"The wow factor kicks in immediately upon arrival at Airelles Château de la Messardière, which commands a hilltop above Saint-Tropez. The arbor at the entrance is festooned with green plants that complement the surrounding forest of parasol pines. From this setting, you can take in 360-degree views of the Med—from the Bay of Saint-Tropez to the Plage de Pampelonne. The château dates from the 19th century when a cognac merchant built it as a wedding gift for his daughter and her cavalry officer husband. Later it became a hotel that’s been part of France’s ultra-luxe, nine-property Airelles hotel collection since 2021. (The original Airelles Hotel helped establish Courchevel as a luxury ski destination par excellence.) Steeped in high-octane glamour, the 99-room Château de la Messardière encompasses 32 acres studded with shimmering pools, tennis courts, a marble-clad Valmont spa, and jasmine-scented gardens. There’s a staggering lunch buffet at La Table—with pastries by star pâtissier Cédric Grolet—plus Japanese and Latin American delights from chef Nobu Matsuhisa at his eponymous Matsuhisa restaurant. Or opt for Mediterranean fare by another top chef, Jean-François Piège, at the Jardin Tropezina beach club (transfers are by Rolls-Royce). Families should take note of the kids club, Airelles Summer Camp, one of the Riviera’s best. Young travelers are picked up in the morning by a petite train that transports them to the extensive facilities, including a LEGO room, art studio, petting zoo, sprawling tree house, and an arcade for teens. Demand is so high for Airelles Summer Camp, there’s often a waiting list for visitors who aren’t hotel guests (though hotel guests are guaranteed a spot)." - Mary Winston Nicklin
