Five minutes from the beaches, bars and iconic port of Saint-Tropez is Lou Pinet. Travel writer Georgie Bentley-Buckle checked into the small but stylish hotel that invites discreet guests to live like a true Tropezian.
Hotel
Re-opening for the summer months, Lou Pinet is a privately owned property from the Pariente family. Their portfolio of five-star properties (otherwise known as Maisons Pariente) embody these friendly values across the exceptional addresses they have selected. This includes Lou Pinet, a peaceful property on the perimeter of Saint-Tropez with a desirable setting that offers a quiet retreat, just a kilometre or so from the centre of town.
Opening in 2019, the family called on architect François Vieillecroze to consciously maintain the original Tropezian spirit of the property. This alongside designer Charles Zana whose design honours the creative flair of the famous French artists of the region (namely Matisse, Calder and Picasso). This partnership creates a property that prides itself on the artistic soul of the Cote d’Azur with bright art, antiques and furnishings inside and out.
Hop on the hotel’s shuttle to be whisked into the centre of town within five minutes. Here, you can discover the market filled with the local’s fresh produce and large sandy beaches on the Bay of Pampelonne. If you’re in search of culture, pop your head into the Annonciade art museum, Citadelle maritime museum or even the cinema museum which looks back on Saint-Tropez’s Hollywood’s heritage.
No stylish town is without its fashion scene and makes shopping a popular option. Designer stores with international labels are front row and centre whilst the less obvious side streets reveal independent shops loved by the locals. This includes the well-known Rondini store which is coined for selling the French Riviera’s finest sandals.
Rooms
Lou Pinet feels more like an exclusive family villa than a boutique hotel. Centred by the understated but chic pool which the villa-style property wraps around, this intimate hotel is a place for friends and family to quietly reconnect. This extends to each of the rooms and public areas which feel very much like you’re simply staying at your (most stylish) friend’s house.
Through French doors, many of the hotel’s 34 rooms and suites lead directly onto Lou Pinet’s manicured garden filled with fragrant honeysuckle and mature olive trees. This also includes private outdoor spaces, sectioned off by soft cotton curtains that allow for natural light to steam in, whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel’s signature artistic touches from Charles Zana include headboards of handmade tapestry, with colourful abstract patterns and custom-designed glazed ceramic lamps. This is incorporated into a light and earthy colour palette for a soft, sunny atmosphere.
Choose from a variety of six room types. This starts with the 30 square metre superior room with queen or twin sized beds, 40 square metre prestige room located on the first floor with direct access to the aromatic garden or the swimming pool, up to the 80 square metre prestige suite. With its own private entrance and accommodating up to four people, this suite has two terraces and a large bathroom with a free-standing bath and shower to spread out in.
Food and drink
This small, uncomplicated hotel offers just one restaurant, with high credentials. Despite its location on the perimeter of a fishing village, Lou Pinet’s restaurant aptly named ‘Beef Bar’ leads with a dynamic menu of the best beef globally.
From American Black Angus Prime, Australian Wagyu WX, and the certified Japanese Kobe beef; dishes feature both Asian and Italian influences. Notably, these include Kobe beef teppanyaki, Black Angus carpaccio or Wagyu bolognaise. Should you fancy fresher Mediterranean dishes, you can choose the Cycladic salad of capers and cherry tomatoes, grilled seabass or tuna ceviche.
Beef Bar first came to life in Monaco in 2005 from entrepreneur Riccardo Giraudi. Relocating to Lou Pinet from Hong Kong (where it was awarded a Michelin star in 2017), the all-day restaurant is where breakfast and lunch is served. Alongside the bright artwork that features bold primary colours of red, blue and yellow, devour avocado on toast with rich poached eggs under the flickering shade of the garden’s trees.
Despite service issues which are more relaxed than reliable, is has become known as the best steak spot in Saint-Tropez. Its carnivorous offering can also be enjoyed in the glamorous outposts of Mexico City, Tulum, Dubai, Mykonos, Budapest and Paris.
Spa and wellness
Lou Pinet’s spa feels like you’re entering a hidden cave. Tucked behind the property with a small fitness room, the soothing cream stone spa offers a ‘timeless getaway’. With products from American brand Tata Harper Skincare, the spa works with the brand’s effective natural formulas that are highly concentrated in active ingredients.
Treatments including specialist body, face and gentlemen rituals are carried out in one of the two rooms or the hammam. This includes all the regular massages which make an appearance, in addition to the ‘custom-made relaxing massage’ I was booked into, a great option which adapts to how you’re feeling that day. Launching last year from Parisian beautician Martine De Richeville is also the signature ‘Remodelage’ body treatment, credited as the spa’s secret weapon for achieving a youthful and energised physique.
In a nutshell
Live like a local Tropezian at this vintage, 1960’s inspired hotel. Embracing the famous French town’s creative roots, the colourful property offers a discreet setting to re-charge, moments from the excitement of the weekly markets, buzzy bars, popular beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
Factbox
Address: 70 Chem. du Pinet, 83990 Saint-Tropez, France
Phone: +33 4 94 97 04 37
Website: loupinet.com
All imagery used in this article credit: Mister Tripper
