A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and part of a boutique family-owned hotel group, Maisons Pariente, Lou Pinet feels more akin to a Provençal country house than a hotel. Secluded by tall pines from which it takes its name and well-located amid swathes of lavender fields, there’s a wonderful sense of escape and seclusion at Lou Pinet, even though the centre of Saint Tropez is just 5-minutes away.

The attractive gardens play host to a collection of green-shuttered buttercream buildings, whose delightful interiors boast vintage-inspired décor and a Provençal palette of terracotta, olive green and burnt mustard. All enlivened by the primary colours of modern art, along with local glassware and ceramics. The styling is a nod to Saint Tropez’s 1960s and 70s heyday, executed with exceptional taste and charm, while the service is warm, personal, and intuitive. The excellent concierge is always on hand to advise, organise and arrange any requests.

The hotel’s 34 rooms and suites all enjoy a private furnished garden, plush comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, climate control, flat screen satellite TV with Chromecast, minibar, safe, Nespresso machine, ensuite bathroom with Italian showers, hairdryers, and premium bath products. All boast natural light and brightly coloured graphic prints set against natural textures such as linen, wood and stone.

Trade up to a spacious Prestige Room for pool views and extra living space. These rooms can be connected to both Superior and Deluxe Rooms for families. Deluxe Junior Suites sleep up to three in some style, with comfortable lounge areas and additional bathtubs. For a separate lounge and accommodation sleeping to four guests, book a Superior or Prestige Suite. Children are welcome and the hotel supplies soft toys, bibs, bathrobes, and slippers for little ones. Bathtubs, changing mats and highchairs are available on request.

Initially founded in Monaco in 2005, the elegant and relaxed Beefbar Restaurant has since relocated to hotel Lou Pinet and serves up some the world’s finest meats, making this one of Saint-Tropez’s best restaurants. American Black Angus Prime, Australian Wagyu WX and certified Japanese Kobe Beef are the star attractions, along with lighter Mediterranean fare such as ceviche, truffle pasta, salads, and grilled fish. Shaded by a wooden pergola and the surrounding pines, the outdoor bar is lantern-lit at night, while inside the atmosphere is cosy and convivial. From lunch through to early evening, guests can order a range of Street Food and Comfort Food from the bar’s Pool Menu.

Guests have access to the hotel’s bijou Spa with two treatment rooms and hammam. The Spa is housed in a beautifully converted basement, where guests will also find the Fitness Room. One of the main highlights of Lou Pinet is the fabulous pool at the centre of the property, set within the fragrant gardens. Lined with comfortable loungers, it is the largest pool in Saint-Tropez and ideal for soaking up the sun, swimming laps or dozing to the rhythmic sound of the cicadas.