Saint-Tropez has long transcended its origins as a sleepy fishing village to become a symbol of Riviera chic. It’s a place where timeless elegance meets sun-drenched hedonism. But visit during Bastille Day (July 14th), and this iconic Riviera town becomes the epitome of charm and celebration. You can expect tricolor flags fluttering against a backdrop of luxury yachts and waterfront parades with just the right amount of flair. If you’re planning to be in Saint-Tropez, where you stay matters. These are the best hotels of Saint-Tropez now.
Cheval Blanc
If James Bond ever retired and took up barefoot beach luxury, he’d likely do it at Cheval Blanc St-Tropez. The hotel is located on Plage de la Bouillabaisse and is owned by LVMH. It is an intimate haven, where Mediterranean blues meet contemporary lines, thanks to the design talents of Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Ceramic artworks by Roger Capron dot the rooms, adding a Riviera flair. Then, there are are the zen-like suites, some of which offer terraces with sea or pine forest views.
You can continue to pamper yourself at the Guerlain spa, complete with a hammam, snow shower, and a fitness studio. And trust us, dining is serious business here. You have Chef Arnaud Donckele to thank for that. He leads the three-Michelin-starred La Vague d’Or restaurant that serves a multi-sensory culinary experience. For a more Provençal experience, you can head to La Terrase, and have authentic Provençal lunch with a specially-curated menu of ‘under the pines’. If you’re there on a Wednesday night, we suggest you book a table for Riviera Nights. This is a fun dinner experience with live music. And when you’re ready to explore, the hotel’s Bentley is ready to whisk you off, because in St-Tropez, even errands deserve luxury.
La Réserve Hotel, Spa & Villas, Ramatuelle
La Réserve Ramatuelle is basically what happens when minimalism gets a trust fund. This hotel blends contemporary architecture with the raw elegance of the Provençal landscape. Suites and villas are all about space, serenity, and sea views, with private terraces perfect for pondering life (or your next massage). The spa is the main event here. You can opt for their signature ‘better-aging’ treatments, yoga, and Pilates.
The Michelin-starred La Voile compliments the spa with its detox cuisine. It plates seasonal Mediterranean dishes with a lightness that belies their complexity, basically saying, “You’ll be hungry within an hour.” It is then you go to La Brasserie, their other restaurant that’s reserved for heartier meals. Or, if you’re done with Mediterranean food, you have the option of Muna Terraces where you can have sushi and other Japanese food. They also have a series of experiences that allow you to fully appreciate the marvel that is French Riviera. You can choose to paddleboard or kayak to explore the wild creeks. Or even go for a swim in the sea on a horseback.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is your go-to spot if you like your luxury served with a side of endorphins. Overlooking Gigaro Bay, this sleek, Philippe Starck-designed retreat is equal parts spa sanctuary and hideaway. The architecture is an ode to clean lines and natural light. And the interiors are so calming they could probably lower your blood pressure on sight. The rooms and suites are spacious and airy, many with terraces and views that make a compelling argument for never leaving.
The hotel revolves around its Shape Club, the wellness center. It is a high-tech, high-style wellness center offering everything from cryotherapy to Pilates. They also have personal training programs. Dining is ‘gourmet health’. Le Vista serves health-focused cuisine, whereas Brigantine serves Italian food. You have Pepe for the more authentic Provencal food. And that’s not all that Lily of the Valley is limited to. They also have private residences that can be rented. These are three villas that provide exclusivity and privacy but with all the facilities of a hotel. Lily of the Valley is definitely where you would want to stay if you do not like to compromise on fitness even on vacation.
Château de La Messardière, Airelles Collection
Château de La Messardière is what would happen if your grandmother’s château married a luxury hotel and then hired an army of butlers. It was originally built by a decorated cavalry officer as a wedding gift for his bride. It has been a witness to Gatsby-esque parties of the 1920s. Consequently, the hotel channels château elegance with a Provençal twist. There are turrets, antique furnishings, manicured gardens, and enough opulence to make Marie Antoinette blush. The suites on the property are lavishly decorated with rich fabrics and artful details. Plus, there are terraces that overlook either the gardens or the pool.
This is also one of the rare spots in town that genuinely welcomes families with connecting rooms, and has a kids’ club that ensures everyone has a très bon time. Their dining scene deserves a special nod due to an array of options. They have five restaurants and three bars. The restaurants serve Provencal, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisines while you can head to the bars for craft cocktails or sip one lounging in the pool. You have options when it comes to pools too. There are four different pools to choose from, indoors and outdoors. Their beach club, Jardine Tropezina, has its own restaurant and bar. The Valmont Spa offers indulgent treatments such as the osteopathic podiatry treatments and Hydrafacial. Basically, there’s a fat chance you might not want to leave the hotel premises at all once you’re here.
Arev Saint-Tropez
Arev Saint-Tropez is what happens when Riviera elegance gets a lively 60s-70s remix. This property is designed as a mini-village by local architect François Viellecroze, with each room individually designed by Luis Bustamante. The sun-baked reds, maritime blues, and yellows channel traditional Tropezian energy paying homage to the town’s seaside roots, without ever veering into kitsch. At the heart of the experience is the revived Strand Restaurant. They serve Mediterranean dishes using whatever the local markets are excited about that week. For your more spirited moments, there’s Q’s Bar, a champagne lounge that also serves craft cocktails, and a laid-back pool bar for when you’re in the mood for something cool and casual.
Wellness gets an upgrade at the AREV Spa by Maison ST, offering treatments that rely on locally sourced, natural ingredients. They also have some very modern, non-invasive beauty tech for when “natural” needs a little help. Two hammams, a sleek fitness center, Peloton bikes, and Pilates and yoga sessions round out the feel-good offerings. And once you’re done lounging, you can take their custom Mehari car or complimentary electric bikes for a spin. Their staff can also book you into curated experiences like wine tastings, market strolls, and boat jaunts that make you feel like a local. Add in a padel court and events with live DJs, and you’ve got a place where old-school Riviera glamour meets new-school indulgence, without ever breaking a sweat.
Lou Pinet
Lou Pinet is the kind of place where you half expect someone to hand you a linen robe and a glass of rosé upon arrival. It is designed to feel like an effortlessly stylish private home curated by interior decorator Charles Zana and architect François Vieillecroze. Lou Pinet leans into its relaxed, bohemian-chic vibe with natural stone, soft linens, and warm wood tones. The southern French charm is real, but never overdone.
Their restaurant, La Terrasse, offers Mediterranean dishes in a laid-back yet lively setting. This means you can have long lunches that might turn into early dinners. If you need something heartier and a little more decadent, the in-house Beefbar by Riccardo Giraudi serves up top-tier meats. The wellness offering is just as thoughtful, with the Spa by Tata Harper. They provide organic treatments, a hammam, and a fitness area if you like your relaxation balanced with a light sweat. Their pool is one of the largest in St-Tropez. The hotel also offers activities that lean very well into the art of doing very little. You can choose the meandering coastal walks, bike rides, and boat trips — all that can be arranged. But we won’t judge you if you don’t feel like leaving your sun lounger.
Other Articles You’ll Like
A Guide to St. Tropez 2024
Four Days in Saint Tropez
Designer Beach Clubs
FAQs
Q. When is Bastille Day celebrated?
A. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14th.
Q. Who owns Lou Pinet?
A. Lou Pinet is owned by Maisons Pariente.
Q. How can I book a stay at Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez?
A. You can drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll fix it up for you.
