If driving to Pampelonne Beach from St. Tropez, it's the first beach club you'll hit in Ramatuelle. Loved by posh locals and 40-something socialites, this Polynesian-theme beach club and hotel at the northern-end of the gulf attracts a loyal patronage of yacht-hoppers and Ramatuelle residents. Known more for its restaurant than beach scene, visitors arrive via neighboring valet area or private pier that welcomes moored yachts of visiting glitterati. More Steven Spielberg than Paris Hilton, the crowd is a mostly grown-up contingent of rich globetrotters on hand for a mature restaurant scene and hour-or-so in the sun. The décor mixes tiki totem poles with oiled teak furnishings and signature orange-and-white umbrellas above canvas loungers.
The Food
Under the shade of palm and coconut trees, a foodie-feast considered one of the best at the beach begins with a lengthy selection of seafood and traditional salads. Presented family style or ala carte, hungry couples and extended family hover over massive plates of grilled fish and signature lobster dishes that impressive in flavor and their hefty prices. In between lunch and dessert, guests are treated to an in-house modeling show from the beach shop selling linen shirts, sarongs and beach bags that always look so much better at the beach than back at home.
Last Word
Locals consider it as the best restaurant at the beach. Tahiti is located at the northern-end of Pampelonne Beach offering one of the few private piers for yacht-hoppers looking for sandy lunches and all-day tanning scene.
