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Hot New St. Tropez Restaurants to Try on Your 2013 Luxury Villa Rental Vacation

Tuesday, March 19th, 2013

Summer may seem far off for many of us, but if you’re planning a getaway to a popular destination like St. Tropez it wouldn’t be remiss to start planning now. Not only where to stay–exclusive luxury villa rentals with all the amenities of five star hotels book up quickly!–but what to do during your vacation in the South of France. To that end there are a few new restaurants opening in St. Tropez that you’ll want to keep in mind for your visit including new Alain Ducasse and Georges Blanc hot spots.

Rivea – Celebrated chef Alain Ducasse’s latest restaurant creation is Rivea, which is located at the Byblos Saint Tropez and is slated to open in mid-April. The menu created by Chef Ducasse is very Mediterranean, focusing on local products and heavily influenced by both Italian and French cuisine. The venue itself was designed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, who have made quite the splash with their vision for the Bulgari Hotel in London, and features everything from coral fabrics to local woods and flickering lanterns for centerpieces. The new Rivea will be replacing the Spoon restaurant at the Byblos.

 

Le Suffren Café - The historic St. Tropez hotel, Hotel de Paris, is set to reopen again this year to much fanfare after a two year renovation. The historical Hotel de Paris is one of the most storied hotels in St. Tropez–it has been around since the 1930s and was the “it” spot in the 1960s and 1970s–and is also in a great location, within walking distance from both the Citadelle and the harbor. While the hotel offers several bars and lounges, the new Le Suffren is what is drawing the most attention. With Georges Blanc as consulting chef the new café is set to offer some top notch French cuisine in a traditional bistro-like setting along with a picturesque landscaped patio.

In other exciting St. Tropez culinary news, Michelin recently gave a third star to Chef Arnaud Donckele’s La Vague d’Or. Trained by the likes of Alain Ducasse, Donckele arrived on the St. Tropez scene in 2004 and received his second star in 2010. Michael Ellis, the international director of the Michelin guides, said in a press release regarding the award:

“Arnaud Donckele’s cuisine
provides diners with a unique, unforgettable experience. His fish dishes are highly original and he has personally sought out local
producers to find the highest quality ingredients.”

If you are hoping to enjoy the summer sun in St. Tropez while dining at hot restaurants like the ones named above, think about a luxury villa rental for your vacation. Villazzo’s VillaHotel options marry the privacy and luxury of a private home with the personalized service and amenities of any five-star hotel.

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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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Karl Lagerfeld Calls St. Tropez “Paradise” in New Video

Saturday, September 10th, 2011
The Iconic Fashion Designer and Rapper Snoop Dogg Appear in Video for Jean-Roch’s VIP Room
The Iconic VIP Room Nightclub in St. Tropez
Photo via worlds-luxury-guide.com

St. Tropez’s bustling nightlife is one of the key reasons that people are drawn to the classic vacation spot again and again. Even as the summer season is drawing to a close, and the well heeled and the famous are departing from their luxury villa rentals and their yachts, we’re reminded that some of the biggest names in the world, who could vacation anywhere they choose, consistently return to St. Tropez. Just take the outspoken Karl Lagerfeld who has made his love for St. Tropez known on countless occasions. Not only does the designer vacation in the town, but has also used it as the site of Chanel Resort fashion shows and videos he’s directed to promote the iconic brand. Now, appearing in a video for the famous St. Tropez nightclub VIP, Lagerfeld once again reaffirms his love for St. Tropez. (more…)

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Enjoy Some Extreme Activities During Your St. Tropez Vacation Rental Experience

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011
Tony Parker on Water Propelled Jet Pack via TMZ.com
Increase The Fun of Your Luxury Villa Rental vacation in Saint Tropez with Sports and Exclusive Toys

Shopping and clubbing, sun bathing and sailing are all hallmarks of a luxury villa rental vacation in St. Tropez. If you’re interested in something a bit more high energy, however, the exclusive resort town offers several different options you can consider. NBA star Tony Parker was recently seen motoring around the Mediterranean on a futuristic “jet pack,” one of the many grown up toys that you can choose from during your St. Tropez luxury vacation.

