Saint-Tropez might be synonymous with champagne-soaked beach clubs and yacht-studded harbors, but what if your version of a dream Riviera getaway looks a little different?
Picture yourself tucked away in the hills, overlooking the glittering Bay of Pampelonne, surrounded by citrus trees, parasol pines, and the soft hum of cicadas. That’s the luxury you’ll find at Villa Marie Saint-Tropez — a countryside-style retreat that feels worlds away from the buzz of town, while still being just a short drive from it.
The Luxury Traveler’s Escape
For discerning travelers, Villa Marie offers a different kind of Saint-Tropez story. While hotels in town pull you toward the energy of the port, this hillside estate invites you to slow down. My mornings began with coffee in a sun-dappled courtyard, afternoons melted away by a chic pool shaded by bright orange parasols, and evenings ended with truffle-dusted plates and a lemon soufflé I’ll be dreaming about for months.
One of the highlights for me was the Jardin d’Herbes. Wandering through its themed gardens, I was surrounded by lavender, rosemary, citrus blossoms, and hidden stone pathways that made me feel like I was strolling through someone’s private countryside villa. It wasn’t just beautiful — it was grounding. Time genuinely felt slower there, and it set the tone for my stay.
Poolside Chic Meets Natural Beauty
The pool here isn’t just a place to cool off — it’s a scene straight out of a Riviera postcard. I spent hours stretched out under the chic orange umbrellas, the sound of a small rock waterfall creating an instant sense of calm. Service was attentive yet relaxed; from fresh spritzes to light poolside bites, I never had to move far from my lounger.
Looking out over Pampelonne Bay with the sun glistening on the water, I realized this was my favorite kind of Riviera luxury: glamorous but unpretentious, indulgent but never rushed. It felt less like posing in a scene and more like sinking into one.
Dining That Celebrates the Riviera
Food at Villa Marie is pure Dolce Vita. Dining at the Dolce Vita restaurant felt like being welcomed into a lush garden party, surrounded by jasmine and roses. The menu celebrates Riviera flavors with a touch of indulgence — fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and meat dishes finished with local herbs. Every dish told a story of the Mediterranean, but the ones that stood out most were the truffle dishes. I ordered truffle pasta one evening and the aroma alone was intoxicating — the kind of rich, earthy scent that made the entire experience feel indulgent and memorable.
And of course, I can’t not mention the Villa Marie lemon soufflé. It arrived at the table impossibly airy, with a bright citrus tang that balanced its sweetness perfectly. I’ve had many soufflés before, but this was on another level. It’s not just a dessert here — it’s a signature ritual, and I’d argue no stay is complete without ordering it at least once. It’s the kind of dessert that lingers in memory long after the trip, a sweet finale that perfectly captures the hotel’s blend of elegance and delight.
Slow Living, Riviera Style
What stood out most at Villa Marie compared to my other Saint-Tropez stays was the pace. This is a place that encourages you to linger in your French villa in the early mornings, wander the herb gardens, pause for a cocktail at the mother-of-pearl bar, or treat yourself at the Pure Altitude Spa, where treatments are infused with pine, rose, and jasmine. The spa’s signature Hot Shell Massage is a nod to the Mediterranean just outside, offering guests an immersive moment of relaxation that ties back to its natural surroundings.
Breakfast in the courtyard was another personal favorite. Sitting among stone walls, with fountains trickling nearby and vines climbing around me, I felt like I was inside a Provençal painting. The pastries were warm, the fruit impossibly fresh, and the setting so idyllic I often lingered long after I finished eating. It was a reminder that even the simplest moments at Villa Marie are elevated into experiences you’ll carry home with you.
Why Choose Villa Marie
For travelers seeking more than just proximity to Saint-Tropez nightlife, Villa Marie is the answer. It blends the glamour of the Riviera with the serenity of a countryside retreat. It’s where mornings begin with breakfast in a sun-dappled courtyard, afternoons drift by at a pool shaded by citrus groves, and evenings end with lemon soufflé under the stars.
Villa Marie isn’t about being seen — it’s about savoring. And in a destination known for its buzz, that’s precisely what makes it so extraordinary.
