VISIT - AIRELLES SAINT-TROPEZ CHÂTEAU DE LA MESSARDIÈRE, THE BEACON OF LUXURY IN SAINT-TROPEZ (France)
The palace combines an image tinged with refinement and simplicity, with a state of mind in tune with the times, meeting the expectations of demanding guests looking for a holistic experience. Take a tour of this luxury retreat set in the heart of the lively city. |
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VISIT - AIRELLES SAINT-TROPEZ CHÂTEAU DE LA MESSARDIÈRE, THE BEACON OF LUXURY IN SAINT-TROPEZ (France)
The palace combines an image tinged with refinement and simplicity, with a state of mind in tune with the times, meeting the expectations of demanding guests looking for a holistic experience. Take a tour of this luxury retreat set in the heart of the lively city. |
Category: Europe - France - Industry economy
- Gourmet restaurants
- Gourmet restaurants vRenovation / Addition
Article written by Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine on 2024-09-02
 Château de la Messardière overlooks the beaches of Pampelonne
Photo credit © Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
La Messardière, a flagship of luxury hotels in Saint-Tropez, stands majestically on a hill, offering breathtaking views over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Bay of Pampelonne. Since its construction in the 19ᵉ century, the château has embodied discreet, refined luxury. Acquired in 2019 by LOV Group, founded by Stéphane Courbit, and now part of the Airelles Collection, the hotel continues to radiate excellence and unrivalled comfort. We had the honour of discovering this palace and its backstage areas during a memorable day, guided by Layal Yattar, the Hotel Manager.
Getting to Saint-Tropez is an adventure in itself. The luckiest travellers reach the corsair town by helicopter, while most take the winding roads of the peninsula, which are often crowded during the summer on the French Riviera. As we drive along the beaches of Sainte-Maxime, the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the song of the cicadas plunge us into the spellbinding atmosphere of this village that has inspired so many international destinations. As we pass through the majestic gates of Château de La Messardière, we are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of serenity and luxury. cypresses, pines, lavender, and laurel with their brilliant white flowers lead us to this enchanting estate. As we arrive beneath the castle with its four turrets, just a few steps from the Italian sports cars parked in front of the hotel, we notice the valets busily polishing the Rolls-Royce branded Airelles and other luxurious vehicles, ready to welcome guests in absolute comfort, taking them from the beaches to the heart of the village, while others are accompanying new arrivals, delighted to reach their holiday destination.
A haven in the heart of exquisite nature
Our first stop takes us under a wisteria arbour to the lobby. As soon as we step inside, we are struck by the elegance of the place, and by the consistent choices made by the interior architect, Christophe Tollemer, who has orchestrated the four-stage renovation of the entire estate since 2019. The commitment to respecting the refinement of the place is everywhere. Here, neutral, natural colours echo the nobility of the beige, white, and black marble floors. A floral arrangement takes pride of place at the heart of the lobby, accompanied by welcome treats, inviting guests to refresh themselves with flavoured water or a handful of dried fruit and other sweets. Opposite us, a staircase gives access to the first rooms, and to our right, the Clefs d'or concierges, led by Henri Perret, are busy. We head left, where a receptionist gives us a warm welcome. From her posture to her wardrobe, we immediately sense the care given to every detail, a reflection of the excellence that reigns here.
Layal Yattar quickly joins us, and so begins our exploration of the palace. And to do so, the manager chose to take us with her on a tour of the estate… in a golf cart! A must for navigating the 13 hectares or so of this exceptional estate in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The ride takes us through the pine forest, while jasmines, rosemary, and other flowering groves add an enchanting and aromatic touch to this setting, magnificently tended by La Messardière's 14 gardeners. We pass sports facilities worthy of the liveliest destinations. A sheltered outdoor fitness area overlooks a platform dedicated to boxing, and another to yoga, nestling in the heart of nature. Further down, a multi-sports pitch welcomes fans of basketball and other ball games. Then there are the tennis and padel courts, complete with courthouse. Every facility and every location have been designed to offer guests a holistic experience that is both active and relaxing.
Enchantment for all ages
The highlight comes at the end of the tour. Airelles Saint-Tropez is well-known for its luxury in every area, but Château de La Messardière is even better known for its exceptional Kids Club, Airelles Summer Camp. A 500 m² villa entirely dedicated to children aged 3 to 17. In this unique setting, where you can meet young pirates and mermaids, the imagination is given free rein to flourish. From the educational vegetable garden to the gaming arenas, not forgetting the cinema or the private swimming pool and pool house, everything is designed to ensure that children enjoy themselves and become attached to Airelles Saint-Tropez as if it were a happy holiday home. Young guests can take part in art workshops, treasure hunts, cookery classes and much more. The estate is also a perfect playground for young guests, with the sublime playground perched in the trees, projecting young minds into galaxies apart from their screens. We leave the young guests to their merrymaking, perfectly accompanied by specialist teams, and head back to our castle.
