Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature the luxury side of an awesome city. Guest bloggers will share about either their hometown or a town they are an expat in and know very deeply so that you get a guide straight from a local. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.
Luxury Guide to Saint Tropez
Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in St. Tropez.
Hi, my name is Rob and I am the editor of Le Bon Lifestyle, a luxury travel and lifestyle blog providing readers with reviews and recommendations on the best hotels and restaurants around the world, with some friendly fashion advice thrown in to ensure you look your best on your luxury vacation!
I have been travelling to Saint Tropez for over 14 years and have an intimate knowledge of the area and the best places to stay and hang out.
What makes St. Tropez a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?
Saint Tropez is the epitome of luxury travel and perfect for those seeking a luxury lifestyle. There is such a positive energy about the town and that’s what I love about it most.
Saint Tropez has numerous fine hotels, villas and restaurants to keep the most discerning traveller happy.
What 5-star hotel is the best in St. Tropez?
For me the Pan Dei Palace is the best 5* Hotel in Saint Tropez. Hotel Byblos is more well known, but I prefer the Pan Dei’s understated class over the more in your face Byblos. Click here for rates and availability.
What about boutique hotels in Saint Tropez, of them all, which would you send your friends or family to stay at?
We have been returning to Hotel La Garbine for many years.
Located just a short walk from the famous Tahiti Beach, La Garbine is a small family run hotel with a good sized pool and well-appointed rooms.
Your host, Christian makes you feel like one of the family and provides a relaxed atmosphere in which guests can really unwind. Click here for rates and availability.
Are there any fun luxury activities for the adventurous traveler in Saint Tropez?
If your pockets are deep enough, you could hire a yacht for the day and motor round to the Pampelonne beach and lunch at Club 55, former hangout of Bridgette Bardot no less.
Alternatively, you could take the short drive up to the beautiful, medieval village of Grimaud up in the hills overlooking Saint Tropez bay and take a spot of lunch in the Cafe de France.
Where are the best hang outs during the day in Saint Tropez?
During the day, everybody heads to the beach, with the Pampelonne being the most popular.
Our favourite restaurant for lunch is Tabou Beach, located on Tahiti Beach. The satay prawns are to die for and you can chill with a nice glass of Domaine Ott Rose taking in the views and listening to some chilled house music.
After lunch, you can pick up the pace a little and head to Nikki Beach where the party really gets going…
If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in [insert city] and what are their best dishes?
My favourite fine dining experience in Saint Tropez can be found at L’Escale, located in the Port of Saint Tropez.
L’Escale is the perfect place to sit down and watch the super yachts roll in whilst you tuck into a Plats De Fruits De Mer, followed by grilled Fillet de Saint-Pierre (John Dorey) and wash it all down with a glass or 3 of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne.
Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?
You will struggle to find a bad meal in Saint Tropez and most of the restaurants serve up a mean Creme Brûlée or Moelleux au Chocolat, but I would recommend those with a sweet tooth head to a Tarte Tropizienne patisserie for a cake of the same name. The cream filled brioche will leave you in a sugar filled trance of ecstasy.
Tell us all the hot shopping spots in Saint Tropez; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?
Where do I start? Chanel, Cavalli, Gucci, Hermes, Villbrequin, Breitling…you won’t have a problem finding luxury designers in Saint Tropez, the issue may be the balance on your Amex at the end of it!
What are a couple of the best salons and spas in St. Tropez?
The Pan Dei has its own onsite wellness centre, and guests can enjoy a massage in their room, onsite or best of all on the Pan Dei’s very own 100-foot yacht in Saint Tropez port.
Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?
I always enjoy a sunset cocktail at the Senequier in Saint Tropez port as I settle down for a good old spot of people watching in the circus that is Saint Tropez marina at sundown.
For those looking for a romantic spot, Grimaud village has stunning views across Saint Tropez bay.
Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.
We always head to White 1921 champagne cocktail bar to get our pre-dinner game on. They serve up a pretty mean (and large!) champagne Mojito, guaranteed to get you in the mood and as good as any we had in Buenos Aires recently.
If you end the night at a fancy club in St. Tropez, which one do you head towards?
Many would say Caves du Roy in the Byblos hotel, but I would avoid that trap. The club is hard to get into and seriously expensive once you do get in.
The VIP rooms are another option where, if you are lucky, you may get to see a performance by Snoop Dog or Carl Cox.
The easier and arguably more fun option is Papagayo, located in the marina, where I have partied many a time until 3am with my wife Gemma and several grey goose, soda, limes!
Rob is passionate about food and travel, and recently returned from a 3 month sabbatical to Europe and South America. Rob believes that travel needn’t be uncomfortable and tiring and prefers to tick off his bucket list in the luxury of a 5* hotel! You can find more luxury travel and lifestyle advice on the Le Bon Lifestyle website and follow Rob on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
Oh wow that seafood looks incredible! Would love to visit St Tropez
A friend of mine was at Saint Tropez for a week last year. But she wasn’t staying at luxury accomodation. She didnt stop talking abt the pristine blue waters for at least a few months. I think she is planning to go back next year. :-)