This idyllic seaside hotel has been conceived with a fresh and gentle touch, in the spirit of a family home

Located on the route des Salins, between the village of Saint-Tropez and its famous beaches, La Tartane is a place filled with charm and warmth. Designed like a Provencal village, the 5-star hotel is composed of small houses with 27 rooms and suites as well as a large open- air restaurant with a swimming pool. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden planted with Mediterranean species such as a remarkable collection of citrus trees, not to mention the large umbrella pine that welcomes visitors, and which inspired the hotel’s logo.

The surroundings are brightened by a palette of sunny colours and natural materials. Wooden benches, rattan chairs and headboards, travertine tables, embroidered textiles... The furniture has been either made to measure or found, to reinforce the feeling of a unique lifestyle and sense of hospitality. In their design, the Notoire agency pays tribute to the French Riviera, which has inspired so many artists since the 1920s. Small touches of objects found by Julie Barrau, recall this enchanted past and evoke memories of unforgettable vacations.

Like cocoons nestled in a haven of nature, the hotel’s 27 rooms and suites are divided among six small houses named after actors and muses of the Café Society: Ernest (Hemingway), Peggy (Guggenheim), Pablo (Picasso), Gabrielle (Chanel), Sara (Murphy) and Scott (Fitzgerald). All rooms and suites have independent access from the garden and are available in five different types, accommodating up to four people. Most of them are extended by a private terrace carefully planted with trees and furnished with custom-designed benches to fully enjoy the peace and quiet. Finally, two duos of communicating rooms allow bigger families to stay in a serene environment at La Tartane. For the interiors, the colour scheme echoes the South of France; whitewashed beams and roof timbers are accompanied by bright colours: almond green, pastel pink or luminous yellow on the walls, the parquet and, in small touches, on floral cushions or striped armchairs.

Specially designed by Notoire, the rattan headboards are embellished with airy brass-rimmed lamps, while the carved wooden desks are embellished with ‘‘jewel’’ handles identical to those on the cupboard doors, like shutters. Stylized drawings painted on the walls by Brazilian artist João Incerti complete this decorative work and create a poetic dialogue of multiple inspirations. This exercise in style extends to the adjoining bathrooms - coloured walls are mixed with grey marble and small white enamel in a swimming pool style. Ceramic sconces in the shape of shells and scalloped mirrors add a final touch to the space with precision and elegance.

The art de vivre extends to the outdoor spaces, where the restaurant accommodating 120 people is set in a shaded green environment. Under canopies, guests can enjoy themselves at any time of day, comfortably seated on rattan benches and armchairs covered with a plain terracotta fabric or a custom embroidered coral motif with many allusions to the Mediterranean, its sunshine, its ochre-coloured earth and the richness of the sea. In this open-air space, the parquet floor, the brass lighting, the travertine pedestal tables recall with refinement the seaside and the spirit of the 20’s and 30’s, where the feeling of freedom meets the quest for a distinguished sobriety.

The pool appears behind a row of planters, surrounded by large wooden day beds with a wavy edge and coordinated with fringed umbrellas; the tones are reminiscent of the ones in the restaurant. Like the rooms, unique hand-painted designs by artist João Incerti adorn the bar. The wonder of the South continues - it is an endless source of inspiration, shared by the hotel’s mixologists, whose cocktails, orangeades and lemonades made from the garden’s citrus fruits, allow one to refresh in the warmest hours of the day.

Those looking for gastronomy will not have to venture far - throughout the day, the Saint-Amour restaurant offers a fresh and seasonal menu, also available as room service for hotel guests. In the morning, the continental buffet is complemented by detox juices and à la carte dishes, such as avocado toast or eggs benedict. At lunchtime, guests will appreciate the beach club spirit, open to all. On the menu: crispy calamari with spicy mayonnaise, signature burger with home fries, truffle croque are just a few favourites. For dessert, sweet lovers will be tempted by the inevitable Tropezian pie or a selection of ice creams and sorbets from the Barbarac house. At nightfall, La Tartane invites you to another culinary journey by celebrating Maître Koy’s cuisine. The Chef’s first establishment opened in the 2000’s under the name of Grand Café and the place quickly became a must-try destination in Saint-Tropez. In this friendly and festive atmosphere, the feeling of escape lingers around delicate Asian and exotic flavours: shrimp tempura with almonds, sautéed sea bass fillet, sweet and sour and ginger or lion’s tears (marinated and pan-cooked wagyu beef flank steak). Not to mention wonderful desserts like mango coconut and tapioca soup or chocolate rolls with spiced caramel. It’s the ideal setting to indulge yourself and come back rejuvenated.