In short… A discreet 34-room retreat set between the village and the beaches, where vintage St. Tropez glamour and lush gardens surround what is said to be the town’s largest swimming pool.
The surroundings… Tucked behind a row of cypress trees, Hótel Lou Pinet‘s unassuming exterior opens up into an expansive, estate-like oasis that provides a quiet base between the buzz of the harbor’s designer shops and the bohemian luxury of Ramatuelle’s famous beach clubs. While my short visit didn’t offer the chance to visit any of the beach clubs (or verify their champagne-soaked-party reputations), I can confirm that Places des Lices, the town’s main square, was an easy 20-minute walk (or even easier 5-minute drive), and the perfect place to watch locals play pétanque, sample a tarte tropézienne, and start exploring.
The vibe… As part of the family-owned Maisons Pariente Collection, the property feels less like a hotel and more like an elegant Provençal estate, with traditional sun-washed stone houses, terracotta tiles and flagstone pathways weaving through gardens planted with roses, jasmine, and lavender. A pair of centuries-old umbrella pine trees, which inspired the hotel’s name, anchor the garden’s sense of privacy.
As is typical of the Pariente family, who are avid collectors, the property includes an impressive selection of artworks that add colorful, contemporary touches both inside and out—from a vibrant Charlotte Culot handwoven rug displayed on the wall of the reception area to two 18-foot-tall bronze sculptures by Tony Cragg in the garden.
The rooms… A study in how to do updated, 1960s bohemian style—terracotta tiles, cane-accented furniture, ceramic bedside lamps, and playful touches like pom-pom trimmed pillowcases and a colorful upholstered headboard provide just the right note of casual luxury.
I was thrilled to find that my room was on the ground floor overlooking the pool (and unlocked with an actual key). Sitting on the elegant sofa with the glass doors open, I felt like I could be hosting the pool party of my dreams.
Thoughtful touches include Diptyque bath and body products, an excellent hair dryer and the perfect clothes steamer, though the ultimate luxury was being able to wander out onto the lawn barefoot, straight from my room.
The wellness… The subterranean Tata Harper spa is hidden down a staircase at the side of the garden and houses a hammam, a gym, and treatment rooms. Spacious changing rooms with lockers conveniently offer early-arriving guests a place to get pool-ready even if their rooms are still occupied. Private yoga, pilates, and private training sessions are all available by request.
The food & drink… The expansive breakfast buffet offers something for every appetite, from pastries and breads to local cheeses to fresh-pressed juices. I was introduced to the joy of a hazelnut-milk latte on my last morning, and am now left disappointed that NYC coffee shops haven’t caught on yet.
While breakfast is a peaceful affair, the energy (and the place settings) change when the space transforms into the acclaimed Beefbar restaurant for dinner. Even on the season’s opening night, both the indoor dining (with its amazing Alexandre Benjamin Navet fresco) and expansive patio were fully booked. Known for its world-class beef, the menu is surprisingly playful and encourages sharing—the street-food menu includes Wagyu quesadillas, bao buns with kobe beef, and a ragu pasta that I still think about on a regular basis.
Extra tip goes to… Our Beefbar server with his impeccable comedic timing and the concierge who had my friend’s linen suit dry cleaned overnight after an unfortunate spill.
Be sure to… Notice the many layered details—incredible art, ceramics and textiles are everywhere!
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