Archive for the ‘Saint-Tropez Luxury Travel’ Category

St. Tropez Restaurants with a View to Try During Your Luxury Villa Rental Vacation

Sunday, August 19th, 2012
St. Tropez is a land of plenty when it comes to luxury, beauty, and all the finer things in life, including food. If you’re planning a luxury villa rental vacation in St. Tropez it won’t be difficult to find great restaurants run by celebrity chefs where you can dine morning, noon, and night. Narrowing down the choices might be more difficult, so why not consider what will be surrounding you while you dine. To that end here are three great St. Tropez spots that offer up million dollar views along with their dishes and drinks.

Les Trois Saisons – A wonderful, dreamy atmosphere accompanies the delicious dishes at this gourmand’s delight. Nestled in a leafy park high above St. Tropez, Les Trois Saisons not only offers fresh and yummy delights–like wild catfish roasted lobster served with truffle–but also unforgettable views of the Bay of Pampelonne below. Chateau de la Messadiere, Route de Tahiti, +33 (0)4 94 56 76 00.

Lei Mouscardins
- The location of this St. Tropez restaurant makes it no surprise that the menu is heavy on fresh seafood, including fish and shellfish. Prepared in the traditional style of the South of France these dishes will tempt your taste buds, while the sophisticated surroundings, eye catching architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views will make your meal one to remember. 1 Rue Portalet 83990 Saint-Tropez, +33 494 972 900.

Kube Restaurant and SkyBar - In season, the views from the Kube Hotel’s SkyBar are not to be missed. Have a cocktail while watching the sun go down or enjoy a DJ spinning tunes after dark. Of course, you can also opt to dine indoors (ask for a table away from the kitchen) or in the garden. Before leaving you may want to check out the ICE Kube Bar on the premises where everything is, quite literally, on ice. 13 Chemin du Rogon de la Valette 83580 Gassin,  04 94 97 20 00.

No matter where you’ll be dining, if you want the ultimate in privacy and indulgence during your St. Tropez vacation think about opting for a luxury villa rental to make your trip complete.

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Best Beaches in St. Tropez

Saturday, June 16th, 2012


Pampelonne and Beyond – Great Beaches to Visit During Your Luxury Rental Villa Vacation
One of the big draws when it comes to vacationing in St. Tropez are the beaches and the glamorous daytime lifestyle that surrounds them. Whether staying in a luxury villa rental, hotel or on a yacht, travellers flock to St. Tropez every summer for the sun and sand, bikinis at the ready. While most associate St. Tropez with its main beach, Pampelonne, there are several lesser known stretches of sand where you can while away the days during your luxury villa rental vacation. Here’s a look at beaches you may want to check out during your St. Tropez holiday:

Pampellone – This is the classic St. Tropez beach that has sparked the imagination of travellers and glamorous jet setters since Brigitte Bardot donned that first bikini and sultry pout in the 1950s. Visitors to St. Tropez flock to Pampellone in record numbers to see and be seen, mostly at the exclusive beach clubs lining the shores. While daily charges at these clubs don’t come cheap–there are costs associated with everything from loungers to umbrellas–the excess and glamour is quintessential St. Tropez. Choices for beach clubs range from the quietly classy Club 55 to celeb magnet Nikki Beach, and reservations are always recommended. The oldest beach club in the area is Tahiti Beach, while a good choice for families is Les Jumeaux (aside from a children’s lunch menu this club also boasts a play area to keep your little ones entertained between dips). If you’re looking for good food consider Nioulargo – Kai Largo, which boasts two types of restaurants, while Moorea is a suitable choice for those hoping to find some happy go lucky fun. (more…)

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Chanel Cruise 2011 in the South of France: A Perfect St. Tropez Wardrobe For Your Luxury Villa Rental Vacation

Sunday, May 15th, 2011

Kristen McMenamy in
Monochromatic Chanel Swimwear

Planning a summer getaway in a luxury villa rental always begs the question of exactly what to pack. If you’re looking to add some new additions to your summer outfits, or the ones you’ll need for next year, then Karl Lagerfeld has some suggestions for you. Last year Lagerfeld held the Chanel Cruise 2011 collection in St. Tropez, which is, of course, one of the most exclusive vacation destinations in the world. This year Kaiser Karl kept to the South of France when unveiling Chanel’s vacation looks. The Chanel runway show attracted many boldface names, just adding to the star power currently descending on France with the Cannes Film Festival.