As we make our way back to the Château, we pick up guests who have come to visit the gardens. A sense of complicity is easily forged between guests who share an extraordinary holiday destination. We continue our exploration towards the sumptuous Valmont spa, a sanctuary of wellness and relaxation. The soft natural light filtering through the large windows creates an atmosphere conducive to total relaxation and a sensory voyage. We continue our stroll by discovering the outdoor areas, the two swimming pools offering views of the Mediterranean on either side of the hotel, the gardens that stretch out wherever we look, a table placed here, where marriage proposals are legion… The show is complete, and so is the disconnection.
Awakening the taste buds
Airelles Saint-Tropez - Château de La Messardière is a destination dedicated to wellness and rejuvenation. And that includes a whole host of culinary delights. On our way to La Table de La Messardière, the scene of a sumptuous buffet, we pass by the Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez restaurant, embodied by the illustrious Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa. Guests come here to savour this unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Our table awaits us, and as we approach the buffet, we are delighted to discover that, far from indulging in excess and unreasonable abundance, the hotel plays the card of generosity of flavour. The undeniable stars of the buffet and the place's most Instagrammed spotlight, the creations of the famous pastry chef Cedric Grolet rival each other in gourmandise and elegance. As we savoured every mouthful and moment of this lunch, our eyes regularly wandered to the breathtaking view of the Bay of Pampelonne, adding a magical dimension to our meal. We had almost forgotten that we were in Saint-Tropez, so immersed were we in La Messardière destination.
Our taste buds were certainly delighted, but the surprises reserved by the hotel team didn't stop at this spectacular view. We headed for the hotel entrance, where Guest Relation Manager Amsatou Doucouré was waiting for us. To conclude this day of wonder, we took our seats in the hushed surroundings of the Rolls-Royce, ready to take us to the Jardin Tropezina beach. In just a few minutes, we're transported to the heart of Pampelonne, where the Bohemian vibe and exceptional culinary offerings of this private beach envelop us. The sea air and the softness of the sand beneath our feet invite us to savour every moment, while Jean-François Piège's cuisine seduces guests with its Mediterranean flavours. Before heading back to the hotel, Élodie, the commuter referent, offers us a stopover at the Airelles lounge, right in the heart of the village of Saint-Tropez, a setting designed so that guests can relax between two Airelles experiences. Pan Deï Palais, the other hotel in the Airelles collection, and the Cedric Grolet & Airelles boutique complement Jardin Tropezina and Château de La Messardière. There's plenty to keep guests busy when they come to enjoy a Tropezian holiday.
To create this magic, 600 employees work all season long to serve the guests of Airelles Saint-Tropez. Teams who create the atmosphere of a holiday home, who cultivate dedication and a sense of service excellence. The result is a loyal clientele, intergenerational trips and a love of this unique house in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and on the French Riviera. ‘Ad Usque Fidelis’ - faithful to the end - is the motto of Saint-Tropez. A motto that undoubtedly applies to all those who one day allow themselves to be bewitched by the charms of La Messardière.
 The iconic entrance at Château de la Messardière instantly immerses visitors in the dreamlike world of Airelles
Photo credit © Renée Kemps / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 The parkland of over 12 hectares sets Château de la Messardière apart from other properties in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
Photo credit © Renée Kemps / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 Guests can relax here
Photo credit © Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 They can also take part in one of the many sporting activities available
Photo credit © Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 There are also many marriage proposals in this particular part of the park
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 From the moment they enter the château, guests are immersed in a sophisticated and refined setting
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 In this temple of luxury, the Valmont spa is a haven of peace
Photo credit © Renée Kemps / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 The herbal tea room here is a haven of tranquillity
Photo credit © Renée Kemps / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 La Bastide, one of the palace's luxury suites, includes four bedrooms, an ideal size for families
Photo credit © Renée Kemps / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 The château has two beautiful outdoor swimming pools, not to mention the private pools in some rooms
Photo credit © Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 Nothing is left to chance, particularly in the Château de la Messardière restaurants, as here at Palladio
Photo credit © Jetlag / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 or here, at chef Nobu's restaurant, Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez
Photo credit © Vanessa Guerrier-Buisine / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 The stars of the summer were the pastries by chef Cedric Grolet, to be enjoyed in the new boutique in Saint-Tropez and at the château buffet.
Photo credit © Maïa Chä / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
 La Messardière has its own beach in the heart of the Bay of Pampelonne, Jardin Tropezina
Photo credit © Renée Kemps / Airelles Saint Tropez Château de la Messardière
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