Saint-Tropez, France
Château de la Messardière
An Airelles Property
What it is
A 117-room, 19th-century castle on 25 manicured acres, with a Valmont-Cinq Mondes Spa.
What it isn't
Teensy. This is rumored to be the largest hotel in Saint-Tropez, and with its birdseye view over the beaches of Pampelonne, feels like it stretches on forever.
What we think
As historic palaces go, this one ranks. The property was erected in the year 640 atop a lush hill, then added on to over the centuries (between pillaging raids. It happens). Now, rooms are every bit royal worthy—though redone for modern tastes in sedate pastels and neutrals. Most are stocked with a whirlpool bath and cinematic terrace; book an Exceptional Suite to have a housekeeper unpack (and repack) your luggage and be treated to gratis room service breakfasts; don’t be surprised if you receive a bottle of champers, housemade macaroons and a fresh bouquet of flowers upon check-in. Now that’s worthy of a monarch.
You're here because
The service here is so doting that all room service orders are delivered in 20 minutes, 24-hours a day, whether you’re craving duck foie gras with chutney on toast or caviar, creme fraiche and blinis.
The Moment
You were impressed the minute you checked in at the resort’s new spa, thanks to the mosaic-lined pool and his and her’s hammams. But it’s your treatment—a papaya puree scrub that makes you feel as delicious as you smell—that has you booking more visits every single day until your departure.
Restaurants & Bars
Restaurant for dinner
Les Trois Saisons - Mediterranean cuisine
Restaurant La Terrasse - Only for lunch in summer, light cuisine
Location
On an emerald hilltop overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez, within minutes of the beach. (Plage de Tahiti is a 1960s nudist colony. You’ve been warned.)