Serenely tucked away along the French Riviera, the illustrious La Réserve Ramatuelle, a gem masterminded by Michel Reybier Hospitality, prepares to unfurl its enchanting transformation for the new season next year. After recent enhancements to its lounge, bar, restaurant, and patio, the renowned hotel now embarks on a beguiling journey of rejuvenation under the creative stewardship of Jacques Garcia and his artisanal coterie. Thanks to his trusted list of painters, carpenters and weavers over half of the deluxe rooms and hotel suites have been reborn in resplendent glory with the others set to follow now that they are closed for the winter.
It is indeed the place of dreams and being a mere 15-minute drive from the glamorous heart of St Tropez La Réserve Ramatuelle emerges as a haven of tranquillity and a resplendent refuge from the clamour of the iconic town. Situated within an expansive private domain ensconced in the Provencal garrigue, this retreat greets its guests with the enchanting melody of cicadas and offers a mesmerising vista of one of the French Riviera’s most exquisite bays. Trust us when we say your Instagram followers will be envious.
Drawing inspiration from the Golden Age of the French Riviera, the first phase of renovations gives guests a refined and serene sanctuary. The backdrop consists of a palette of pure white blending into ochre whilst intricate hand-painted frescoes which pay homage to luminaries such as Cocteau, Fernand Léger, and Picasso, elegantly and boldly grace the walls. Each room is a unique canvas and has been brought to life by a collective of independent artists whose signature style fuses the chic aesthetic of Provençal splendour with a touch of World of Interiors front pages.
Shapely ceramic sculptures, masterfully crafted by French artists Florence Bamberger and Roger Capron, adorn the spaces complemented by bespoke white wood furnishings meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans. Fabrics and carpets from renowned Maisons like Pierre Frey, Lelièvre, and Deda invoke the spirit of the Belle Époque, reminiscent of the Riviera’s opulent bygone eras in the 1950s and 1960s. In essence, it’s quite literally fabulous!
Ah, La Voile. Adorned with two Michelin stars this culinary feat masterfully marries light gourmet delicacies with the flavours of Provence’s terroir under the creative guidance of Chef Eric Canino. The Brasserie presents classic dishes with international flair on its terrace. For a taste of the Dolce Vita, the Pool Restaurant tantalises with Italian and Mediterranean specialties, complemented by a chilled glass of Château la Mascaronne’s organic rosé—the epitome of summer indulgence.
The exceptional sanctuary of Spa Nescens invites guests to bask in a profound sense of well-being. With endless vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the serenity of nature, the spa unveils an array of treatments and programs rooted in cutting-edge health, fitness, and aesthetics advancements, delivered by a versatile team of therapists. Eleven treatment rooms, both indoor and outdoor pools, a steam room, and fitness facilities, all set against the backdrop of the azure sea, beckon guests to unwind. Spa Nescens offers three distinct Nescens Bootcamps, catering to those seeking holistic rejuvenation—the Mind and Body Nescens Retreat, Boot Camp Nescens, and the Nescens Bootcamper Experience. Even the most fitness adverse will find themselves sporting their Lululemon around the hotel’s premises.
It’s no shock that La Réserve à la Plage takes precedence on the famous and historic Pampelonne beach, (once the iconic Brigitte Bardot’s favourite spot in the 1950s) and is continuing to radiate its perennial charm on the Riviera. Designed by the illustrious Philippe Starck, whose accolades include Basil’s Bar in Mustique, La Réserve à la Plage presents a curated menu by the legendary Executive Chef Eric Canino and revels in a Raw Bar offering sushi, carpaccio, and tartare, wood-fired barbecue delights including Tomahawk Wagyu and Côte de Boeuf, grilled seafood, and the freshest “catch of the day,” all culminating in the traditional tarte tropézienne. Oh, and there’s luxurious beach beds too, both available to hotel guests and non-residents with sun-bed service which makes those glasses of said rosé taste even sweeter. This is made even better when all you have to do after a long day in the sun is clamber into one of their complimentary transfers and shuttle back to the hotel with utmost convenience. 10/10.