As if hiding behind its palatial gate in the St. Tropez hills, this little-known resort has quietly become one of the most talked-about destinations in the South of France. Located in a glitzy residential area between St. Tropez's village and beach clubs, its out-of-the-way location makes it an ideal sanctuary from summer's rush of cruise-shippers and star-stalkers. Perhaps it's why pop-star joggers and celebrities can be seen trotting-along the streets, albeit with security detail in toe.

Once inside the gates, guests travel-up a gravel drive to a meticulous garden of lavender and trickling fountains leading to the lobby. The lobby is no more than a single desk, attended by a discreet-staff that doesn't attempt to overwhelm with service. The main hotel includes a glass-enclosed restaurant, lounge and modest spa; all decorated in the tastefully elaborate style of hoteliers Jocelyne and Jean-Louis Sibuet (La Bastide de Marie, Les Fermes de Marie). The hotel attracts a spa/foodie crowd in the off-season with high season dominated by the rich party-set and young-families that don't mind ditching their kids to hit the beach clubs.

The Room:

Owned by a world-renown decorator, the hotel is marvelously furnished with a mix of modern furnishings and priceless antiques. With old-fashioned key in hand, guests enter large-airy rooms with hardwood floors and wood-paneled windows overlooking the countryside and distant sea. Ground-floor guestrooms feature grassy-patios that lead directly to the pools without needing to tramp-through the lobby. Each room features ornate detailing and personal antiques selected by the hotel's owners ranging from period armoires to Balinese accented loungers and settees. All room categories are generous in size, many featuring open bathrooms with enameled clawfoot-bathtubs and glass showers accented in raw granite. A lavish selection of top-notch toiletries (worthy of stealing) give a bit of insight to the hotel's top-notch spa, but modest guests sharing accommodations should notify the hotel in advance for more private accommodations. Wrought-iron canopy beds and deliriously fabulous sheets make for great sleeping and 10AM lingering followed by prompt room service with goblet-sized espressos.