La Réserve Ramatuelle
With fame comes popularity and there is no denying that St Tropez can get crowded in summer. To avoid the crush, stay at stylish and secluded La Réserve Ramatuelle, a hilltop haven just 10 minutes from Pampelonne Beach and 15 minutes from the buzz of the old village.
La Réserve Ramatuelle may only be a short hop for the glitz and glamour of St Tropez but it feels a world apart, helped in no small way by its modernist architecture and well-engineered sightlines, which leave nothing but views of the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see.
The 19 suites and eight rooms are all elegant, spacious and open onto large private terraces with sun loungers and sensational sea views. Following on from the renovation of the lounge, bar, restaurant and patio by Michel Reybier, the rooms and suites have been revitalised for 2024 by Jacques Garcia. Reminiscent of the golden age of 1950s and 60s Riviera, the aesthetics reflect this joyous period of creative effervescence while floor-to-ceiling windows maximise vistas of the mesmerising Mediterranean Sea. Some have private gardens, though if it’s space you’re after, you’re better off opting for one of the 14 private villas. The height of Côte d’Azur living, each villa comes with its own heated swimming pool (some also have a pool house), fragrant private gardens and endless sea views. And with sizes ranging from three to six bedrooms, there’s a villa for all occasions.
A sense of calm pervades the whole estate, but nowhere more so than at the excellent spa, which offers anti-ageing treatments, bootcamps and retreats from acclaimed Swiss clinic Nescens, as well as more traditional treatments, indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam and fitness room.
This healthy living focus is maintained at the restaurants, which include a rooftop Japanese restaurant, La Brasseries with its menu reflecting the great culinary classics of vacations in the South and the Michelin-starred restaurant La Voile, where dishes are prepared by two-star chef Eric Canino, who also oversees the relaxed Pool Restaurant.
