La Réserve Ramatuelle****+, Ramatuelle nr. St. Tropez, Provence, France. Hotel w/Restaurant - Spa - Villas

So much more than merely a luxury hotel! This is a destination in itself for the discerning traveler. This newly rebuilt, ultra modern hotel & spa is set in many acres of it own "domaine" that dominates a tree covered hillside overlooking the Mediterranean. The hotel first opened on 29 May 2009, but the "domaine" itself has been developed for over a decade with very upscale villas for rent that have proven very popular. The hotel is a reservoir of peace, calm, serenity and discretion. It is another arm of this very deluxe group of destinations and carries through all the understated attention to detail and fine cuisine that their clientele have come to expect.

Famed architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, has worked wonders at the direction of M. Michel Reybier, owner of the famous "La Réserve" properties. He inherited an abandoned 1970's hotel, preserved many of its most distinguishing features, worked within the often severe limitations set by the local governing bodies and produced a highly modern work of art, a veritable sculpture of a building into which we enter filled with the latest technologies, yet kept them low key.

Perched high on a hill side within the "domaine", it commands views out over the rocky coast line of the Cote d'Azur and the sparkling seas beyond to the horizon. Most of the walls facing the views are floor to ceiling sliding glass panels bringing the outdoors in and offering uninterrupted vistas from all the public spaces from the lounge, bar and dining room. There are no railings to interrupt the views but instead clear glass panels.

zoom ++ Set on the lowest level of terraced gardens, the pool catches the sun all day and provides a view out over the Mediterranean. zoom ++ Starter of Legumes du Marché from the deft hand of Chef Eric Canino who is a past master of working wonders with simple garden fresh vegetables. zoom ++ Bar Terrace with sea view and room gardens below.		zoom ++ Evening shot just after sunset of the entrance with the sea in the background, the dining area to the left and the rooms to the right. zoom ++ Massage designed by the group's osteopath, baths, and many other health and relaxation treatments as well as beauty treatments in a sun drenched environment. Designer hand carved "art" seat out on the way to the pool.
To see larger version of the photo, click on the "zoom++" link. Peter D'Aprix © 2009

Even the sensational spa, filled with light, looks out over the sea even if there is not much chance spa'eeses will get to admire the view once under the ministrations of the doctor-trained massage and beauty experts; at least until you retire to the spa's own pool and sun deck to snooze in pampered bliss.

But what sets "La Réserve" apart from most establishments is that there is a central philosophy set for the entire group under which and to which all aspects of the establishments adhere and which makes "La Reserve" as much a goal centered vision as it is a hotel and spa. The goal of all the members and especially "La Réserve Ramatuelle" is to replace the stresses and strains of today's living, with a feeling of coming home in a warm, delightfully secret atmosphere; a unique setting for special moments with everything designed to renew the spirit and soul by providing an integrated environment from the ambiance of the inner and outer space to the health and well being provided by quiet, friendly and professional service. This spans from the interior design to the spa to the fine cuisine provided by master chef Eric Canino. It is not only a joy to eat and a treat to the eye, but is so "clean" and digestible that it provides good health even if that is the last thing on the minds of his diners! The spa provides products and therapists trained by the company's own osteopath, again to promote health at it core, but to leave you feeling a new person, refreshed in mind, body and spirit.

The domaine is less than a quarter hour from the vibrating center of St Tropez for those seeking fun and excitement but who want to return to peace and quiet afterwards. So it is easy to drive into the town and dance into the twilight hours at the disco Caves du Roy, stroll the harbor or browse the Tuesday and Saturday market. You can quickly drive to Tahiti Beach or any of the others and return to wash off the sand in the luxury of your walk in shower and then dry off in the chaise in your private patio/garden all of which have a view of the sea.

zoom ++ View of the pool with the two wings of rooms and suites behind. zoom ++ A corner of the lounge that becomes the interior part of the restaurant. zoom ++ The bank of lavender and olive trees by leading to the car park.		One of the many designer planters strategically placed for full artistic effect. An outside lounge on a terrace on the path that leads to the pool. zoom ++ The lounge with the evening sun. Through the glass walls can be seen sea view.
Peter D'Aprix © 2009

There are 12 luxuryrental villas designed by the architect who designed "La Réserve Paris" and who designed them in the style of the Cote d'Azur but with rolling glass walls in the living rooms to let in the views and the soft sea breezes. Each has well designed and attractive gardens, high tech kitchens and modern bathrooms. The advantage is that you can use the villas as your holiday homes without the attendant problems of maintenance, maid service or even cooking since you can avail yourself of all the services of hotel! You can even leave your holiday bikes, scooters and swimming gear ready for your holiday next year!

The hotel which used to house residential apartments, has 7 rooms and 16 suites, well equipped with spacious storage (enough for a month's worth of clothing if not more), large and modern bathrooms, full wall sized plate glass patio doors to the patio/garden and sea view, Napresso coffee/tea machine and a whole suite of modern technology including today's mandatory free access WiFi and very effective air conditioning. Plus, unlike so many even high end establishments of today, they do not charge for each and every little thing. Everything but the alcoholic drinks from the mini bar are free as they are throughout the establishment.

So if you are looking for the level of service and quality of establishment that typifies the "La Reserve" properties, but want them with an ocean view and Mediterranean weather, this is the place for you.

Rooms and Suites
zoom ++ Junior suite with "floating" bed position, couch with view out the window and long desk to the left.		zoom ++ The bathroom with jacuzzi bath tub, open walk in shower area and carved stone duplex sinks. View over the garden from the tub and opening pation doors.
zoom ++ View towards the suite with the bathroom window to the left and the main suite behind the umbrella to the right.

From St. Tropez (North)

Take "La Route des Plages" D-93 and
continue to La Route des Tournels on the left, continue
straight to La Reserve Rematuelle, 1.9 Kms

Please note: the entrance is very easy to miss since it is so understated. It is the first entrance that has the name of the hotel/domaine and has a barrier arm across the the entrance. When you see the wooden structures shading cars parked on the right side of the road, just around the hair pin bend on the right is the entrance to the hotel.