Hôtel Lily of the Valley

"Saint-Tropez, France This relatively new arrival to the Cote d’Azur may share other five star hotels' cinematic Riviera views and cool, contemporary interiors, but its agenda is unique and, perhaps, prophetic. Philippe Starck’s walnut ceilings, daring marble bathrooms and offbeat rustic spaces high in La Croix Valmer play host to new thinking on luxury travel—where wellbeing is no longer confined to a Swiss lake but sits alongside tapas lunches and lazy pastry breakfasts. This is where the well-heeled (and well-tired) come to recharge without the Opus Dei flavor punishment, but equally without the heavy hangover of an overindulgent week. The spa has, therefore, had to up its game for this new breed of Riviera roller—who sign up for three holistic programs (weight loss, sport, and detox) or go at their own turmeric shot and Technogym pace. Shades and materials, both inside and out, feel as organic and nourishing as the plates of poached fish and seasonal salads. The pool lords over trippy, Mediterranean views and reminds the one-only cocktail crowd (who occasionally slip off the wellness wagon) that wellbeing and pleasure were always bedfellows. —Rosalyn Wikeley Distance to the water: On the beach Travel time: 1 hour 40 minute drive from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport Price: Rooms from around $520 per night" - Lauren Burvill

"A wellness property south of Saint Tropez, France, offering a specialized aging evaluation and facial treatments to promote longevity."

"This relatively new arrival to the Cote d’Azur may share other five star hotels' cinematic Riviera views and cool, contemporary interiors, but its agenda is unique and, perhaps, prophetic. Philippe Starck’s walnut ceilings, daring marble bathrooms, and offbeat rustic spaces high in La Croix Valmer play host to new thinking on luxury travel—where wellbeing is no longer confined to a Swiss lake but sits alongside tapas lunches and lazy pastry breakfasts. This is where the well-heeled (and well-tired) come to recharge without the Opus Dei flavor punishment, but equally without the heavy hangover of an overindulgent week. The spa has therefore had to up its game for this new breed of Riviera roller—who sign up to three holistic programs (weight loss, sport, and detox) or go at their own turmeric-shot and Technogym pace. Shades and materials both inside and out feel as organic and nourishing as the plates of poached fish and seasonal salads. The pool lords over trippy, Mediterranean views and reminds the one-only cocktail crowd (who occasionally slip off the wellness wagon) that wellbeing and pleasure were always bedfellows." - Rosalyn Wikeley

"The hotel, perched on an unspoilt hillside overlooking the sea, is divine, and the swish, yet funky restaurant is equally fantastic! Take a seat by the pool and bask in the exclusive vibe as you sample recipes by chef Vincent Maillard (shoulder of Sisteron lamb braised in savory or a chocolate and Piedmont hazelnut eclair). Valet parking." - Michelin Inspector

"The first property from father-daughter hoteliers Alain and Lucie Weill, which opened in 2019, is unlike any other in the area. A 20-minute drive from the heart of Saint-Tropez, Lily of the Valley is an ideal spot for those who want to feel slightly removed from the glitz and more embedded in nature. The Philippe Starck–designed hilltop hideaway sits at the end of a winding private drive in La Croix-Valmer on the southern corner of the coast, known for its dramatic headlands and footpaths. Beneath it sits the Plage de Gigaro, a secluded three-mile stretch of sand that guests can access on foot, with the hotel’s complimentary shuttle, or on one of its electric bikes. There are 38 guest rooms, 6 suites with private terraces or gardens, 8 pool suites with both a large private garden and pool, and a massive villa that sleeps 6. All accommodations jut out over the Mediterranean. One of the retreat’s defining features is its health and wellness programming, with retreats that range from 4 to 21 days. The half-acre wellness complex has its own 80-foot pool, sleek fitness rooms for TRX and Pilates, advanced Biologique Recherche facial treatments, Ayurveda massages overseen by an award-winning masseur, and a plant-based restaurant. Guests also have access to in-residence sports coaches and dietitians who tailor programs for individual goals. Bonus: This is one of few properties in Saint-Tropez to remain open year-round." - Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin