Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière

"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

"St. Tropez, France St. Tropez’s hedonistic charms are famous, and this is a glorious invitation to flop beneath olive trees amid the soothing peace of a 30-acre estate away from the main event. The fairy-tale château, the latest Mediterranean opening from the group behind Le Grand Contrôle in Versailles, is all turrets and cupolas with a sun-blazed ochre façade. The suites spoil with sea or pool views, Ralph Lauren homewares and citrus products from Parisian perfumer Blaise Mautin. Creative dining panders to every tantrum and tiredness level: Italian in the Carrara bistro, real McCoy Provençal at the Thirties L’Auberge des Maures (which moved here from downtown St. Tropez last year) or pan-Asian at Nobu-partnered Matsuhisa (kudos for the DJ and itinerant magician). Seafood and cocktails with lavender, thyme, and other local herbs seduce guests in the superlative beach club on A-lister Plage de Pampelonne. But where are all les enfants? Having a ball at the kids’ club extraordinaire, a palatial villa with activity rooms (Lego kingdom, arcade games, art studio, pottery workshop, cinema, you name it), trampolines, tennis courts, a treehouse, pirate-ship playground, and smart outdoor pool. Price: Doubles from around $461" - Lauren Burvill

"It’s hard not to be wowed by this pretty, turreted beauty which has recently been gutted and glammed up by haut hoteliers, Airelles. The views of the pine woods and vine-combed hills sloping down to Saint Tropez Bay and Pampelonne from Château de la Messardière are as splendid as its interiors. Curtains are stiffer than Martinis, palatial panelling traces the walls and le grand gôut francais is swapped for something fresher and marginally more Provencal. When not playing pétanque or Mini Moking off to the Chateau’s Pampelonne spot on the legendary stretch of sand, guests can spend an afternoon soaking, steaming, and generally luxuriating in the Valmont spa. Elevated brasserie-style plates arrive poolside from Matsuhisa restaurant while La Table de La Messardière puts on the full Provencal charm." - Rosalyn Wikeley

"Built in 1904, this pale ocher turreted castle sits atop a wooded hill surrounded by prime real estate—25 acres of manicured grounds and windswept umbrella pines. Along with the art deco-inspired lobby, the elegant new sea-view suites, and the sleek Christophe Tollemer–designed Valmont spa, this resort-style landmark is humming with nouveau vibrancy." - Lanie Goodman

"Built in 1904 and offered as a wedding gift to the famous horseman Henry Brisson de la Messardière and his artist bride, Louise Dupuy D’Angeac, the newly envisioned Château de la Messardière opens July 1. Interior designer Christophe Tollemer took his cues from the French Riviera’s glamorous golden age, transforming the 108 airy rooms into timeless hideaways, with vintage furniture illuminated by the bright Mediterranean sun."