Villa Marie ★★★★★

Saint Tropez is the name on every celebrity’s lips when summer starts to show its face. Set against a backdrop of aquamarine waters and gold-fringed beaches, these designer-clad characters kick back in a flurry of relaxation and romantic charm. The glamour of Saint Tropez is second to none, and it oozes French elegance – from the upmarket restaurants to the laidback beachside cocktail bars. It is with the intention of joining the stars that I head to Saint Tropez and delve into a thousand delights of the thick shores and paradise views. The end destination? Villa Marie, a small, luxury hotel that accommodates the opulent atmosphere of this Mediterranean hotspot.

The beauty of the Bay of Pampelonne, where the hotel is tucked away on a quiet stretch of coast, is certainly an eye-catcher. Set on the hill of Ramatuelle, not far from Saint Tropez’s lively port, the Villa Marie overlooks the soft waves of the ocean, ready to teach its Riviera-style lesson. It sits there, pretty as a postcard, with a halo of lush green lawns contrasted with vibrant blue pools, a pine forest that edges the Mediterranean Sea, and an impressive warm ochre façade, all of which blend quietly in with the peaceful setting.

Featuring a lagoon pool dug into the rock, the outside area offers the perfect place to rest. It is shaded by umbrella pines and climbing plants, which come together in a delicious array of scents. My room boasted an equally refreshing scene, laden with soft colours, fine, intricate furniture, and a grand bathroom. Splashes of colour hung from the French windows which opened out onto a private balcony overlooking the carpet of greenery below.

Around the Villa Marie, you’ll find pockets of small patios that offer a secluded serenity – the ideal spots for lounging back with a glass of wine and a good book. There’s the Orange Lounge, too, named after its terracotta floors and walls, which showcases a delightful collection of antique furniture. And you’ll definitely stumble across the sea view terrace with its sumptuous seafood bar and coral-coloured decor.

Saint Tropez and the surrounding French Riviera is a way of life also celebrated on the plate. At the Villa Marie, you can tuck into freshly grilled fish, perfectly cooked John Dory, and other delights from the depths of the ocean. Accompanying the crisp aroma of grilled fish, you’ll find great piles of colourful vegetables – purple artichoke, bright red beef tomatoes, cool yellow lemons, and more. Don’t forget to try the legendary Saint Tropez pie, either, for an all-encompassing taste of the Mediterranean.

Between dining on the delicious cuisine and soaking up the sun on the many patios, I found time to delve into the great selection of services at the spa and wellness centre. Dressed with a turquoise lagoon and decorated in a pearly charm, the centre hosts a menu of personalised treatments for every occasion.

I am certainly no celebrity, but the sophisticated design and friendly welcome at the Villa Marie certainly made me feel like one – helped, no doubt, by the exquisite natural surroundings of Saint Tropez.