Chateau de la Messardière,
Saint-Tropez

Text and Photography by Mart Engelen

The Château de la Messardière, just five minutes from the heart of Saint-Tropez, offers magnificent views over the Bay of Pampelonne. Situated high above ten hectares of pine forest, the hotel’s captivating gardens are filled with sights and scents that pay tribute to the golden age of the Riviera. Guests can enjoy a home-away-from-home atmosphere in this peaceful sanctuary and revel in the warm climate in the almost Olympic-size pool. The Château de la Messardière joined the LOV Hotel Collection last year and this year will become part of the group’s prestigious Airelles collection of hotels. Also last year, the hotel began an extensive renovation, which will be carried out over three winters. As my last visit to this icon was almost a decade ago, when I arrived I immediately noticed the first results of this restoration, overseen by interior architect Christophe Tollemer, which is bringing just the right amount of modernity to the château. I had the pleasure of staying in the opulent Riviera Suite which offers glorious panoramic views from its immense terrace. The hotel shuttle will take you to the world-famous Pampelonne beach, a few hundred metres away, where you can enjoy a splendid lunch with your feet in the sand at the hotel’s landmark Jardin Tropézina restaurant, which has also been renovated as part of the reorganisation of the Ramatuelle coastline. I can’t wait to go back.