Lily of the Valley, St. Tropez

Due to my background specialising in wellness travel, combined with my love of modern, chic designs, you can imagine I was super excited when I found out I was visiting Lily of the Valley. The trip didn't disappoint. Read on to find out all about my experience...

When is the best time to visit Lily of The Valley hotel?

I was lucky enough to visit Lily of the Valley in November. Controversially, I believe this is the best time to visit St. Tropez in the South of France. I say this because I've never been a fan of St. Tropez in the peaks of summer. Constant traffic, sold out beach clubs and surge pricing takes away from the beauty and serenity that the destination represents. I'd much rather swap the cold autumnal months, where London is grey and gloomy, for La Croix-Valmer, where you're (almost) guaranteed blue skies and t-shirt weather.

That being said, for those that head to St. Tropez for the party season - Lily of the Valley could be the perfect option so that you can sweat out your hangover in the 'Nordic Circuit' - where you'll find a Finnish-style sauna, steam room and snow shower - before a day of pampering by the pool.

Lily of the Valley remains open all-year-round, and in the Winter months, the property becomes a hub for wellbeing. Lily of the Valley's wellness concept combines bespoke spa treatments, with sport and a weight loss cuisine.

What are the rooms like at Lily of the Valley hotel?

For me, Lily of the Valley is one of the hotels with the most character I've ever stayed in. The property is designed by Philippe Starck - with the 44 rooms and suites filled with abstract art, a burst of colour and cosy furnitures. Everything is designed with complete luxury in mind, but not for once taking you away from the feeling of being 'at Home'.

Awaiting in my room was a welcome note, some healthy snacks, my wellness programme schedule and my pre-booked appointment card for the Shape Club (the wellbeing dedicated - gorgeous - spa). The individual room & suite categories are differentiated by the different view available - the Deluxe Sea View room is dreamy for a morning coffee overlooking in the Mediterranean Sea.

For those travelling in groups - the Villa W or Villa Pool Suite are ideal. Each boasting over 200 square meters of heaven including their own private pool & terrace - Villa W even has a 1,500 SQM private garden.

What is the food like at Lily of. the Valley hotel?

Food at Lily of the Valley is a mixture of delicious, and healthy. (For those not looking to burn calories on holiday, don't worry, there is a separate menu for guests on wellness programmes). Having said that - I experienced both the regular menu and the healthy menu at Vista Restaurant, and both were exquisite. Vista Restaurant is the hotel's main restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner whilst digesting panoramic views of the ocean. The food at Vista is typically Mediterranean - with plenty of fresh fish and vegetables. We feasted on a - tremendously served - catch of the day which was the biggest Sea Bass I've ever seen, cooked whole and shared between 6. Next to the restaurant, Vista Bar welcomes guests for some signature cocktails, apéritifs, or healthy mocktails.

During the Spring/Summer months, Lily of the Valley's Beach Club is available, as well as Pepe's - an Italian restaurant just metres from the shoreline. Pepe's is home to some of the best Pizza in France so is a must-try (or one to resist if travelling for wellness).

What is there to do at Lily of the Valley hotel?

Lily of the Valley is a great option if you're all about being active and exploring. It's also a great option if you're all about enjoying the chance to do little other than relaxing in the sun with the odd refreshment.

For those that can't sit still - I imagine the Club Nautique is where you'll spend most of your time. Club Nautique is part of the beach club, and offers a wide variety of Watersports from Paddleboarding, Canoeing, Windsurfing and E-foiling. It's also possible to go Trekking, Mountain Biking, hire electric bikes and much more.

For the fitness guru's - the Shape Club offers endless activities - with up to 6 different fitness classes available (and complimentary) each day. I have no regrets in taking up the hour-long cardio-boxing session (however I did regret the rosé which I stupidly consumed an hour before!!). It's also worth having a go at Sea-Wading - which as a trainer-led fitness session doing exercises whilst waist-deep in the sea.

And for those looking for nothing but relax, pamper and reset - make sure you book into one of the sensational spa treatments and explore the Nordic Circuit (as mentioned earlier).

Wellness at Lily of the Valley.

The wellness packages at Lily of the Valley has developed massively over the last couple of years. The concept - integrating exceptional spa treatments, coaching and fitness sessions, and weight loss cuisine - lends itself to weight loss and detox - an area which they have specialised in since opening in 2019. They have now developed programmes in Sport and Better-ageing to further enhance their wellbeing offerings. Each of the programmes are available as 4/7/10/14 days.

The treatments on offer are more than just relaxing spa treatments - they are purposefully tailored to help guests improve their overall wellbeing. For example, I experiences the lymphatic drainage massage which - as well as being deeply rejuvenating - focused on draining toxins from the body.

As part of the wellbeing programmes at Lily of the Valley, all guests will have their vitals taken during their introductory consultation and again before finishing the programme, enabling guest to visually see how their key health indicators have improved during their stay.

Entry level rooms start from around €460 per night, although increase significantly during high season.

To find out more and enquire about a trip to Lily of the Valley, get in touch!