THE DRIVE up the Boulevard des Crêtes towards Althoff Villa Belrose moves us away from the centre of Saint-Tropez. As the road climbs, the noise of the port is replaced by the elevation of the Gassin hills. By the time we park at the entrance of the estate, the humidity is lower and the temperature drops.
We’re led directly through the building to the panoramic terrace where chilled glasses of house rosé and salt-flecked snacks await us on the table. From here, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is visible in its entirety, with superyachts appearing as small white marks. Even in these first moments, we can see why Villa Belrose belongs to The Leading Hotels of the World, an exclusive group of around 400 independent luxury hotels.
Aerial view of Althoff Villa Belrose
Double bedroom at Althoff Villa Belrose
Our Deluxe Sea View Room is part of the 2025 renovation, which updates the interiors with sun-washed Mediterranean tones. The stone flooring in the Italian marble bathroom is ice-cold against our feet, a sharp, refreshing contrast to the heat outside. We spend the afternoon on the private patio, where the lounger is positioned so that the only view is the sea. It is our first period of silence since arriving in France, spent simply breathing in the salt air and the scent of the gardens.
The swimming pool is one of the largest in the bay. We settle onto cushioned double loungers under indigo parasols, reading until the sun eventually puts us to sleep. The service is consistent – iced water appears before we ask and the team brings around zesty sorbets served in frozen, halved limes. The cold citrus cuts through the heat without being a heavy interruption to the afternoon.
Rooms with a view at Althoff Villa Belrose
Swimming pool at Althoff Villa Belrose
As evening gathers, the terrace of Le Belrose changes pace and the lights of the yachts begin to sparkle. Chef Jimmy Coutel, a local who earned a Michelin star in 2017, focuses on simple Mediterranean flavours rather than over-complicated dishes. The standout is the perfectly cooked, medium-rare steak with silky truffle mashed potato, indulgent yet simple. The evening unfolds with a tender kind of romance, the fading light wrapping around us as we talk and take in the view.
Le Belrose Restaurant at Althoff Villa Belrose
After a blissful night’s sleep, the new day greets us with calm and warmth. Breakfast is a long affair of charcuterie, fruit and perfectly silky scrambled eggs. We sit with iced coffees and watch the first boats of the morning cut white lines across the still bay. Villa Belrose is an elevated vantage point where we watch the world below continue its frantic pace, while our own time seems to stop.
by Tyla de Vos
Starting rates: £940 for Superior Garden Room Breakfast Inclusive
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