Indulge in the refined lethargy of Saint Tropez, should your financial means permit.
This summer paradise, adored by the wealthy and beautiful, is Saint Tropez on the French Riviera's Côte d'Azur. Luxury dwells here, as evident in the Althoff Villa Belrose, where formalities are discarded, and a laid-back summer spirit prevails. Not even our writer dons a jacket within these premises.
Noble figures and crowned heads have shared a toast and gazed out upon the sea at this esteemed location. The harbor brims with exquisite, opulent, and gargantuan yachts, their owners flaunting pricey timepieces on their wrists.
Saint Tropez, once a fishing village, has evolved naturally, unlike Cannes with its exhibition focus or industrial-like refinement akin to Nice. The aristocracy resides here, while the nouveau riche tend to congregate in Monte-Carlo. This enchanting locale was discovered by artists at the end of the 19th century, who bore affection for the illumination and ambiance. It wasn't until the post-World War II era that Saint Tropez grew into a summer retreat for the high society, where jet-set icons such as Gunter Sachs and Brigitte Bardot had left their indelible mark.
The journey from Nice airport to my Saint Tropez hotel takes around an hour. Frank Marrenbach, managing partner of the Althoff Group, persuaded me to undertake this journey. Fran is charismatic and passionate, a true hotelier who thinks innovatively.
The landscape is blanketed in verdure
The route to Althoff Villa Belrose is picturesque, meandering alongside the coast for miles, enabling me to absorb the renowned light. However, Villa Belrose isn't nestled by the sea but instead nestled upon a hill, affording a wonderful vantage point. The ascent is awe-inspiring, weaving through a luxurious neighborhood where privacy and security are thoughtfully safeguarded. There's an extraordinary abundance of greenery that conceals magnificent villas owned by celebrities and the ultra-rich. Their homes are concealed behind high boundaries and lush barriers, though their presence is undeniably felt in the summer. During the winter months, from November to April, rain prevails over Saint Tropez, and the majority of establishments reduce or cease operations. The city then resembles a deserted village. Hoteliers make their livelihood during the warmer months, and many of them prosper quite handsomely with average rates of over 1000 euros. Yet, the winter rain contributes to Saint Tropez's remarkable verdure in the summer—I find this an intriguing harmony.
Belonging to the renowned Althoff Collection, Villa Belrose is led by the recognized director, Robert van Straaten. He has been with Althoff for three decades and has presided over Villa Belrose for a quarter of a century. Such tenure in top management is uncommon. Van Straaten is a seasoned hotelier, full of vivacity and a ceaseless desire to better himself and his establishment. His dedication to his work and devotion to ensuring his guests' comfort are truly inspiring.
Of course, Villa Belrose flourishes due to his vision, and there are many repeat visitors. The role Thomas Althoff played in the hotel's growth cannot be overstated. It's obvious what Althoff has achieved here. The group initially managed Belrose, then purchased it, and finally, invested wisely with great courage. The result is one of the finest addresses on the Côte d'Azur, where stars and novices alike feel at ease.
Luxury villas exude exclusivity and safety
Of particular interest to these celebrities is the neighboring Althoff Bellevue Villa Rental, a collection of 16 private residences that offer breathtaking sea views as well as a sense of seclusion and security. Each villa boasts its own swimming pool, chic decor, and valuable artwork on its walls. The nightly cost per bedroom ranges from 800 to 1000 euros. While that may seem pricey, it's actually quite reasonable when considering Saint Tropez standards, especially in the realm of private villas.
The 40 rooms and suites of Villa Belrose are top-notch, elegantly decorated, equipped with lavish bathrooms, spacious terraces, and mesmerizing views of the verdurous landscape, the enchanting garden, and the sun-dappled sea. Food plays a significant role in the Belrose experience, as one would expect in France. Two years ago, Van Straaten recruited a renowned chef: Duc Ngo from Berlin. I was skeptical at first, thinking he wouldn't fit the bill. However, I was proven incorrect. Ngo continues to serve as an external consultant to this day, to everyone's satisfaction. He has a knack for appetizers, a true master of Vietnamese spring rolls (Nems), and he crafts Ceviche with finesse that leaves you longing for more.
He leaves the main courses to his local counterpart, and that's a good thing. Ngo excels at pinpointing, deciphering, and implementing flavors with uncanny precision. His culinary creations provide a delightful complement to Jimmy Coutel's French fare, which is prepared on-site. In essence, the food is simply scrumptious, and this delectable twist of internationality enhances the French cuisine's authenticity periodically.
In the afternoon, I head towards the beach. I've got my sights set on the most celebrated beach club worldwide, known as Club 55. Back in 1954, the de Colmont couple, who were ethnologists and filmmakers, purchased a humble home on the Pampelonne beach section. The next year, the movie "... and Bait Still Calls the Man" starring Brigitte Bardot and Curd Jürgens was filmed nearly in front of the de Colmonts' front door. Given their connection, Madame frequently invited the film crew for lunch. Thus, the renowned Club 55 was established.
These days, the club is run by Patrice de Colmont, their son. Despite closing at 6 pm, the guests continue to be rather distinguished. Regular holiday-goers are welcomed, but a past misdemeanor may result in future denials, even for occasional celebrities.
Regrettably, I discover the less than perfect side of Saint Tropez the following day. I stop at the luxurious Hotel de Paris, close to the harbor, to get a coffee. My phone battery was nearly drained, so I inquired whether I could borrow a charging cable from the concierge. He looked at me suspiciously and suggested I leave my phone with him instead. Giving away the cable wasn't an option since many guests have a habit of taking it with them. I declined, given my pressing email needs. The concierge, a Les Clefs d'Or member, made me feel like I was considering stealing something, a rather unpleasant experience. Instead, I spent my coffee break with Director Van Straaten on the Villa Belrose's terrace.
Rath's Travel Rating (current score in bold):
1. Cinema of exceptional quality2. If only it could always be like this3. High-quality offering with a few minor flaws4. So-so, nothing like the French Riviera5. Better than a hostel6. Explicit travel warning
As a former grand hotelier and operator of the travel platform www.travelgrand.ch, Carsten K. Rath is a seasoned traveler by profession. He personally visits all the hotels he covers for ntv.de at his own expense.
Rath is responsible for the ranking www.die-101-besten.com and is also the author of the upcoming book "Die 101 besten Hotels Deutschlands," which will be co-published with "Capital" in the future.
Saint Tropez's beauty extends to its summer retreats for the high society, making it an ideal location for luxurious travel. The Althoff Collection's Villa Belrose offers a charming escape, boasting remarkable views and exceptional services.
After a picturesque drive along the coast, the journey to Villa Belrose reveals an abundance of verdant landscapes, concealing luxurious villas owned by celebrities and the ultra-rich. The ascent to the villa weaves through a world of privacy and security, where celebrities seek exclusivity and comfort during their summer getaways.
