La Toison D'Or

La Toison D'Or sits directly on the iconic Plage de Pampelonne and has a vibe that lies somewhere between resort and fancy campsite. The property has a beachy, tropical feel (sometimes described as vaguely "African") and is dotted in private thatch-roofed bungalows and revamped mobile homes that are set among winding sand and stone pathways accented with mini-waterfalls and plenty of palm trees. The central "village" includes week-long-getaway essentials like a cafe and a shop that sells groceries and souvenirs. During peak season in particular La Toison D'Or buzzes with entertainment and activities for kids and adults alike. Accommodations range in quality -- there are plenty of more luxurious options in the area -- but vacationers are attracted here more for the amazing beachfront location than for anything in particular on site.

La Toison D'Or sits right along iconic Plage de Pampelonne, a broad stretch of coastline that's as famous for its meticulously raked white sand as it is for its party scene. Because of the beach-front, village-like setting, many guests choose not to leave the property. For those who want to venture out, the center of Saint-Tropez is about a seven-minute drive (a shuttle bus runs once a week from the property, for a nominal extra fee). Many of the popular A-list beach clubs, like Nikki Beach and Club 55, are a hike down the coastline, but can be reached by car in about five minutes. Regional trips to popular towns like Cannes, Nice, Grasse, and Antibes are drivable in about 90 minutes or less. Toulon-Hyeres Airport is about an hour's drive, Nice-Cote D'Azur International Airport a 90-minute drive, and Marseille Provence Airport is a two-hour drive. 

The property is dotted in beachy private bungalows that range from thatched-roofed cabins with bamboo or wood facades and sliding-glass entryways to repurposed mobile homes with slat-wood siding. Interiors vary but tend to feature fully equipped kitchenettes, small bathrooms with shower stalls, and separate bedrooms. Wood floors and modern plastic or laminate furnishings are common in the kitchens, with plainer beige decor in bedrooms. There's usually a bit of outdoor space, too -- patios or at least sandy spots with loungers -- and there's parking at each bungalow, though some guests find it difficult to drive on the sand.Accommodations are rented out by the week and categorized by size and proximity to the beach, with the stylish four-person, beach-front Kasai Mer getting the most exclusive placement, and cabins in the Kasai Plage range also close to the beach. The largest accommodations can fit up to six guests and some, like the Kasi Loft, are spacious with high-end extras like a Nespresso machine and a rooftop terrace. But overall, the bungalows run the gamut, from modern and stylish to more dated and subdued. They can vary significantly even within the same category, and reserving a specific cabin within a category costs an extra fee. Size is the biggest complaint, with some two-bedrooms clocking in at a cramped 225 square feet. Units are air-conditioned and include safes and TVs, but guests should bring their own toiletries. Kitchenettes tend to be nicely equipped with everything from fridges, burners, and microwaves, to coffeemakers, electric kettles, and toasters.

The main draw for this property is Plage de Pampelonne. Beach-centric activities like catamaran trips (for an extra fee) are offered through the La Toison D'Or, with a slew of other water sports, from paddle-boarding to kayaking, offered nearby. The property has a nice swimming pool and special pool-related activities like aerobics or zen hour. Wellness facilities include a spa with a hammam, whirlpool, and sauna, plus there's an on-site hair salon and massages can be arranged. The property also has a nice gym, though access costs an extra fee. Everything guests need for a week-long stay is on-site, including a convenience store with grocery items and souvenirs and laundry service, plus a cafe-style creperie and the beachfront Cafe Tamaris, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks, often to live entertainment in the evenings. Breakfast is continental and may cost an extra fee, though guests can sometimes arrange food-inclusive bookings, like half-board options with breakfast and either lunch or dinner included.Kid-friendly amenities include nice outdoor play areas, like the Paddling Pool with water-park features such as colorful animals statues that spit water. In summer months (July and August), there are organized kids-club activities. The property's concierge can book car service or bike rentals, make reservations for restaurants or water sports, find babysitters, or arrange transfers to airports or train stations. In-room Wi-Fi costs an extra fee.