St Tropez: Villas not Hotels are where the Jet Set Holiday
Made famous in the ‘50s by the actress Brigitte Bardot, this little bit of France is still known for attracting the rich and famous. With its shops along the quay, super yachts moored in the harbour, and designer shops in the back streets St. Tropez itself is ‘the’ chic place to chill out on the Côte d’Azur.
A paradise for those who can afford it, instead of staying in hotels, the more affluent, particularly during the peak seasons of July and August, rent villas with family and friends. With the sun shining and the weather hot enough to go swimming in April, I was hosted by StTropezHouse, an agency that specialises in renting out high-end properties, to experience what it’s like to stay in a villa.
Villa Alkmene, La Croix Valmer, built on the side of a cliff
One of the area’s biggest problems is its accessibility. Although there are motorways from Nice, the smaller roads near to the coast get jammed with traffic. Fortunately, many of the villas have helicopter pads, and despite the government imposing a ban on the times they can be used, this circumvents the problem of sitting in traffic.
All the villas have heated private swimming pools and, depending on where they are, access to a nearby beach. Each unique, but my favourite has to be the newly built Villa Alkmene for its design and décor, built up the side of a cliff with a swimming pool that mimics the colour of the sea.
The Villa Ama at Pampelonne Beach, where I stayed, has extensive grounds, and with a white decor, provides a background for its owner’s impressive collection of contemporary art.
Paintings and sculptures are by famous artists such as Jeff Koons, Ron Arad, and Damien Hirst. My bedroom had a painting by Alex Prager. Equally impressive was the floor-to-ceiling mirror in front of my bed, which, using a remote control, became a television. I had only to press a button to close the blinds and curtains. Working out how to do this was my biggest problem! The villa is also dog-friendly which, as a dog owner, is a bonus.
Chanel bag
Buying art seems to be the latest trend for the affluent and StTropezHouse works with specialists who can advise on buying art.
In St Tropez itself, the Bel-Air Fine Art gallery has an impressive selection of art and sculptures. A very lifelike copy of a Chanel bag made in Calacatta gold marble by Andrea Valsecchi caught my eye.
For those who want to be seen and to see who’s around Beach Clubs are ‘the place’ to go. Although not membership based, they are difficult to get into particularly in high season where an introduction by the agency, unless already known to them, is essential in getting a table, as it is for any of the popular restaurants and night clubs.
Boutiques selling the latest in sea-side fashion tempted me in as I walked to our table at Nikki Beach. Overlooking a large swimming pool, and with DJs playing the latest music, a party-style atmosphere was created as we sipped exotic cocktails and ate beautifully presented food that tasted equally delicious.
Facilities
Many of the villas are staffed with housekeepers, cooks, butlers, and gardeners. Everything for a worry-free holiday.
Gym
Facilities vary but usually include a heated swimming pool. Often there is a gym, sauna or hammam, and massage space. Some have pétanque lawns, and children’s play areas. At Domain Louise, which consists of a grand house with another six villas on the property, there is a vegetable garden where guests can help themselves to produce. Villa Ana, as well as its extensive art collection, has a state-of-the art outdoor cinema and bar while Villa Alkmene has a car at the disposal of guests. At Domaine Rouillère, the bastide (country house) in the middle of acres of vineyards, has a wine production facility on site.
What’s Nearby
The market selling fresh produce, clothes, and local souvenirs takes place on Tuesday and Saturday in the square behind St. Tropez harbour. On other days, the market moves along the coast.
How Much
Villas range in size from three to eleven bedrooms with prices starting at €30,000 up to €430,000 a week. Many are off-markets and can only be rented through the agency. These mega expensive places, out of season, can be rented for a lot less than the asking price. StTropezHouse also provides a concierge service.
Getting there
Fly: British Airways. Or choose your flight
The post St Tropez: Villas not Hotels are where the Jet Set Holiday appeared first on The Travel Magazine.