The JetLev reportedly costs more than $130,000 to own, and Parker spent about $5,000 to rent one in St. Tropez. So how does this modern answer to parasailing actually work? The JetLev, made by a Canadian company, gets strapped to your back and propels you through the air using water, sucked in through a tube trailing in the ocean, as its fuel. Perhaps not the exact image of the flying jet packs we’ve been promised by movies and science fiction, but definitely a new and unique way to enjoy the sun, sand and sea of St. Tropez. (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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St. Tropez Cited as One of the World’s Top Honeymoon Hideaways

Friday, September 24th, 2010
France, as chosen by Vogue and Mr & Mrs Smith, is a luxury villa rental paradise for newlyweds.
What do people look for in a honeymoon destination? Privacy and romance, usually, adventure sometimes, and luxury in most cases. According to Vogue Australia and elite travel site Mr and Mrs Smith,one of the best places to get all of the above is a classic choice: France. While Paris has been done to death by honeymooners for generations, the South of France remains an idyllic getaway destination for those looking to bask in their fresh nuptial happiness. “Prefer a sexy yet stylish beach getaway? The French Riviera is for you. The coast that defined seaside glamour is still a balmy playground, equally endowed with look-at-me glitz and laid-back cool,” Mr and Mrs Smith explains to Vogue. “Fancy something a little more cutting-edge?” they ask, then St. Tropez is where you and your honey need to be.

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St. Tropez Voted One of the Top 10 Autumn Vacation Destinations

Friday, August 27th, 2010
A luxury villa rental in St. Tropez is not just for summer fun, but also for fall adventures!

When most people think of St. Tropez, they think of summer; maybe visiting for a couple of weeks in July or for a month at the beach in August, which is Europe’s traditional time for vacations. While the Cote d’Azur is undoubtedly beautiful in the high summer months, it can also be quite hot, congested, and expensive. An alternative to jostling among the summer crowds for a beach chair or restaurant reservation is to book a luxury villa rental and head to St. Tropez as the busy summer season draws to a close. The weather at this time is still mild and the atmosphere is decidedly more casual, two of the reasons The Guardian just named St. Tropez one of their Top 10 choices for autumn sunshine vacations, together with such gorgeous places as Sardinia and Dahab.

Beat the Crowds – Visit St. Tropez in Autumn – Photo via

So why choose fall over summer? For a variety of reasons, the first of which is the weather. Instead of sweltering heat you will be able to enjoy much more moderate temperatures of around 25C while sunning yourself by the pool at your luxury villa rental or taking a stroll in St. Tropez’s town center. Browse through the luxury shops or stop for brunch without being inundated by the summer crowds of jet-set vacationers and gawkers. As The Guardian notes, St. Tropez, the “summer playground of the glitterati, the flashiest seaside resort in the Côte d’Azur takes on a whole new identity come autumn…Most of the crowds are long gone, leaving behind a more laid-back town. Beaches which are usually packed are blissfully quiet, as are its posh boutiques.” So if you really want to enjoy St. Tropez without the bother, then visiting in the autumn could definitely be the right choice for you.

Annual Autumn Event: The Voiles de St. Tropz – Photo via
And don’t think that the end of summer means the end of fun and activity in St. Tropez, either — nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, one of the biggest events of the year here, The Voiles de St. Tropez, takes place in the fall. This year, the Regatta is being held from September 25th to October 3rd, when the Société Nautique hosts about 300 sailing yachts in the annual competition. Teams from fifteen different countries will take part in the race and the entire town will be alight with the festivities that go along with this important yearly event. So don’t worry that once the summer is over, the paparazzi have packed away their lenses and N.E.R.D. stops performing at V.I.P., there won’t be anything to do in St. Tropez.

If you do decide to book an autumn getaway in St. Tropez, then a luxury villa rental, complete with VillaHotel service, (think five-star hotel then add a star, gorgeous grounds and complete privacy) is really the way to go. Of course, if you ever get tired of hanging around your own private paradise, there will still be lots to do in town, from the less busy beaches to new restaurants like Pierre Gagnaire’s Colette in the new Hotel Sezz. So forget the crowds and the sweltering sun–choose autumn for your stay in St. Tropez.

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