AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO ST. TROPEZ

St. Tropez - Old-world glamour meets sun-drenched elegance, carrying the aura of it’s golden 60’s era. Strolling it’s cobbled streets, you can still sense that romance, wrapped in the scent of lavender, thyme, lemon, mint and seat salt, the hum of vintage Rivas gliding across the bay. Chic, boutiques, white-blond iconic beaches and a swimmable crystal-clear waters make St. Tropez an unforgettable destination.

The French Riviera’s celebrity honeypot sizzles with glitz and glam in the summer months. Visit this storied seaside town off-season and you'll discover its charming, sleepier, less flashy side - think locals playing pétanque on quaint cobbled streets, price tags that won't cause your jaw to sink to the floor and, best of all, a reliable dose of decent sunshine.

sanctuary - Among St. Tropez’s many exquisite hotels, AREV St. Tropez stands apart. A sanctuary of refined luxury, this intimate retreat embodies the town’s effortless charm. And it’s open year-round. Nestled above Place des Lice, it feels more like a private residence than a hotel – think book-lined salons, vaulted ceilings and hidden corners to sink into. It’s small and cosy, but big enough so you can feel alone and separate with your family or friends. You can sit in the salon and play cards or backgammon for hours. The food is delicious. Caramelised and crispy yet also soft! The Strand restaurant revives classic St. Tropez dining with Mediterranean flavours. The rooms, designed by Luis Bustamante, exude nautical elegance with bold blue and red accents that echo the yachts bobbing in the port. The Strand restaurant revives classic St. Tropez dining with Mediterranean flavours, while one of it’s sexiest additions is it’s striped-canopy-framed Q’s Bar, which channels an exclusive speakeasy feel, perfect for hulking great cocktails with girlfriends! Four spicy Margaritas please!

off-season - Visit St. Tropez in summer and you'll be jostling with the masses for a beachside daybed, but arrive in April, May or September and you’ll relish it’s laid-back vibe, delicious weather and easy-access to popular haunts.

indulgence - A visit to the South of France is so much about the food and wine. Here the rosé is a real highlight. Light, crisp and fresh. In St. Tropez dining options are endless – from high-end to more laid-back and the beach clubs are legendary. I would recommend Club 55 - a timeless classic and a Joan Collins favourite. The seabass is amazing and a must-try. For somewhere chic yet relaxed vibe there’s Gigi Ramatuelle or Cabane-Bambou on Pampelonne Beach offers relaxed dining. For the best ice cream go to Barbarac on the port or for Beluga caviar and head to The Strand at AREV St. Tropez.

reverie - A perfect day in St. Tropez for me means escaping poolside and reclining like a vegetable under a navy parasol. At AREV St. Tropez they have the most beautiful swimming pool with polka dots adorning the floor so I’d possibly swim … eat … read … repeat.

coastal hikes - Weaving alongside rocky coves and empty, white-sand beaches, the wild and windy Sentier du Littoral coastal walk is a pleasure in summer - and downright magical in winter. Pick up the trail on the outskirts of town, then march (or meander) along the water's edge for the next four or five hours. Once at Hyères, catch the ferry across to the dazzling island of Porquerolles to enjoy a stroll through its pine-scented groves.

vineyards - There’s something deeply satisfying about driving along St. Tropez’s coastal road outside of peak season. Staggeringly void of traffic I would take a visit to some of the region’s vineyards. Nestled on the Saint-Tropez Peninsula, Fondugues-Pradugues is a family-run vineyard crafting natural, biodynamic wines near Pampelonne Beach. With sun-drenched vines and a laid-back charm, it’s a perfect spot to sip and savour elegant, natural rosé wines.

olive oil - Have you ever experienced an olive oil tasting? If you stay at AREV St. Tropez I can arrange an immersive olive oil tasting. A fantastic master gardener called Stefan will bring you exquisite olive oils to sample. You’ll also explore the gardens and learn about aromatic plants.

cocktails - You’re absolutely going to want sunset drinks at golden hour. At AREV St. Tropez’s Q’s Bar, mixologists craft inventive tipples like “Zebra Negronis” or the “House Margarita” (spiked with pineapple, allspice and Jamaican Jerk bitters.

curation – Every Tuesday and Saturday morning, dozens of market stalls descend upon buzzy central square Place des Lices, with vendors selling an array of local produce, clothes, soaps and handmade goodies. Usually packed in the summer, it's a breezy dream off-season, making it the place to chase down a real bargain. I can arrange private visits. And the croissants in the surrounding cafés? They're delicious year-round.

AREV St. Tropez should fulfil all your French fantasies. A place where luxury meets laid-back charm and offers something for everyone. No matter how you choose to experience why not get in touch and let me help you plan your trip.

Clare xx