What it is

A petite villa perched above St. Tropez.

What it isn't

An activity-packed resort right in the thick of things.

What we think

Reached by traversing a twisting road up the hillside that hugs the Gulf of Tropez, this neoclassical Italian villa sits poised in grand architectural symmetry, with dramatic staircases, sweeping views and manicured lawns making a polished impression. Althoff Villa Belrose's lobby gleams in white marble, slices of the sea glint through the arched windows and orchids twist out of footed urns. With only 40 guest rooms over three floors, the villa is intimately scaled—though it never feels small, thanks to the sprawling terraces and extensive, landscaped grounds. Rooms are understated, with gray and taupe fabrics, mahogany furniture and simple crown moldings. The food, whether served poolside or at the formal restaurant, is similarly sophisticated and thoroughly Mediterranean, with local lamb, rabbit and blue lobster on the menu and an exclusively French, 500-strong wine list. A salon and spa offer the usual roster of treatments from manicures to massages. Guests can borrow scooters for the five-minute ride down the road to the L’Orangerie Beach Club, where lounge chairs and umbrellas await. But many guests are perfectly happy to plant themselves by the pool, with its panoramic view of the peninsula, the yachts, and that impossibly blue water.

Note: The hotel is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October.

You're here because

You want St. Tropez glamour but on an intimate scale—and prefer to survey the scene from a high perch.

The Moment

The sun’s rays warming your face, you grasp the balcony, lean back and let the breeze run through your hair. Below you, the bay bleeds into the sea and the waters blend into the sky—an endless continuum of azure. The aromas wafting out of Le Belrose bring you back - it’s dinner time.

Restaurants & Bars

Le Belrose - Mediterranean cuisine, Michelin starred restaurant

Le Petit Belrose - International cuisine, Pool restaurant

The Lobby Bar - Cocktail lounge

Location

A five-minute drive into St. Tropez town and about 20 minutes to Ramatuelle Beach; 90 minutes by car to the Nice airport.