Slow Living In Saint Tropez: Lou Pinet – Hotel Review

Looking for a sunny sanctuary in Saint Tropez? Martha Davies checks into Lou Pinet.

Hotel Review: Lou Pinet, Saint Tropez

Can real tranquility ever be sought amid the glamorous throngs and star-studded ports of Saint Tropez? It might seem unlikely, but if it exists anywhere, you’re sure to find it at Lou Pinet. This charming hotel may be just a few minutes’ drive from La Place des Lices, but it’s tucked away on a quiet lane bordered by lavender fields – and just like its rural counterpart, Crillon le Brave, it’s a remarkably peaceful spot.

That’s not to say that Lou Pinet doesn’t match the prestige of its location, of course; it’s certainly Instagrammable, complete with a subterranean spa, an outdoor terrace bedecked with flower garlands, and a pool so pretty you’ll spend more time gazing at it than you will taking a dip. The lobby, restaurant and guest rooms are bursting with colourful prints and whimsical decor, all offering a bohemian tableau which recalls the quaint fishing communities and honey-hued cottages that once lined the Tropezian shores. Think ‘60s glam with a hint of Mediterranean charm.

The owners themselves (the Pariente family) used to holiday in the region, and it seems that their vision for Lou Pinet was rooted in a sense of nostalgia; the entire property feels more like a collection of villas, with the buildings and their pastel green shutters all looking out onto the pool (one of the largest in Saint Tropez). The bedrooms are large, airy, and brimming with trinkets and treasures – books, ceramics, sculptures – right down to the towels and matching robes, which boast chic red trims in a tribute to the traditional Tropezian colours. Yet you don’t actually have to be occupying one of the gorgeous rooms to experience the magic of Lou Pinet; day packages are available for any passing traveller who feels like a quick afternoon swim or a leisurely lunch on the terrace. 

Truth be told, the flashiest part of the entire place is the restaurant. While the breakfast buffet is a lavish affair, dinner offers a chance to experience Lou Pinet’s very own slice of Beefbar, the glitzy restaurant brand which originated in Monte Carlo. But make no mistake: style over substance is not an issue here. Leave your inhibitions at the door, but come armed with an appetite – Beefbar’s food is designed for sharing, and you’ll find yourself tempted by every single thing on the menu. The corn tempura, kobe beef prosciutto and crunchy salad is spectacular, as is the Korean barbecue and the Chilean seabass (paired with truffle mashed potatoes or homemade French fries, of course). And that’s to say nothing of the desserts: the signature chocolate bar (a slab of chocolate stuffed with biscuit and caramel) just might change your life. What’s a trip to the Côte d’Azur without a bit of indulgence, after all?

THE FINAL WORD

Think Saint Tropez is all A-list exclusivity and sunlight glinting off yachts? At Lou Pinet, serenity is the order of the day – but you’re never far away from the action. 

BOOK IT

Nightly rates start from €550 on a B&B basis. loupinet.com