Hotel Sezz Saint Tropez

It’s increasingly common these days for a popular city boutique to expand into some far-flung resort destination. Some of these sequels, however, make more sense than others. In this case, a second Sezz somewhere on the Riviera seems like the most natural thing in the world.

And where better for such a thoroughly modern experiment than St. Tropez, where virtually all the hotels seem, in one way or another, to be looking back towards the Sixties.

The partnership of owner Shahé Kalaidjian and designer Christophe Pillet is still very much intact. Here their collaboration results in a new take on a classic locale, and in Pillet’s hands the minimalist aesthetic and monochrome color palette feel fresh again. Materials are carefully chosen to soften any hard visual edges, and there’s a special emphasis on creature comforts, this being St. Tropez after all — every room and suite is serviced by a personal assistant, so there’s no question at all of going without.

The low-slung compound is set back from the beach, but it’s a quick and easy walk — no doubt many guests, however, will prefer the quiet privacy of the Sezz pool deck.

The Sezz Spa is by Payot, the Parisian concern, the restaurant Colette serves inventive dishes crafted from fresh local produce, and the bar is a partnership with none other than Dom Perignon.

As a translation of the original Sezz concept, it’s flawless — it’s sunnier, more luxe and hardly less stylish than its Parisian cousin, just like St. Tropez itself.

Main text via Tablet Hotels.

in our opinion

A short drive from the town centre and set slightly away from the beach, this is an oasis of cool in the touristy Saint Tropez.

What we love

• The interiors, created by the French designer Christophe Pillet, inspired by the local traditions but reinterpreted in a contemporary elegance—and with the inevitable 1950s twist, especially in the colour palette (white, light gray, dark brown, light blue and saffron);
• Rooms have private terraces (with outdoor shower) enclosed by lush vegetation, landscaped by designer Christophe Ponceau;
• Colette—the restaurant run by renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire, where the inventive and aesthetically minimalist dishes are sure to delight;
• The champagne brand Dom Pérignon bar overlooking the pool. A trendy name representing the party mood of the town—but the bar's ambiance is chillout lounge-style;
• Wi-Fi is reliable and free throughout the hotel.

What you should know

• The Sezz lies a short walk from Canebier beach, but the hotel provides a free shuttle service both to the beach and to the town centre;
• Nice International Airport is some 60km away;
• This is a seasonal hotel, open April through October.
• There is a 3-night-minimum stay requirement in July and August;
• The hotel has a 100% non-smoking policy;
• The Hotel Sezz Saint Tropez is a member of Design Hotels™.