JUST a short, scenic drive along the French Riviera brings us to Arev St. Tropez, a discreet bolthole which is uniquely open year-round, located moments away from the Place des Lices. Even before we step out of our car, a team of smiling staff greets us with such warmth that the transition from travel to tranquillity feels instantaneous.
Hotel Entrance
Crossing onto the hotel with just 35 rooms, feels less like arriving at a resort and more like being quietly welcomed into a private, almost hidden, world. The elegant nautical blue and white palette with hints of red, sets a contemporary, sophisticated tone from the very first moment.
We are escorted to the shaded outdoor patio for check-in, where refreshing cold drinks help ease the afternoon heat. Our concierge welcomes us with effortless efficiency, adding us to a WhatsApp chat – an unexpectedly convenient touch that allows us to request anything from restaurant bookings to the complimentary five-minute transfer to the beach with just a quick message.
Poolside Suite
Our Mediterranean-styled deluxe suite, only steps from the 15-metre heated outdoor pool, becomes an instant sanctuary. The luxurious bed, dressed in silky-soft linens and a Hungarian goose-down duvet, is very comfortable. The swimming pool lures us outside to explore.
The shimmering tiling are decorated with the words “A RÊVE IN THE SUN,” which perfectly captures the glamorous Tropézien atmosphere. We spend the afternoon swimming, sipping cocktails, enjoying poolside nibbles, and playing backgammon with the Arev’s own personalised set.
Champagne Lounge
As evening falls, the Strand Restaurant is a setting of pure romance. Lanterns glow overhead, lights glow between the trees. The gentle sound of the fountain creates an atmosphere which makes for unforgettable evening. Espresso martinis in hand, we listen as a live band begins to play, and the evening becomes a vibrant, joyful celebration.
Padel Court
The following afternoon, we play a fun game of padel on the shaded outdoor court, followed by a treatment at the AREV Spa x Maison ST. Welcomed with a collagen drink, I make my choice from four bespoke oils before my therapist delivers an intuitive, personalised massage that leaves me feeling both physically unknotted and mentally reset.
Arev St. Tropez delivers exactly what we need on the chicest peninsula of the French Riviera – stillness, comfort, and the rare sensation that time quietly pauses.
by Tyla de Vos
Winter season rates commence at €590, while peak-season stays begin at €1,500.