The Chanel show opened with a variety of suits in yellow and lilac, and the soft pastel hues continued for the first part of the show. While celebrity attendees from Blake Lively and Rachel Bilson to Vanessa Paradis and Alexa Chung looked on one smart resort look after the next was trotted out (over 60 in all). There was a polo-style shirt with striped hem and cuffs, a pair of smart cream shorts paired with an embellished twinset, and some great fitted suits. Floaty fabrics and subtle florals also made notable appearances.

The light colors and pastels soon made way for classic Chanel black-and-white. One piece swimsuits were paired with traditional Chanel tweed jackets and models sported low-heeled, thong sandals, large glamorous sunglasses and bowler-esque straw hats. Lagerfeld also created knee-high, pseudo boot versions of the same sandals. Accessories also included some gorgeous Chanel Haute Joaillerie pieces. While Coco Chanel may have popularized costume jewelry, Lagerfeld showed many of his casual pieces with the real stuff including diamonds and pearls.

This summer, if you’re looking for a change from the traditional little black dress Chanel had several options. We agree with Lagerfeld that with a St. Tropez tan a little white dress seems absolutely right. And not only did Chanel offer a variety of swimsuits and coverups, but also a multitude of chic daywear and fashionable outfits to wear once the sun sets. Whether you need something cool and casual (flowing pants in black or cream, sleeveless vests, pretty floral dresses) or fancy (a stunning selection of floaty chiffon, embroidery, sequins and beautiful gowns including one featuring a shooting stars motif) this collection delivers.

And while many were focused on the stars in the audience, others were just as excited to see star models like the white haired Kristen McMenamy, Stella Tennant and Frankie Rayder making appearances on the Chanel runway.

If you’d like to plan a luxury rental villa vacation just perfect for the looks seen in the Chanel Cruise 2012 show then you should check out the options available from Villazzo. Unbelievably beautiful and luxurious villas–with or without five-star VillaHotel service–is the ultimate in exclusive vacations. Forget hotels, it doesn’t get much better than your own private lodgings in a gorgeous villa complete with butler service and all the amenities of your favorite hotel. Take a look and reserve your date for next year’s high season in the South of France.

Photos via harpersbazaar.com iPhone 5

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What’s Hot in Travel for 2011? Classic Destinations

Saturday, April 9th, 2011

Villazzo’s “V” Villa Sogno di Luce in Classic St. Tropez
While many magazines, newspapers and tour operators are constantly touting the hot new thing and far-flung destinations as the epitome of luxury travel, it seems that the trend is now going in the opposite direction. While the lure of the new and undiscovered will always hold some appeal, it seems that the well-heeled are constantly being drawn back to their tried and true vacation haunts like St. Tropez and Ibiza, and exclusive accommodations like luxury villa rentals. Or so claims Nota Bene, the bespoke, membership-only travel management service.
Villazzo’s VillaHotel Nathalie, St. Tropez
In a recent article in the Huffington Post, Nota Bene’s Anthony Lassman expounds on what he sees as the true trends where luxury travel is concerned. Namely that everything old is new again. “Why are the media so focused on the new? Why do upmarket weekend supplements assume we are no longer interested in the traditional ‘watering holes’; ready to forsake them for new pastures, new hotels and the so-called ‘hot’ destinations?” Lassman asks. ”How much of this is true and what are the current most popular vacation choices of the international cognoscenti?”
Villazzo’s “V” Villa Pompea, Capri
The answer, it seems, is the same naturally beautiful, exclusive places that have drawn the wealthy for decades. Places like St. Tropez and Capri in the summer, and Aspen during the winter, will never lack visitors. And while there will always be a market for so-called experimental travel (like “Mongolia’s Gobi Desert [or] Norway’s remote terrains” according to Lassman), not much beats landing a luxury villa in St. Tropez during the peak months. If your luxury villa rental also happens to have VillaHotel Service–basically the advantages of a five-star hotel in the privacy of your own “home”–then so much the better.
Of luxury travelers Lassman writes: “They still want to ski in Aspen, St Moritz, Gstaad and Courchevel over New Years…have summers in the Hamptons, St. Tropez, Ibiza, Capri and Mykonos. One year Ibiza may have more pull over Mykonos; Gstaad may be more popular than Courchevel…but, in overall terms, the jet set locations will continue to attract the same audiences over the holidays, in peak periods and for key sporting events” Lassman writes. ”So, while the undiscovered is exciting, it is unlikely to replace the old.”
The pull of the classics like St. Tropez and Ibiza is strong, so booking your luxury villa rental early is definitely recommended if you’re looking forward to a summer getaway in 2011. Visit http://www.villazzo.com/ for more information about top notch, stunning vacation villas. Choose between Villazzo’s VillaHotels, with their five-star amenities and private butler services, and the “V” Villas that offer more flexibility and independence for your luxury European vacation.

