A few steps away from Saint-Tropez, Lily of the Valley takes up residence in the Cap Lardier estate’s preserved landscape. As a protected natural reserve, this well-kept secret is the green lung of the Côte d’Azur. It blends with Gigaro’s 5km of fine sand, a discreet beach remaining untouched, among the region’s largest. Lily of the Valley’s unique setting is a stone throw away from the exhilaration of Saint-Tropez: the lively beaches of Pampelonne and the sunlit terrace of Sénéquier are only a few minutes away. The Starck designed hotel personifies the charm of Provence with its riches and its proximity to the mythical cities of the French Riviera: Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.
In this unique location, Philippe Starck has imagined a refuge, a shelter in the heart of a natural environment that keeps its rights and unleashes its power. “Creation must inhabit its environment without disrupting it” is the designer’s mantra and the requirement he has imposed on himself. Lily of the Valley is nestled in the hills of the Saint Tropez peninsula, overlooking the beaches of Gigaro. Its architecture, entirely imagined by Philippe Starck, is inspired by Californian villas and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its original concept combines the best of the French art de Vivre with a top-of-the-range wellness village.
I had the pleasure of visiting this latest design haven and was truly astonished. This hotel feels like a welcoming home from the moment you step in. What immediately drew my attention was the extremely balanced mix of objects, all very different yet so cohesive in materials, shape, colors, and utility. The hotel colors are all neutral, like fawn and beige. Material choice is largely raw with mostly wood for the floors, walls, and furniture. The village feel of the hotel makes you feel in full harmony with the surroundings. It is a place where you can feel home any season of the year, during summer around the pool, or in the wintertime by one of the many fireplaces scattered throughout the property.
CPR
