Saint Tropez has some of the best-known luxury hotels on the French Riviera, from grand hotels in the village to quiet retreats in the hills and on the beaches nearby. This guide covers the top luxury hotels in Saint Tropez, what each one is known for, where to eat, when to go and how to get there.
Key Takeaways
- The best-known luxury hotels in Saint Tropez include Hôtel Byblos and Cheval Blanc Saint Tropez, with Château de la Messardière on the hill above the town.
- Boutique hotels such as Hotel Lou Pinet, Villa Marie and La Ponche offer a smaller, more personal stay.
- For wellness, Lily of the Valley and Hôtel Sezz are built around their spas.
- The main season runs from April to October. Book early for July and August.
Introduction
Saint Tropez went from a bohemian village to one of the most famous resort towns in France. Its fame grew after Brigitte Bardot starred in "And God Created Woman." Today the town mixes a compact old port and narrow streets with beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and luxury boutiques in the village.
Choosing a hotel comes down to where you want to be. Hotels in the town centre put you within walking distance of the port, restaurants and shops. Hotels on the hillsides and near the beaches are quieter and often have more space, larger pools and sea views.
Iconic Luxury Hotels in Saint Tropez
Hôtel Byblos
Hôtel Byblos sits in the heart of Saint-Tropez and is one of France's Palace Hotels. Its design echoes a pastel-hued Provençal fishing village. The hotel has a pool, a Sisley spa, a well-known nightclub and its own beach club. It suits travelers who want to be close to the village and its nightlife.
Château de la Messardière
Château de la Messardière stands on a hill outside the town, with views over the coast and the countryside. It is a quieter choice than the hotels in the village, with several swimming pools and spacious suites.
Cheval Blanc Saint Tropez
Cheval Blanc Saint Tropez has direct beach access and a Guerlain spa. Its restaurant, La Vague d'Or, is led by Chef Arnaud Donckele and holds Michelin stars. It is a good fit if fine dining and a beach on your doorstep are your priorities.
Boutique Hotels with Unique Flair
Saint Tropez also has smaller hotels with their own character. AREV St Tropez is known for its bold, contemporary design, and Airelles Saint Tropez, Pan Deï Palais, for its exotic decor. The three below are popular for a more personal stay.
Hotel Lou Pinet
Hotel Lou Pinet takes its style from the 1960s and 1970s, with mint shutters, a Provençal exterior and retro rooms. Guests can use the Tata Harper spa and the pool, and a shuttle runs to the town centre.
Villa Marie
Villa Marie is set in a pine forest. It was designed by Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet, with antique furniture, pastel walls, four-poster beds and patios looking out over the landscape. It suits couples who want a romantic, quiet stay.
La Ponche
La Ponche is in the heart of Saint Tropez and has long been a meeting place for artists and film stars. Its terrace restaurant and retro bar keep the relaxed feel of the town's bohemian years. It is a good base if you want to explore the village on foot.
Wellness-Focused Retreats
Some Saint Tropez hotels are built around their spas and wellness programs. Epi 1959, on Pampelonne beach, is another option for travelers who want a relaxed stay by the sea.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a wellness hotel within the Cap Lardier estate. Its Shape Club has a semi-Olympic pool, a fitness room, a Nordic circuit and a cryotherapy room. The hotel offers wellness programs tailored to each guest, from weight loss to healthy aging, and activities such as sea wading and aqua boxing.
Hôtel Sezz
Hôtel Sezz has a lounge pool surrounded by palm trees, a champagne bar and a Cinq Mondes spa. It is a calm option for travelers who want a smaller hotel focused on rest.
Dining at Saint Tropez's Luxury Hotels
Many of Saint Tropez's best restaurants are inside its hotels. Expect seafood, Mediterranean cooking and local produce, with settings that range from beachfront lunch to formal dinner.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
La Vague d'Or at Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, led by Chef Arnaud Donckele, is the standout for fine dining among the town's hotels. Book well ahead in summer.
Bistronomic Experiences
Bistronomic restaurants pair fine dining technique with a relaxed setting and shorter menus. Several Saint Tropez hotels have one alongside their main restaurant. They are a good choice for a long lunch or an easy dinner after a day on the beach.
Exclusive Amenities and Services
The top hotels in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez offer spas, wellness centers, fine dining and help with yacht charters and day trips along the coast.
Helicopter Transfers
The drive from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to Saint-Tropez can take almost two hours at busy times, and longer on summer weekends. A helicopter replaces that drive with a flight of about 25 minutes from Nice, landing at Grimaud Heliport, a few minutes from the village and port. Flights from Cannes take about 15 minutes.
BLADE arranges private helicopter charters to Saint-Tropez from Nice, Cannes, Monaco and other points on the Riviera. You book the whole helicopter, and the price is per flight, not per seat. If you are traveling with oversized luggage or golf bags, BLADE can arrange a van to carry the bags by road. Book early for July and August.
Private Terraces and Pools
Many of Saint Tropez's 5-star hotels have rooms and suites with private terraces or pools. AREV St Tropez is known for its bold designs, and Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez for its suspended pool. Ask for sea-view rooms when you book, since views vary within each hotel.
Concierge Services
Hotel concierge teams can book restaurants, beach clubs, boat days and transfers. Contact the concierge before you arrive in high season, when the best tables and beach club spots fill quickly.
Tailor-Made Holidays
Many luxury hotels will build a stay around you, with spa programs, private dining, excursions and transfers arranged in advance. Tell the hotel what you want when you book.
Best Time to Visit Saint Tropez
The best time to visit is between April and October. June to August is the liveliest period, with the most events and the highest demand. April, May and the early autumn are quieter and can offer better rates at the luxury hotels.
Booking Tips for Luxury Stays
- Book early. Rooms at the top hotels go first in July and August.
- Be flexible with dates. Moving your stay by a few days, or into the shoulder season, can open up more rooms and better rates.
- Join the hotel's loyalty program. Some groups offer perks to returning guests.
- Plan your arrival. Arrange your transfer from Nice or Cannes when you book the hotel, especially in peak season.
Summary
Saint Tropez offers a luxury hotel for most kinds of trip: Hôtel Byblos or La Ponche for the village, Cheval Blanc for the beach and fine dining, Château de la Messardière or Villa Marie for a quieter stay, and Lily of the Valley for wellness. Visit between April and October, book early for summer, and plan your transfer from the airport before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Saint Tropez a unique luxury travel destination?
Saint Tropez combines a small, historic port town with famous beaches, Provençal countryside and luxury boutiques. Its hotels range from grand Palace hotels to small boutique stays, all within a short distance of the village.
Are there any hotels in Saint Tropez that offer Michelin-starred dining experiences?
Yes. La Vague d'Or at Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, led by Chef Arnaud Donckele, holds Michelin stars.
Can I find wellness-focused hotels in Saint Tropez?
Yes. Lily of the Valley is built around wellness, with a semi-Olympic pool, a fitness room, a cryotherapy room and tailored wellness programs. Hôtel Sezz has a Cinq Mondes spa.
What amenities can I expect from a luxury hotel in Saint Tropez?
Expect spas, pools, fine dining and concierge services. Many rooms and suites have private terraces or pools, and hotels can arrange excursions and transfers.
When is the best time to visit Saint Tropez for a luxury hotel stay?
April to October. Summer is the liveliest time. Late spring and early autumn are quieter and can offer lower rates.