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.)