Kon Tiki Riviera Villages

Back in the mid-1950s, Brigitte Bardot reinvented the Riviera when she filmed "And God Created Woman" on the Plage de Pampelonne. Today, this three-mile long beach ranks among the world’s most famous -- and Kon Tiki sits right on it, with its front rows of huts providing a “feet in the sand” experience that even uber-expensive spots here can’t necessarily match. Thatched-roof huts surrounded by lush vegetation emphasize the Polynesian theme, and a long list of on-site amenities for toddlers to teens underscores its family-friendly appeal; the village also attracts a range of sun-and-sand connoisseurs (many of whom could afford to pay much more) because of its coveted location and unique ambiance. 

Kon Tiki faces the iconic Plage de Pampelonne -- a broad, meticulously-raked stretch of white sand that it shares with hedonistic havens like Club 55 and Nikki Beach. Shaded by palms and threaded by pretty paths, this seasonal property has a suitably tropical look, and its units are spaced to provide a modicum of privacy: The caveat is that, depending on the specific one you book, there is potential for party-hearty noise from late-night venues both off-site and on. Due to its setting and the wealth of activities offered, many guests choose to never leave the property. But those who do can reach Saint-Tropez in nine minutes by car. Popular Cote d'Azur locales -- Canne, Grasse, and Antibes among them – are less than a 90-minute drive away. Car, scooter, bike, even boat rentals can be arranged; Kon Tiki also has a paid shuttle service that connects the vacation village to assorted towns, airports, and train stations. It's a 86-minute drive to Nice-Cote D'Azur International Airport or a little under two hours by car to Marseille Provence Airport.

Originally a campsite, Kon Tiki has evolved into a full-scale vacation village, and its two categories of cute, air-conditioned accommodation -- Tiki Lounge and Tiki Hutte, both typically rented by the week -- echo the overall South Sea theme thanks to their thatched roofs and beachy decor. Prices for the latter vary by the number of bedrooms and proximity to the water; however, most have wood-grain or tropical-print walls accented with funky fabrics plus kitchens with fridges, four-burner stove-tops, microwaves, and sometimes dishwashers (there is a solid selection of utensils and small appliances, too). The least expensive units have bare-bones bathrooms with a narrow shower stall and separate toilet; upgraded ones are roomier, with larger showers and rainforest showerheads. Bedrooms are very small across the board, and beds aren’t made on arrival (though guests have the option of paying extra for this service). Each little living areas is outfitted with at least one satellite TV, and it opens onto furnished decks. Note that the first two rows of units give direct access to the sand. Like the Tiki Huttes, the top-level Tiki Lounges are cleverly made-over mobile homes. Inside, they are set apart by higher-quality furnishings and finishes (kitchen wine coolers for example) and by the fact that they provide free Wi-Fi for one device at a time. Outside, all have private decks for lounging and dining as well as personal hot tubs or magazine-worthy plunge pools.   

Plage de Pampelonne is the big draw here, and many activities -- from beach volleyball to water sports -- focus around it. In July and August, add-on Kids’ Clubs for ages 6 to 12 and 13 to 17 offer appropriate entertainment (think: organized sports, games and crafts for the younger group, with more adventurous options like paddle boarding and banana boating for the older one). Other kid-centric features include a bike park, ping-pong tables, a little carnival-like fun-fair, plus a themed play area with a splash pool and bouncy castle. Tennis courts, an archery range and a diving school (all at extra cost) attract a wider clientele. Pampering is provided at a beauty salon and a small spa that lists the requisite head-to-toe treatments. Kon Tiki also has eateries ranging from a take-out pizza place to a terrace restaurant that's most notable for its views and a Thai alternative that turns lively at night. Guests who prefer to do their own cooking can buy supplies at a decently stocked mini-mart. A second shop sells branded merchandise and fun-in-the-sun essentials. Concierge service, meanwhile, caters to other needs including ground transport, rental cars, and restaurant reservations. On-site parking is available for a fee.