La Réserve Ramatuelle*****, Ramatuelle nr. St. Tropez,
Provence, France. Hotel w/Restaurant - Spa - Villas

So much more than merely a luxury hotel! This is a destination in itself for the discerning traveler. This newly rebuilt, ultra modern hotel & spa is set in many acres of it own "domaine" that dominates a tree covered hillside overlooking the Mediterranean. The hotel first opened on 29 May 2009, but the "domaine" itself has been developed for over a decade with very upscale villas for rent that have proven very popular. The hotel is a reservoir of peace, calm, serenity and discretion. It is another arm of this very deluxe group of destinations and carries through all the understated attention to detail and fine cuisine that their clientele have come to expect.

Peter and Linda D'Aprix 2009

Perched high on a hill side within the "domaine", it commands views out over the rocky coast line of the Cote d'Azur and the sparkling seas beyond to the horizon. Most of the walls facing the views are floor to ceiling sliding glass panels bringing the outdoors in and offering uninterrupted vistas from all the public spaces from the lounge, bar and dining room. There are no railings to interrupt the views but instead clear glass panels.

Even the sensational spa, filled with light, looks out over the sea even if there is not much chance spa'eeses will get to admire the view once under the ministrations of the doctor-trained massage and beauty experts; at least until you retire to the spa's own pool and sun deck to snooze in pampered bliss.

But what sets "La Réserve" apart from most establishments is that there is a central philosophy set for the entire group under which and to which all aspects of the establishments adhere and which makes "La Reserve" as much a goal centered vision as it is a hotel and spa. The goal of all the members and especially "La Réserve Ramatuelle" is to replace the stresses and strains of today's living, with a feeling of coming home in a warm, delightfully secret atmosphere; a unique setting for special moments with everything designed to renew the spirit and soul by providing an integrated environment from the ambiance of the inner and outer space to the health and well being provided by quiet, friendly and professional service.

This spans from the interior design to the spa to the fine cuisine provided by master chef Eric Canino in the restaurant "La Voile" with 1 Michelin star. It is not only a joy to eat and a treat to the eye, but is so "clean" and digestible that it provides good health even if that is the last thing on the minds of his diners! The spa provides products and therapists trained by the company's own osteopath, again to promote health at it core, but to leave you feeling a new person, refreshed in mind, body and spirit.

There are 12 luxury rental villas designed by the architect who designed "La Réserve Paris" and who designed them in the style of the Cote d'Azur but with rolling glass walls in the living rooms to let in the views and the soft sea breezes. Each has well designed and attractive gardens, high tech kitchens and modern bathrooms. The advantage is that you can use the villas as your holiday homes without the attendant problems of maintenance, maid service or even cooking since you can avail yourself of all the services of hotel! You can even leave your holiday bikes, scooters and swimming gear ready for your holiday next year!

The domaine is less than a quarter hour from the vibrating center of St Tropez for those seeking fun and excitement but who want to return to peace and quiet afterwards. So it is easy to drive into the town and dance into the twilight hours at the disco Caves du Roy, stroll the harbor or browse the Tuesday and Saturday market. You can quickly drive to Tahiti Beach or any of the others and return to wash off the sand in the luxury of your walk in shower and then dry off in the chaise in your private patio/garden all of which have a view of the sea.