Chateau de la Messardiere

At first glance, upon stepping onto the grounds of this chateau, you might feel you’ve stepped into some sort of Mediterranean garden paradise. The immaculately landscaped umbrella pines and cypress trees are botanical perfection -- shapely works of art that are just as exquisite as the artwork lining the walls inside this elegant boutique hotel. Indoors, there's Old-World elegance everywhere, helping to give the manor its historic character. Oversized arched entryways, magnificent domes, and stony vaults convey an almost fairytale-style quality, along with cathedral windows and ornate mosaic tiles that splash the walls with color. Works of art are dotted throughout the hotel, and there are plenty of sharp places for guests to linger and mingle in the hotel itself, from the bar's classic parlor vibe to the swank spa. With its serene atmosphere, it’s no surprise the low-key property is such a draw for newlyweds and jetsetters seeking respite from the outside world. 

The hotel is situated on a secluded 25-acre hillside overlooking the Bay of Pampellone and the Ramatuelle vineyards. While the hotel is great of getting away from it all, there isn't much to see or do in the immediate area, though walks in the countryside are lovely. A free shuttle bus service transports guests to Tropezina Beach and the center of Saint-Tropez, which are around 10 minutes away by car. In town are the legendary La Maison des Papillons butterfly museum and Place des Lices, an artisanal central square with sidewalk cafes and a bi-weekly farmer’s market. The Saint-Raphael train station is just over an hour away by car, while the Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport is a 90-minute drive. 

It’s hard not to feel at peace in the hotel's bright and refined rooms. The aesthetic is "less is more," with wood-tone accents and soothing shades of terra-cotta and taupe. All of the rooms and suites include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Not all of the lower-category rooms have balconies, though they do offer flawless countryside views. Sized between 20 and 30 square meters (215 to 323 square feet), they also lack the charm one expects of a higher-end property: the bucket chairs and warmer-toned fabrics are both a bit passe. Suites range from 45 to 58 square meters (484 to 624 square feet) and are decorated in modern Provencal style with luxe details like Pierre Frey curtains. Many have ornate domed windows leading to roomy, furnished balconies that overlook the sea in the distance. Bathrooms are subtly luxurious -- they’re designed with muted hues, and all have whirlpool baths, double sinks, and separate showers. The Luxury Suites are the hotel’s answer to unapologetic extravagance. You’re greeted with flowers, Valmont bath products, and champagne with a side of homemade macarons. Personalized housekeepers are also available in the Luxury Suites.

This four-and-a-half-pearl hotel earns accolades in particular for its desirable proximity to the heart of Saint-Tropez. A free shuttle transports guests to the private Tropezina Beach and into town. Renowned chef Bilal Amrani, whose French cuisine is sourced from local producers, helms the dinner-only L’Acacia restaurant. There’s also a 400-plus bottle wine list to peruse here, and seating on a massive terrace overlooking the sea. A breakfast buffet is also served at the hotel, though the selection can be a bit limited for a hotel of this caliber. Next to the practically Olympic-size pool is a chic outdoor cafe serving lighter meals and snacks. The stately Chateau Bar is housed in an oak-wood, library-like setting that feels chivalrous and properly old-world English. Room service is available around the clock. The large Valmont-Cinq Mondes Spa overlooks a charming Italian garden from its spacious terrace, and offers a full menu of body, hair, and skin treatments. The nearby Relaxation Lounge has an indoor pool, hammams, and a fitness center. There's also round-the-clock concierge service. An on-site art gallery features works from popular international artists, including Victoire de la Messardiere, whose family was gifted the chateau in the 19th century. Wi-Fi access is free, as is outdoor parking. It's also worth noting that the hotel is only open in warmer months of the year.