Cheval Blanc St-Tropez: the soul of the French Riviera in a Palace

From the outset, the Mediterranean catches the eye: it is the undisputed star of this contemporary refuge, which will open in May 2019 following the transformation of the Pinède residence, a historic address in Saint-Tropez. The tower of a mill topped with ochre tiles remains from the old estate. And the elegance of a timeless decor, like the unchanging reflections on the sea. You can take advantage of it at any time to escape to the sound of the lapping waves.

The Côte d'Azur also has a special kind of light that is so inspiring. Under the impetus of the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, who designed the metamorphosis of the premises, it is freely deployed inside, through the play of partitions that break down the space. Deep blue or soft sanded oak: colours and materials are in perfect harmony with the beauty of the site.

Each of the 30 rooms and suites pays homage to Roger Capron, whose works adorn the house. From the 1960s "navette" coffee tables to carpets with motifs created from his drawings, the eye of the ceramic artist watches over the décor.

As soon as the weather is fine, it's impossible to resist the call of the big blue! You take a few dips in the divine waters of the Mediterranean before diving into the 30° pool. Between the two, there is just a ribbon of white sand guarded by the rustling curtain of a pine grove: it is the only waterfront address in Saint-Tropez! The pontoon anchors the desire for nautical escapism: kitesurfing or dolphin watching, the "alchemists" of the house transform the slightest desire.

With the sea at hand, you can let yourself be swept away by a gentle torpor. However, opposite, the roofs of Saint-Tropez hold out the promise of pleasures, market strolls, games of pétanque or chic shopping. Yes, but after the siesta!

At La Terrasse, you can enjoy the scents of the Mediterranean in the shade of hundred-year-old pine trees. The Provencal soil and the fertile sea provide Chef Arnaud Donckele with the material for his inexhaustible passion for the art of culinary emotion. He stages a cuisine of the moment, in resonance with the elements. In the evening, in the cosy cocoon of La Vague d'or, 3 Michelin stars, you can continue the waltz of flavours, to be matched with exceptional vintages.

When we wake up in the morning, nature's dazzling beauty reminds us as soon as we have breakfast. Smoothie, fresh fruit and seasonal omelette, we switch on detox mode. Between a restorative massage with shells and an extreme sun ritual, it is in the Guerlain Spa's setting of blonde stones and tanned woodwork that we will spend the morning recharging our batteries. The ballet of the sails on the sea will wait!