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Vacationing in Saint-Tropez This Summer? Be Seen With Hottest Handbags & Luggage For Luxury Travel!

Saturday, March 12th, 2011

In Saint-Tropez, fashion and luxury travel go hand in hand. Read about the latest designer handbag trends for 2011, and which bags are perfect of the luxury vacationer in Saint-Tropez.

With spring break around the corner, and the time to plan summer vacations in European luxury villa rentals already here, thoughts understandably turn to what to bring on your vacation–and what to pack it in.

There are many choices for gorgeous, well-made luxury luggage including traditional choices like Goyard, Louis Vuitton and Globe-Trotter and the new kids on the block, such as the newly launched Jimmy Choo 24:7 line and the beautiful crocodile bags and accessories offered by Nancy Gonzalez. Here we’ve gathered four great brands to help you on your way to choosing the perfect luggage for your vacation.

Globe-Trotter Luggage is synonymous with luxury and durability, and is even the brand chosen by Queen Elizabeth II for her honeymoon bags (one wonders what Kate and William will choose). The brand has six collections of sought after travel cases including the Original, which features the first Globe-Trotter model–a square suitcase featuring the company’s signature Vulcan Fibre corner details– and the Safari, a popular 1920s style. Also available is the vibrant blue Cruise collection cases with navy blue detailing and a white-and-blue pinstriped lining, the Centenary (featuring hand-made leather trim and great color and print options), and the uber luxurious Orient line, a perfect meeting of East and West. Keep in mind that not many Orient cases are available for purchase at any one time as each undergoes a time consuming and painstaking Urushi lacquer process, which is responsible for the cases’ high sheen. Bespoke options are also available. globetrotter1897.com

Famed French firm Hermès has its roots in equestrian products and has retrained their ability to produce functional items that are also beautiful and luxurious. In addition to traditional cases, Hermes’ travel line also includes handmade tote and weekend styles fashioned out of supple calfskin and durable canvas. The company also makes some pretty nifty travel products like this 100% cowhide Ties Only case for men, a perfect way to store your Hermes tie when travelling. hermes.com

Jimmy Choo isn’t just a producer of perfect sandals and great handbags anymore. As of this year the brand’s 24:7 collection is available for purchase and includes the perfect luxury luggage for any fashionista. The line includes everything from weekenders to carry-on trollies as well as matching laptop cases, luggage tags and chic passport holders in various fabrics, prints and colors. Think leopard, like the “Terence” luggage above, croc and sequins. jimmychoo.com

Goyard is another of those fabled French luxury firms, one that has been supplying the world’s well-heeled with luggage since 1853. Grab a case or a weekender bag (like the “Overnight” seen here) in the signature Goyard print and you’re assured a gorgeous piece. Whether buying retail or going the bespoke these are really bags you can’t go wrong with. goyard.com

Have your perfect luggage and wondering where to go? Villazzo is excited about the upcoming summer vacation season, including the debut of the gorgeous Villa Nathalie in St. Tropez. If you’re looking to book a luxury villa rental in Europe this summer then take a look at Villazzo’s gorgeous options and be sure to book soon–they definitely won’t last long!

