On the French Riviera, Leeanna Lock checks into Arev St Tropez and discovers a chic hotel that feels like a 1960s movie set. This boutique St Tropez hotel offers a taste of the glamorous Côte d'Azur lifestyle away from the crowds.
Location
Nestled in sunny Côte d’Azur in southeast France, Arev St Tropez is pleasantly removed from touristy areas, but is also within walking distance to the fashionable seaside town and its storied beaches. Nice airport is just under two hours by road, and a premium chauffeur service can be booked via the hotel. Free shuttles and electric Mehari buggies transport guests to Place des Lices – a popular spot for shopping at local markets – and the beach clubs of Pampelonne, open from April to October.
The Vibe
Arev is pristine, with stylish nautical interiors in stripes, and pops of navy blue and ruby-red hues. Its book-lined shelves and walls styled with monochrome art pay homage to the superyacht-studded harbour. Eclectic music pulses through the hotel, complementing its laidback yet lively ambience. The scent of olive trees, plus lavender and rosemary from the lush gardens, fills the air around a pool lined with striped parasols and loungers – the perfect setting for relaxing in the sunshine while sipping cleverly crafted cocktails.
Service
Staff welcome guests with a refreshing beverage on arrival, either a local rosé or a delicious mocktail. There is no reception or concierge desk, and therefore no queues, just friendly staff always on-hand (or a text away on a 24-hour WhatsApp service) to make any request happen. The evening turn-down service goes the extra mile – as well as slippers at the side of your bed and robes laid out, a pregnancy pillow was kindly left out for me as the hotel knew I’d made a booking for a babymoon.
Bed and Bath
The boutique hotel has just 35 rooms, from Classic Doubles to Poolside and Signature Suites. The stylish decor leans into nautical and Riviera style, with pops of black, gold and white. Marble-topped vanities add elegance. You’re guaranteed to sleep soundly under a Hungarian goose-down duvet and pillows layered with 500-thread count French bed linen. The heated seat of the Japanese Toto toilet is a delight. Citrus-scented soaps by local Maison ST adorn bathrooms with Italian rainfall showers; larger rooms include standalone bathtubs. Contactless phone charging, Dyson hair tools, and amenity kits make hand luggage-only travel easy. A fully stocked (and free) mini bar of premium spirits and French goodies awaits, along with Nespresso machines.
Food and Drink
The Strand restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, including fresh seafood like locally-caught blue lobster, veal chops, and roasted duck. The wine menu boasts over 300 bottles. Breakfast and Sunday brunch feature patisserie treats, omelettes, and pancakes. Lunch is also available. On sunny days, dine al fresco at the champagne lounge terrace among olive trees, where bubbles and cigars are served from an antique trolley. Q’s Bar offers crisp rosé or signature Negronis; the mocktail menu includes refreshing iced teas and mango punch. Place des Oliviers courtyard has the tranquillity of a private Provence garden, with a retro Citroen truck serving aperitifs and live music in summer. Allergens are clearly marked, and vegetarian options like Riviera artichoke hearts, truffle pasta, and vegan sorbet are popular. The restaurant adapts dishes for dietary requests, including pregnancy restrictions.
Facilities
The sprawling outdoor pool area features a three-metre-deep swimming pool heated year-round, plus a small shaded family pool. The Arev Spa with Maison ST includes separate male and female hammams, and treatments like a revitalising anti-ageing collagen facial or deep-cleansing massage. Guests can play padel or use Peloton bikes in the gym. A unique Maison ST perfume-making experience lets you create a scent to take home. Electric bikes are available for exploring.
Accessibility
The hotel can accommodate guests with accessibility needs. Three rooms are adapted, and all but one room are on the ground floor or accessible by lift. The restaurant, bar, and spa are all accessible. However, the two swimming pools are not adapted.
Pet Policy
Dogs are welcome, but pet-friendly accommodation is limited. A minimum fee of £86 per night applies, and dogs must be kept on a lead in common areas. Pets are not permitted in the restaurant, bar, spa, or pool areas.
Check-in/Check-out
Check-in is from 4pm, check-out is 12pm. Early and late check-out is available upon request, subject to availability and additional fees.
Family-Friendly?
Yes. Kids can enjoy the small family pool, and there are seasonal events like Easter egg hunts and Christmas festivities.
At a Glance
Best thing: The anti-ageing collagen facial, worth the trip alone.
Perfect for: A babymoon or romantic couples’ getaway.
Not right for: Families with older kids as there are no dedicated facilities.
Instagram from: From the poolside, signature cocktail in hand.
Book now
Address: 8 Chemin des Vendanges, 83990, Saint-Tropez
Phone: +33 422 540 640
Website: arevcollection.com
