Villa Marie Saint-Tropez

"This splendid hotel in the countryside just outside St-Tropez is further proof that Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet—already well known for Les Fermes de Marie, in Megève, and La Bastide de Marie, in Provence—are among the most talented and tasteful independent hoteliers in France. From the moment of your arrival, this discreet terra-cotta-tiled compound surrounded by pine-dotted gardens feels more like a private villa than a hotel. It has 42 rooms, an open-air bar, a beautifully landscaped pool, and an intimate spa. Public spaces have a South-of-France-circa-1920s feel, leavened by the liberal use of acid-tone colors; guest rooms sport exposed beams and jewel-toned upholstery. Nearly every room has a private terrace, and suites have views of the distant Mediterranean. Note, too, that there’s a decent restaurant serving a modern Mediterranean menu for those who don’t want the hassle of heading into town."