- Interior
- Outdoor & travel
Over the past decades, Saint-Tropez has grown from a quiet fishing village into a very popular seaside resort where especially the beau monde likes to come for some much-needed relaxation. However, this does not mean that it has completely lost its authentic charm. In Hotel Lou Pinet you can still enjoy the peninsula today in all peace and discretion.
The atmosphere of the 60s and 70s reigns supreme at Hotel Lou Pinet. It is as if time has stood still in this boho-chic retreat. This is the Saint-Tropez that attracted many 20th century artists such as Marc Chagall and later celebrities such as Brigitte Bardot. Add to that all the modern comforts, a five-star service and peaceful surroundings and you know that this is THE place to enjoy the French Riviera in a unique and luxurious way. In a different way than most tourists who come here, we must say, but according to the Pariente family who took over the hotel in 2017, this is the only real way.
They brought together a team of people with a big heart for the Côte d'Azur to reinvent the hotel and in two years’ time they were able to turn it into a unique place to stay that for many guests will feel like a second home. Architect François Vieillecroze is known for his many projects in this region and his love for the authentic beauty and architecture of Saint-Tropez. He was able to modernise the partially protected historical site without detracting from the spirit and specific atmosphere of this unique place. So, there is still a complete harmony between the façade, the architecture and the surroundings. These green surroundings were designed by the well-known garden architect Jean Mus. He was able to restore the poetic authenticity of the site with some characteristic Provençal elements such as a lavender field. On top of that, it’s not hard to look past the two impressive pine trees that have stood here for generations and give their name to the hotel, because in Provençal, they call this tree 'Lou Pinet'. For the interior, the renowned designer Charles Zana was allowed to work his magic once again. Saint-Tropez is no stranger to him either, and he is a master at applying a Mediterranean style in which refinement and discretion go hand in hand with the warm dynamics of art and culture. The result you see here is truly unique and we are only too happy to put such a project in the spotlight. 
The atmosphere of the 60s and 70s reigns supreme.
Shielded from all the hustle and bustle that characterizes Saint-Tropez at certain times of the year, Hotel Lou Pinet does everything in its power to offer you a unique experience. Mainly thanks to the interior inspired by the 60s and 70s, there is no typical hotel atmosphere, but rather a subdued yet welcoming and charming hospitality. An example is the way to access the 34 rooms and suites. This is not done with a modern – 'soulless' as they say in the hotel chain – magnetic card, but with a real key that enhances the homely feeling. What's more, each room has its own private garden, giving you a real feeling of being in your own personal space where you can enjoy life undisturbed and come together with friends and family. 
Of course the services and facilities are more exclusive and luxurious than you would normally experience in your own home, but there’s nothing wrong with it being obvious that you are on a relaxing holiday. The concierge, also called 'master of golden keys' here, takes over the role of host and is happy to share the most beautiful places and best experiences on the peninsula with hotel guests. These include a visit to the local markets, a tour of the vineyards, a boat trip to a deserted cove, etc. Of course, it all starts at Hotel Lou Pinet itself, with the wellness, for example. This consists of two treatment rooms, a steam room and a fitness room that will bring you back to balance and make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can also start the day with a yoga class in the garden. Throughout the day you can let yourself be pampered by the many delicious meals served with a Mediterranean touch. 
That Mediterranean holiday feeling is mainly expressed in the beautiful interior. The entire hotel is shrouded in an atmosphere of relaxation, optimism and warmth. Originating from the south of France, top designer Charles Zana was the perfect person to take care of the interior of the hotel and to provide it with impeccable style and feeling. Many elements are a tribute to the golden 60s and 70s in which Saint-Tropez grew from a fishing village to the popular seaside resort and ‘place m’as-tu-vu' it is today. We see the periodic references mainly in the plates on the walls, the works of art (inspired by the 20th-century creations of, for example, Matisse, Calder and Picasso), ceramics and other decorative objects, but also the colour scheme is a pleasant change from what we see in most modern luxury hotels today.
This article was originally published in Imagicasa Summer 2020. Here, you can also read our interview with Charles Zana. You can still order this issue through our webshop.
Photography by Matthieu Salvaing