This Saint-Tropez hotel offers the perfect White Lotus-inspired escape

On the French Riviera, Leeanna Lock checks into Arev St Tropez and discovers a chic hotel that feels like a 1960s movie set

This Saint-Tropez hotel offers the perfect White Lotus-inspired escape

This boutique St Tropez hotel provides a taste of the glamorous French Riviera lifestyle away from the crowds


Location

Nestled in sunny Côte d’Azur in southeast France, Arev St Tropez is pleasantly removed from touristy areas, but is also within walking distance to the fashionable seaside town and its storied beaches.

Nice airport is just under two hours by road, and a premium chauffeur service can be booked via the hotel. From the hotel free shuttles and electric Mehari buggies can transport guests to Place des Lices – a popular spot for shopping at local markets – and the beach clubs of Pampelonne, which are open from April to October.

Read more: I stayed in the new Saint-Tropez White Lotus hotel — and predicted it would appear in season 4

The vibe

Arev is pristine, with stylish nautical interiors in stripes, and pops of navy blue and ruby-red hues. Its book-lined shelves and walls styled with monochrome art pay homage to the superyacht-studded harbour. Eclectic music pulses through the hotel, complementing its laidback yet lively ambience.

The scent of olive trees, plus lavender and rosemary from the hotel’s lush gardens, fills the air around a pool, which is lined with striped parasols and loungers, and is the perfect setting for relaxing in the sunshine while sipping cleverly crafted cocktails.

The inscription on the pool floor translates to ‘a dream in the sun’

The inscription on the pool floor translates to ‘a dream in the sun’ (AREV St Tropez)

Service

Staff welcome guests with a refreshing beverage on arrival, either a local rosé or a delicious mocktail. There is no reception or concierge desk, and therefore no queues, just friendly staff always on-hand (or a text away on a 24/hour WhatsApp service) to make any request happen.

The evening turn-down service goes the extra mile as well as the typical addition of slippers at the side of your bed, and robes laid out, a pregnancy pillow was kindly left out for me as the hotel knew I’d made a booking for a babymoon.

The champagne lounge terrace offers a charming al fresco setting for cocktails, breakfast, lunch and dinner

The champagne lounge terrace offers a charming al fresco setting for cocktails, breakfast, lunch and dinner (Arev St Tropez)

Bed and bath

The boutique hotel has just 35 rooms, from Classic Doubles, to Poolside and Signature Suites. The stylish decor leans into the nautical and Riviera style, with pops of black, gold and white. Marble-topped vanities add another layer of elegance to the rooms.

You’re guaranteed to sleep soundly under a Hungarian goose-down duvet and pillows layered with 500-thread count French bed linen. You can easily get used to the heated seat of the Japanese Toto toilet, too.

The gorgeous citrus-scented soaps in ceramic bottles are made by local Maison ST, which is also used in the spa. Bathrooms come with luxurious Italian rainfall showers, and larger rooms and suites also include standalone bathtubs.

Contactless bedside phone charging, Dyson hair tools and plenty of amenity kits make travelling with hand luggage-only a breeze.

A fully stocked (and free) mini bar of premium spirits and French goodies awaits you, and rooms come with Nespresso machines for your morning coffee.

The stylish suites and villas boast premium four-poster beds and beautifully designed en suites

The stylish suites and villas boast premium four-poster beds and beautifully designed en suites (Arev St Tropez)

Read more: Where is The White Lotus season four set? France filming locations revealed

Food and drink

The Strand restaurant serves up Mediterranean cuisine, including fresh seafood, such as locally-caught blue lobster, as well as veal chops or roasted duck. The extensive wine menu boasts over 300 bottles to choose from.

Breakfast and Sunday brunch are also served at The Strand, which includes patisserie treats, fresh omelettes and fluffy pancakes. Lunch is available here, too.

On a sunny day, you can dine al fresco at the champagne lounge terrace among the olive trees, where bubbles and cigars are served from an antique trolley cart.

Q’s Bar is the perfect place for a crisp glass of rosé wine, or a signature Negroni. The extensive mocktail menu offers great alternatives such as refreshing iced teas and mango punch.

The Place des Oliviers courtyard has all the tranquillity of a private Provence garden, where a retro Citroen truck serves aperitifs. Bands play live music in summer.

Allergens are clearly highlighted on menus, and fresh vegetarian options, including Riviera artichoke hearts, truffle pasta and vegan sorbet, are popular. The restaurant is happy to adapt ingredients and cooking methods to cater for dietary requests, including pregnancy restrictions.

The hotel breakfast boasts classic French and American delights

The hotel breakfast boasts classic French and American delights (Arev)

Facilities

The sprawling outdoor pool area boasts a three-metre-deep swimming pool, which is heated year-round for guests. There is also a small, shaded family pool for kids to splash around in.

The Arev Spa with Maison ST facilities includes separate male and female hammams, and on the treatment menu are a revitalising anti-ageing collagen facial or a deep-cleansing massage.

Guests can burn off some energy with a game of padel or jump on a Peloton bike in the impressive gym.

Be sure to book yourself in for a unique Maison ST perfume-making experience, where you can create a scent to take home. Electric bikes are also available to use at leisure, if you don’t fancy walking into town.

The Arev Spa with Maison ST is a must-visit for luxury treatments

The Arev Spa with Maison ST is a must-visit for luxury treatments (Arev St Tropez)

Read more: This all-women ski retreat gave me community – and a new mindset

Accessibility

The hotel can accommodate guests with accessibility needs. Three rooms are adapted, and all but one of the total rooms are either located on the ground floor or are accessible by lift. The restaurant, bar, and spa are all accessible. However, the two swimming pools are not adapted.

Pet policy

Dogs are welcome, but pet-friendly accommodation is limited. A minimum fee of £86 per night will be charged, and dogs must be kept on a lead in all common areas. For hygiene reasons, pets are not permitted in the restaurant, bar, spa and pool areas.

Check-in/check-out

Check-in is from 4pm, check-out is 12pm. Early and late check-out is available upon request, based on availability and subject to an additional fee.

Family-friendly?

Yes. Kids can enjoy the small family pool, and there are seasonal events that children will enjoy, including Easter egg hunts and Christmas festivities.

Free shuttles or private chauffeurs are available to transport guests into town, or to the beach clubs and the airport

Free shuttles or private chauffeurs are available to transport guests into town, or to the beach clubs and the airport (AREV)

At a glance

Best thing: The anti-ageing collagen facial, which is worth the trip alone.

Perfect for: A babymoon or romantic couples’ getaway.

Not right for: Families with older kids as there are no dedicated facilities.

Instagram from: From the poolside, signature cocktail in hand.

Address: 8 Chemin des Vendanges, 83990, Saint-Tropez

Phone: +33 422 540 640

Website: arevcollection.com

Leeanna was a guest at Arev St Tropez.