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Villazzo CEO Christian Jagodzinski: “VillaHotel Nathalie is the Most Impressive Villa I’ve seen in Saint-Tropez Since 2010″

Friday, March 11th, 2011
villazzo villahotel saint-tropez

Villazzo's Founder & CEO Christian Jagodzinski

When it comes to luxury travel, it takes a lot to impress me.

That, after all, is what inspired me to start Villazzo in the first place: I wanted to create a luxury villa rental company that offered exclusive world travelers the finest luxury villas in the world’s top vacation destinations, complete with five-star luxury hotel service. This is what my VillaHotel Concept is all about.

Through my travels, I’ve been able to ascertain what I believe to be the world’s top luxury resorts, and they are the destinations that Villazzo currently focuses on: Miami Beach, Aspen, Saint-Tropez, and Capri. To be sure, there are other destinations that could be added to our selection (and maybe will someday), but currently these specific destinations are the ones that have a sufficient crop of luxury villas that meet Villazzo’s strict standards.

The next step is always to find the most exquisite, private, luxury villas in these destinations that can then be transformed into VillaHotels.

In a place like Saint-Tropez, that’s harder than you think: there are hundreds of houses in and around Saint-Tropez whose owners would like to think are considered “luxury villas.” But in order to determine if a house is truly deserving of the VillaHotel treatment, my team and I have to personally search and inspect the entire villa market in every destination. Most of the villas we see fail to impress.

But I recently came upon a new luxury villa in Saint-Tropez that might be the finest I’ve ever come across in Saint-Tropez!

The view, pool & patio at VillaHotel Nathalie

VillaHotel Nathalie

(more…)

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Luxury Villa Spotlight: VillaHotel Imana in St. Tropez

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Although the new trend in St. Tropez is supposedly “authentic luxury,” the new crop of ultra-contemporary hotels there seem to be out luxury villaof place. But this luxury villa really combines a modern interior with a traditional exterior for total luxury throughout.

Search the web about St. Tropez these days and you’ll come across a lot of coverage about the new boutique hotels that have been appearing there, just in time for the peak summer season. The Muse Hotel has made a lot of news: with its 15 little “villas,” its layout is supposedly a reflection of the trend toward traditional, authentic St. Tropez luxury , much in the way that Bardot discovered it back in the day.

But these new hotels are about as authentic and traditional as the Guggenheim Art Museum.

The manager of the Muse recently was quoted as saying, “We want to build a brand of boutique hotels that offer refinement and culture and puts excellent Asian service into a French cocoon.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but Asian service — regardless of what you may think of it personally — is most certainly not going to give you an authentic St. Tropez experience.

Similar questions can be raised about the other new players in the St. Tropez boutique hotel market: La Réserve Ramatuelle is another contemporary art masterpiece — impressive, no doubt, but about as quintessentially St. Tropez as Disney World.

The fact is, luxury villas are the only real option for experiencing St. Tropez the way it used to be. And what’s for, if you still have a thirst for contemporary decor, you can both.

Set amid the rugged terrain of the countryside, VillaHotel Imana offers an exquisite blend of traditional French elegance with modern décor and amenities. Private, garden-lined terraces invite you spend your days outside on the manicured lawn or pristine, Olympic sized pool, or entertain into the night with an outdoor barbeque and covered lounge.

This luxury villa features large windows and an open floor plan that give you an exceptional view of the gardens, pool, and outdoors around every turn of VillaHotel Imana, while the villa’s traditional exterior design gives way to sleek, minimalist contemporary décor inside. In addition, the living and dining rooms as well as the 4 bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms are all remarkably unified in their furniture and decoration, offering a mix of artistry and comfort. The kitchen and bathrooms all feature contemporary appliances and fixtures that will captivate your senses, while the rest of VillaHotel Imana offers plenty of space and comfort.

And because the VillaHotel Imana features Villazzo’s industry-leading VillaHotel services, you get the perfect combination of five-star hotel services with the comfort and privacy of a traditional luxury villa in St. Tropez.

So, if you’re looking to experience the authentic St. Tropez holiday, be sure to choose a luxury villa like the VillaHotel Imana — it’ll give you the best of both worlds.

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