HÔTEL BYBLOS ST TROPEZ – THE BEST OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
July 10, 2022
I may have mentioned it once or twice that the south of France is one of my favorite places in the world. I admit I haven't seen the whole world yet, but it's at the top of my list for now. I'm adding the HÔTEL BYBLOS ST TROPEZ high on my list of places I'd happily return to.
Why I love the South of France? I've never had a bad meal there, from coffee and a croissant for breakfast to the full tasting menu, the food is always divine. The beaches and coastline are stunning, the bars and restaurants tempting, the mountain villages artistic and stylish, the shops pricey but chic. What's not to like?
We stayed at arguably the most iconic hotel in St Tropez, the Hôtel Byblos, known for its fashionable guests, including actors, artists and musicians, directors and playwrights, everyone who is anyone has stayed here, and no wonder, it is a stunning property.
We checked into our sixth-floor suite overlooking the pool and gardens. It was large, bright, and airy, with beautifully designed furnishings in shades of soft, sunny yellow. The bed was large and comfortable, the bathroom boasted a waterfall shower and bathtub, and, of course, a wealth of luxurious fragrances. We were welcomed with a chilled bottle of rosé, which we enjoyed that evening before dinner, sitting on our small balcony.
We spent the first afternoon relaxing and catching up on some much-needed sleep, as we had been up at 2am that morning to catch an early flight to Nice and have the whole day to ourselves.
The hotel pool and surrounding area were luxurious, the plush sun loungers provided a delightful relaxation, and with our first cocktail, we truly felt the holiday spirit. After a few hours, as the sun disappeared behind the trees, we stretched and headed to our suite to freshen up for dinner. Dinner that evening was at Cucina, arguably one of the most renowned restaurants in the area. The vast outdoor terrace, lined with beautiful trees and filled with romantic lighting, beckoned us to take a seat. The menu was exciting and authentically Italian.
We started with the Kir Royale and the tuna tartare with charred lemon. My husband chose the Apulian burrata with asparagus; these were excellent choices. We then decided on a few dishes to share: Cacciucco-style red mullet, potatoes with thyme, and fennel purée. The fish was tender and juicy. Gamberoni stuffed with squid, lemon confit, confit tomatoes, basil, and a zucchini variation. The gamberoni were perfectly cooked, and everything was seasoned to perfection. The presentation and presentation of the dishes were truly impressive. We washed it all down with a delicious bottle of rosé, and when we finished, we chose a dessert to share: a chocolate pizza. Wow, what a way to end such an incredible feast.
St. Tropez is known for its harbor and its stunning array of yachts, so a visit wouldn't be complete without a stroll. It took us literally five minutes to walk into town.
The Hôtel Byblos has so much to offer: the second poolside restaurant, Arcadia, has a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. Arcadia offers Mediterranean cuisine for a fabulous dining experience. A blend of flavors on an inspiring menu. Many dishes are created using vegetables from the Byblos vegetable garden, then delicately garnished and presented in tagines. Arcadia is located by the pool and is the place to enjoy breakfast, served until 11 a.m. The hot breakfast options are delicious and freshly cooked, as are the fruits, yogurts, pastries, and fresh meats.
After dinner at Arcadia, head around the corner to Lounge Bar 'B', the perfect place to continue your evening with a coffee or cocktail while admiring the magical scenery of the Byblos Pool. On some evenings, there's a live band playing well-known hits. The drinks menu is extensive and includes fine wines, cocktails, and exceptional champagnes. It's the perfect spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
When you feel like you need a little pampering, the Sisley Spa is stunning and offers a huge variety of wonderful treatments performed by experienced therapists. I know, I was lucky enough to be invited for a massage, and it was probably one of the best massages I've ever experienced.
If you prefer the beach to the pool, fear not, Hôtel Byblos boasts a stunning beach club, Byblos Beach Ramatuelle, located on the famous Pampalone Beach. The beach club perfectly reflects the sophisticated atmosphere of the hotel itself.
The contemporary design is inspired by the maritime world, and the sun umbrellas above the restaurant area vividly recall the sails of the fabulous yachts that can be found along the Riviera coast.
Wide, wooden loungers with double headrests and deep, soft mattresses are the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind in the sun or take a nap in the shade of the magnificent, openwork umbrellas.
When it comes to dining at the beach club, the menu, like that at the main hotel, is refined, light, and flavorful. Mediterranean cuisine features dishes made with the highest quality produce sourced from local farms and Byblos's own kitchen garden. We started our lunch with cold mint and green pea soup with Greek yogurt, a refreshing start to our meal. The next course was tuna steak served with fried sweet and sour peppers. We spent a few hours at the restaurant and the rest of the afternoon on the beach, under the Byblos umbrellas on comfortable sun loungers, occasionally cooling off in the sea.
Our experience in Byblos was certainly unique. It was glamorous, sophisticated, and filled with delicious culinary delights that we will always remember.
A: Hotel Byblos, 20 Avenue Paul Signac, 83990 Saint-Tropez
T: +33 (0)4 945 668 00 F +33 (0)4 945 668 01
W: Hotel Byblos
Written by Debbie Stone, Global Editor Luxury Boutique (Luxuria Lifestyle International Group).
