Les Terrasses du Bailli

St Tropez basks in the heart of the Mediterranean, the candy-coloured townhouses jostling for attention like guests at a party. But it’s not just sparkle and spritzers in the Cote d’Azur, because at its very core it is a land rich in tradition, culture and colour. I was lucky enough to experience this first-hand when I checked into the tranquil Hôtel Les Terrasses du Bailli, which stands proud above one of the most beautiful, hidden coves in the region and watches over the Îles d’Or.

The décor combines the history of the area with its contemporary, modern day character, mixing together a charming 1920s villa and a stylish, avant-garde building. A neutral palette gives the hotel a warm, calming ambience: shades of ochre, beige, and grey, with splashes of deep turquoise giving a not to the vast expanse of Mediterranean Sea.

Tucked away amongst rolling greenery and the rustic, rugged landscape of the Côte d’Azur, Les Terrasses du Bailli is a secluded haven in the middle of the action. The twenty-four rooms adhere to the intimate atmosphere, creating an air of exclusivity and the feeling that you’re basking in your own quiet corner of the world.

Before I’d even got to my room I’d fallen in love with the stylish but understated design that is flecked with elements of the surrounding scenery and the natural, laidback personality of the hotel which is split into old and new sections. By the time I’d got to my room, I was head over heels in love with the entire hotel, as well as the spectacular length of coast that it rested on – a view that greeted me every time I ventured out onto my spacious, private balcony. My quarters were big, bright and airy, reminiscent of the fresh breeze and blue skies just outside. Comfortable, elegant white linens, walls, and blond wood furniture was brought to life with pastel blues and vibrant turquoise; the ambient lighting, colourful artwork, and beautiful orchids were a nice touch, too.

During the days, I languished in the relaxing Carita spa, which comprises four private cabins open all year round for a range of beauty and health treatments. Overlooking the Cote d’Azur coastline, I enjoyed massages, body wraps and the on-site traditional hammam. I’d explore the surrounding landscapes, laying my towel down in one of the picturesque coves that shape the shoreline and I ventured into the heart of St Tropez to merge with the bustling, star-studded crowds. The nearby islands of Porquerolles, Port-Cros, and Levant are sitting pretty waiting to be explored, and I wandered through the charming vintage streets of the small nearby market towns, ducking into quaint museums and traditional patisseries.

Talking of patisseries, the breakfast at the Les Terrasses du Bailli is fit for a king – a buffet piled high with flavours of the Mediterranean, showcasing homemade breads and jams, and local cheeses and meats. In keeping with the foodie theme, the hotel also harbours three exceptional restaurants. In the afternoons, I opted to eat crunchy, fresh salads on the open terrace by the pool, and in the evenings I had the difficult choice of selecting either the brasserie set right on the beach (who doesn’t like to dig their toes into the sand while they dine?) and the upmarket La Praya, perfect for a special occasion with its elegant selection of fresh fish and meat dishes.

There’s something so freeing and relaxing being amongst the rugged, wild scenery of the Côte d’Azur, basking in the eternal blue skies and the even bluer Mediterranean Sea. But the Les Terrasses du Bailli offered so much more than just relaxing. It offered the chance to enjoy some pampering, some exploration, and the opportunity to sample the delicious cuisine that characterises this particular stretch of coast. Who needs oversized sunglasses and sparkling champagne when you’ve got views as amazing as the one from my hotel balcony?