AREV St Tropez: Inside The French Riviera’s Most Aesthetic Hotel

St Tropez has long had a reputation as one of the world’s glitziest destinations. Once a sleepy fishing town, the French region became a hotspot for artists in the late 19th century, with names like Picasso and Matisse travelling there to capture its unique Mediterranean landscapes. But it was the 1966 film And God Created Woman that really propelled the destination into the spotlight, starring a smouldering Brigitte Bardot strolling barefoot down the beach. Before long the rich and famous were flocking there in droves, and to this day it remains a mecca for A-listers – during a summer sojourn there, you may see Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé or Elton John wandering its cobbled streets (or, perhaps more likely, moored up on a superyacht by the world-famous harbour).

It’s no surprise, then, that St Tropez was picked as a key destination for the upcoming series of The White Lotus, along with glitzy Cannes (season four will take place against the backdrop of the Cannes Film Festival). Just like we saw with the seasons set in Sicily and Thailand, this will no doubt spark a spike in travel to the Cote d’Azur. Plus, this summer British Airways launched a new route between London City and Toulon Saint-Tropez airport, making the town more accessible. But where to stay?

Naturally the French Riviera idyll is teeming with five-star hotels, but one of the newest (and arguably the most chic) is AREV St Tropez. Since opening in 2024 the boutique hotel has garnered a whole lot of buzz – C&TH’s Ellie Smith checked in to find out why.

Hotel Review: AREV St Tropez

The Vibe

After foolishly deciding to walk from the St Tropez port in the peak of the midday heat, suitcases in tow, my husband and I arrive at AREV dripping with sweat (don’t make the same mistake as us: the team will happily arrange for a shuttle to scoop you up). Not the way to make your entrance to this uber-glamorous hotel, where a red Ferrari sits proudly in the car park and every guest is dressed impeccably. But we’re swiftly ushered inside to the cool lounge area, and within minutes our friendly host has brought us back to a state of calm with iced coffee and champagne. As is becoming the norm for modern luxury hotels, there’s no formal front desk here; instead guests are greeted directly and the check-in process happens discreetly while you settle in, giving the hotel an intimate, residential feel. 

But this is certainly no ordinary home: AREV is an aesthete’s dreamland, a picture-perfect space which epitomises French Riviera cool. The work of Spanish interior designer Luis Bustamante, the hotel’s interiors boast a nautical, yacht-like aesthetic with a palette of red, white and navy, while walls are lined with monochrome art works and photographs of Bardot’s heyday. At the centre of the property sits a sprawling pool – apparently the largest in St Tropez – branded with the hotel’s motto: ‘A Rêve (dream) in the Sun’ (a play on the French verb rêver, meaning to dream) and flanked by scalloped, striped parasols. Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity casually sipping a cocktail from the beach club-style bar (and definitely don’t take a photo, as stipulated in the ‘guest conduct’ section of the site); we hear whispers one particular Hollywood star is a regular… but couldn’t possibly share who.

Elsewhere, you’ll find a spa created by Tropezian brand Maison ST, complete with a hammam and an extensive list of treatments ranging from body scrubs with St Tropez sand grains to lymphatic drainage massages. For those keen to stay active, there’s a small gym, a padel court and the option to arrange private yoga and pilates classes. 

The Rooms

There are just 35 rooms and suites – many with their own terraces leading onto the pool. All feature a unique design, but continue the red, white and blue colour scheme with pops of terracotta and caramel, plus signature features like Hungarian goose down bedding, marble-topped vanities, Dyson hairdryers, Japanese toilets and – the highlight – an emergency French fries button, which delivers your choice of chips direct to your door at the drop of a hat.

The Food & Drink

Each day at AREV begins with a leisurely breakfast either outside in the garden or in Q’s Bar, which features signature navy-and-white striped seats and wooden panelling. Everything is made-to-order, with the menu including pastries, acai bowls, eggs, avocado-on-toast, pancakes and more. Come lunchtime, head to the Pool Bar, where the lunch offering includes classic salads and sandwiches alongside luxe fare like truffle pasta, beef tartare, lobster and caviar. Pair with AREV’s signature frozen frosé made with elderflower liqueur, honey, pisco, fresh strawberries and mint leaf.

The Strand is the hotel’s destination restaurant, helmed by chefs Mohamed Abdéréman and Marco Volpi. During the summer months, guests can dine in its al fresco setting in the Place des Oliviers courtyard, a homage to the nearby Places des Lices. The space is particularly magical come evening, when tables are set beneath the glow of fairy lights and olive trees. It serves a Mediterranean menu cooked with local produce, with a focus on seafood. Highlights included a starter of fresh tuna with crispy rice and tarragon cream, a melt-in-the-mouth wagyu picanha steak, and the piece de resistance: a frozen tarte tropezienne (St Tropez’s signature pudding), served here with a frozen centre and flavours of orange. The wine list focuses solely on French varieties including a wide range of champagne, while a vintage cocktail van serves concoctions like the Rhubarbarella, an oh-so-drinkable mix of tequila, Aperol, rhubarb cordial and dried blood orange.

The Location

A big draw of AREV St Tropez is its location. Set just a seven-minute walk away from the main square, it’s near to the heart of the action but set away from the crowds, giving it a peaceful, retreat-like feel. There’s plenty to do and see nearby: on Tuesdays and Saturdays, an open-air market takes over the central square selling clothes, food and antiques, while the 17th century citadelle offers panoramic views of the gulf. Wander through the streets of the old town, La Ponche, browse the many boutique shops and art galleries, and have a drink at legendary harbourside cafe Le Sénéquier – visited by everyone from Bono to Kate Moss. 

The Final Word

It would be impossible not to fall in love with this gem of a hotel, which reinvents the ‘60s St Tropez glamour for a new generation of travellers. The facilities are second-to-none – particularly considering its small size – and service is warm and relaxed yet slick, with an efficient WhatsApp service offering speedy help with whatever you need. A dream indeed.

C&TH Key Notes

• The Dish To Order – You can’t leave without trying out one of the emergency fries phones (have yours topped with caviar for the ultimate luxury treat).
• The Spa Treatment To Book – The Maison St Signature Facial uses traditional Japanese techniques to leave the skin visibly glowing.
• The Time To Visit – Unlike many hotels in the area, AREV is open year-round, so go in the spring or autumn to avoid the notorious crowds.

BOOK IT

arevcollection.com