Kube Hotel-St Tropez

Stepping through a gap between two symmetric curved hedges and into a transparent, glass-cube reception certainly makes for one of the more unusual arrival experiences. A footpath flanked with moat-like pools then leads directly to one of the two pool areas, an immaculate combination of polished steel, crisp white fabrics, and cool slate-gray tiles. With its clean-lined modernist architecture and high-end beach club feel, the Kube Hotel is certainly aptly named. The spacious grounds are pristinely presented with manicured lawns, neatly arranged tropical flora, and views stretching out over the Bay of Saint-Tropez. Opened in 2009, this luxury-level property has two sides -- KOOL and KLUB -- one side has a more modern edgy feel, and the other brings a chilled-out, laid-back vibe. While buzzing with younger, hip, and moneyed travelers over the summer months, the scene can feel a little flat over low season. All in all, its certainly one of the cooler luxury hotels on the scene and attracts more than its fair share of the yacht-set glitterati. 

The Kube Hotel is located in a largely quiet upscale residential neighborhood just off the main coastal road that connects to iconic Saint-Tropez. There's little in the immediate surrounds, though a sandy beach with a cluster of restaurants can be found a five-minute walk away. Saint-Tropez's super chic marina and town center is just five minutes away by car, and buzzing with fine dining, designer boutiques, and exclusive clubs; the hotel also provides a free shuttle bus. The long stretch of relatively unspoiled golden sands at Plage de Pampelonne is a 15-minute drive away. The postcard-pretty village of Gassin is 10 minutes by road. The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, around a half-hour drive.

The hotel's 68 rooms are split between the more contemporary design-focused KOOL side and the warmer and more laid-back KLUB side -- located in five villas set around the rear swimming pool. While KOOL rooms are finished in a white-on-white palette, with gray tiled floors and silver accents, KLUB rooms feature natural wood paneling and warmer decor. Most, though not all, rooms open to balconies or terraces, some with sea views and others and overlooking a pool, the gardens, or lush surrounding hillside. In-room amenities are particularly impressive, especially the tech -- which includes large smart TVs (video on demand and multimedia functionality), CD/DVD players, surround sound systems, and iPod docks. Rooms also include espresso machines and Bluetooth speakers, plus Wi-Fi is reliable and free. Top-level suites feature rooftop hot tubs. Bathrooms are finished in sharp contemporary design (some open-plan) with either shower/tub combos or walk-in rain-fall showers, bathrobes, slippers, and quality toiletries. Some have the addition of steam rooms. Awkward layout in some bathrooms can result in wet floors. 

Despite its boutique feel, the Kube Hotel managed to squeeze a lot in a lot of features. The hotel's masterpiece is its full-length overflow swimming pool, lined with loungers, and featuring beautiful sea views. A chic poolside bar provides top-notch cocktails (at nightclub prices), plus a rooftop bar opens to a panoramic terrace. There are two restaurants: Marius offers light lunches and impressive dinner dishes, and 1K serves a menu of fine Peruvian-inspired dining. While food quality is excellent and the wine list is long, prices are high. Dining is limited over the low season. Some guests also rave about the breakfast, though it's not included as standard. A back-heated pool to the rear of the property provides a secluded spot to soak, and there are also shallow pools where guests can dip their toes. Opened in 2016, there's also a spa offering a sauna, steam room, and range of massage treatments, plus hair styling. An excellent fitness room also has plenty of natural light and good range of up-to-date equipment. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the hotel.