Noteable Amenities
Location
Saint-Tropez is a place that seems to resonate with the clang of champagne glasses and the flash of paparazzi cameras. But just a five-minute walk from Place de Lices is Hotel Lou Pinet—a boutique spot that starkly contrasts the typical Saint-Tropez fanfare. It's a nod to the 60s and 70s—a time when it was less about celebrity sheen and more about a fishing village's rustic charm.
Here, you're stepping into a little slice of history, which once captivated the likes of Françoise Sagan and Picasso. Hotel Lou Pinet is discreet and intimate, a new type of luxury.
In this hotel, time seems to pause, offering a serene escape from the whirlwind of a louder, perhaps more flamboyant lifestyle that now seems to define Saint-Tropez. It's the kind of place that's shared in hushed tones among close friends—a real hidden gem.
Design
The Pariente family's deep-rooted love for the peninsula inspired them to acquire Hotel Lou Pinet in 2017, transforming it into a cosy guest house reminiscent of a private home. Their goal was to create a space where friends and family could gather and immerse themselves in a more authentic version of Saint-Tropez—the version the Parientes love.
To realize this vision, the family collaborated with Charles Zana, an architect and designer whose southern roots and love for Saint-Tropez shine through the property. Inspired by Matisse, Calder and Picasso, Zana infuses Provencal decorative arts into the hotel's design, adorning it with elegant 20th-century period pieces. The interiors echo the styles of the 60s and 70s, featuring rounded, organic designs and a lively yet soothing mix of primary colors.
Hotel Lou Pinet is set apart from other hotels in the region through its landscaping, designed by Jean Mus, a master of Mediterranean gardens. Mus's design invites guests to a sensory exploration of Provencal nature, highlighted by a lush garden with a lavender field, herb garden, and stone pines. These elements frame the hotel's standout feature: the largest swimming pool in Saint-Tropez, built within a generous terrace.
Rooms
The 34 spacious rooms and suites at Hotel Lou Pinet are bathed in natural light, many boasting dual-aspect windows in both the rooms and bathrooms. Each one extends into a private garden, complete with an inviting outdoor lounge, perfectly capturing a sun-kissed ambiance.
The interior design is a thoughtful blend of natural stone, linen, wood, and various textures and materials. Adding to the appeal are unique decorative elements like handmade tapestry headboards with abstract motifs and bespoke ceramic enameled lamps designed by Charles Zana.
Hotel Lou Pinet embraces nostalgia, deliberately opting for traditional keys over modern key cards (a delightful detail further explored in Chloe Frost-Smith's piece for The Other HAFH).
Food & Drink
The restaurant's decor aligns with the rest of the hotel and extends onto large terraces that overlook the pool. The tables are discreetly spaced among the greenery, offering ample privacy. As evening falls, the garden is lit up by fairy lights and lanterns.
The outdoor bar, cosily sheltered by a wooden pergola, faces a stone pine, providing a cool and shaded area for guests to unwind. Beefbar is a dining concept that specializes in premium meats. Created in 2005 by Riccardo Giraudi, it serves top-quality produce with modern simplicity. While prime cuts like Black Angus Prime, Wagyu WX, and Kobe beef are the stars, the menu also features Mediterranean dishes, such as grilled fish, ceviche, and risottos, along with sharing plates that range from premium meats to reinvented street food specialties.
At Hotel Lou Pinet, dining experiences are further enriched by serene moments like breakfast under the stone pines, leisurely late lunches with local delicacies, and relaxed evenings enjoying pétanque and regional pastis—all encapsulating the laid-back luxury of Saint-Tropez. But should you wish to venture out, The Concierge, affectionately known as the 'master of golden keys,' is more than just a service provider; they're a knowledgeable friend, always ready to share insider tips and the best local spots.
