access point near the entrance of the villa, extremely practical for accommodating a teenager or a nanny.
More suites at La Reserve.
5. Hotel Lou Pinet
The Telegraph says, “A beautiful, petite Provençal country pad that evokes the spirit of St Tropez in the 1960s and 1970s – trop glam but also trop laid-back. Color abounds from the wall art to the bedrooms to the poolside towels.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “There is something endlessly glamorous about Saint Tropez’s laid-back spirit. You’ll find it in droves at Hotel Lou Pinet where rooms are dressed in shades and prints from the ’60s and ’70s, and mint shutters lining a typically Provencal exterior blink out over one of the Riviera’s most ravishing pools, lined with turquoise tiles. Subdued colors and materials echo the region’s more rustic reputation—olives, creams, wicker, and terra-cotta—and ahead-of-her-time Tata Harper has whipped the spa into eco-shape. Breakfast here is a photogenic affair—finessed spreads of bircher muesli, perfectly baked bread and pastries, fresh fruits, and cold cuts, enough to stretch on till midday where Saint Tropez’ sandal and Tropezienne delis await only 10 minutes away.”
Prestige Suite
The 975 sq. ft. Prestige Suite is one bedroom with two private terraces and a private entrance.
More rooms and suites at Hotel Lou Pinet.
6. Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez
The Telegraph says, “One of France’s most highly rated five-star hotels, the Sezz blossoms out from a large, centerpiece pool in a series of stylish bungalows and villas. Each is minimally decorated yet generously sized. All have private terraces; some boast personal plunge pools.”
Two-Bedroom Villa Suite
The 1,050 sq. ft. Two Bedroom Villa Suites have an outdoor shower, a private pool, and 300 sq. ft. private terrace.
More suites at Hotel Sezz.
7. Hôtel de Paris
The Telegraph reports, “Everyone from Clark Gable to Jean-Paul Sartre has stayed at this St Tropez classic. A contemporary re-design has brought this 1930s hotel up to date. As well as its enviable location in the village center, this five-star hotel attracts guests with 180-degree views from its glass-walled restaurant and rooftop pool.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,500 sq. ft. Presidential Suite duplex offers views over the Med and Gulf of Saint-Tropez. It features a dining area, lounge, and two terraces including an 800-sq.ft. terrace with jacuzzi and sun loungers.
More suites at Hotel de Paris.
