It must have been in the early 1990s when I visited the Hotel La Garbine for the first time and since then it has been my secret hideaway, just outside the hustle and bustle of Saint Tropez, when I am visiting the Côte d’Azur. And actually in all these years it hasn’t changed much. It is still run by the genial Romano family, who always give you the perfect home away from home feeling, and recently the hotel moved up to four stars, meeting twenty-first century standards.

It has a delightful and exotic garden with a beautiful pool and all the rooms are equipped with modern comforts. If you choose a ground-floor room, you will have a private terrace with a wonderful view overlooking the garden and the pool. For tennis aficionados, there are two excellent tennis courts. And it is also a pleasure to discover a safe spacious private car park.

The Hotel La Garbine is a true haven of tranquillity, ideally located just a short walk from the fabulous Plage de Tahiti and Plages de Pampelonne, where you can enjoy lunch. Perhaps at the Jardin Tropezina (formerly known as Le Tropezina), which is now part of the Château de la Messardiere, recently taken over by the Airelles group. Or perhaps at the iconic Club 55. But equally there’s no reason to move since you can also stay in your relaxed bubble and order a wonderful Provençal lunch at La Garbine. Last, but by no means least, the Hotel La Garbine is a very special place thanks to the amazing, convivial atmosphere created by the Romano family and their staff.