They do things differently at Hotel Sezz. There's no reception area for one. Instead, my husband and I are greeted at the entrance by our own designated personal assistant who swiftly signs us in and chats through any requests we have. Dinner reservation for this evening? Absolutely. Babysitter for tomorrow? Not a problem. We've only been here five minutes and I've already fallen for the place.
This is the second collaboration from hotelier Shahé Kalaidjian and designer Christophe Pillet and as with their first, Hotel Sezz Paris, attention to detail rules. All centred around a large pool, complete with outdoor Dom Pérignon Champagne bar, the 37-room complex is dotted with perfectly positioned olive trees, palm trees, mimosas, fig and lemon trees. Taking inspiration from a small Provençal village, the effect couldn't be more tranquil. It's the perfect antidote to the Saint Tropez party scene, which can be found a short five-minute drive away, that's for sure.
Our 40 square-metre Cocoon suite has a lofty, light-filled feel, thanks to the oversized remote-controlled glass doors that open onto a cleverly landscaped private garden. As a design junkie, I'm particularly impressed by the abstract Mazzega light fixtures and Emecco chairs. And the 1950s colour palette of white, light grey and saffron is minimal without being austere.
The bathroom is heavenly. The sunken bath tub for two is, without doubt, the best bath I've ever had the pleasure of luxuriating in — especially when accompanied by the complimentary Acqua di Parma products at our disposal.
I'd heard good things about the hotel's Restaurant Colette, led by world-renowned three-starred Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire, so I was pleased to find it lives up to the hype. After sitting down we're offered pre-dinner Bellinis, which set the mood. We're then treated to a five-course menu featuring mussels with zucchini ice cream and John Dory with tomato jelly: creative and delicious.
I unfortunately don't make it to the spa, developed in conjunction with French cosmetic brand Payot. It's not that I don't love the idea of participating in the morning and sunset yoga classes, or that I'm not tempted by the plethora of treatments on offer. The truth is I just can't bring myself to leave the poolside. And with Champagne refills served at the sunbeds, can you blame me? Hotel Sezz is all about relaxing. So that's exactly what I do.
Hotel Sezz, Route de Salins, 83990 Saint Tropez (+ 33 4 9455 3155; hotelsezz.com). Room rates start from £339 per room per night.
