The French Riviera is no stranger to glamorous hotels, but few addresses can claim a history quite like Le Beauvallon.
Perched above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, this Belle Époque landmark opened its doors in 1914 and quickly established itself as one of the Riviera’s most fashionable retreats, attracting some of the 20th century’s most recognisable names, including Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn. More than a century later, the property has entered a new chapter with the opening of COMO Le Beauvallon, a carefully restored luxury retreat that brings fresh energy to one of the Côte d’Azur’s most storied addresses.
Occupying a privileged position on a private ten-acre estate overlooking the bay, the hotel enjoys a setting that feels both wonderfully secluded and surprisingly connected. While guests can spend their days surrounded by palms, pine trees and sweeping Mediterranean views, Saint-Tropez itself is just an eight-minute speedboat ride away.
The revival of the property has been carefully undertaken, preserving much of the character that first made Le Beauvallon such a celebrated Riviera destination. Rather than attempting to compete with the louder side of Saint-Tropez, COMO has focused on creating a refined sanctuary that feels elegant, relaxed and unmistakably Riviera.
One of the biggest draws this summer is likely to be Beauvallon Sur Mer, the hotel’s beach club and social heart. Sitting directly on the waterfront, the venue combines a restaurant, rooftop terrace, lounge and beachfront pool with uninterrupted views across the gulf. Open to both hotel guests and visitors, it moves effortlessly from sun-soaked lunches and afternoon lounging to sunset cocktails and evening celebrations.
Leading the culinary offering is acclaimed chef Yannick Alléno, one of France’s most celebrated gastronomic talents. Drawing on flavours from both the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, he has created a menu that feels particularly suited to long Riviera lunches. Expect dishes such as yellowtail tartare with peanuts and Thai basil ice cream, sea bass crudo with green papaya and tuna steak served with Kampot pepper sauce.
The beach club itself has been reimagined by French designer Dorothée Delaye, whose interiors capture the effortless glamour associated with the Riviera’s golden age while introducing a lighter, more contemporary feel. Soft colours, elegant curves and yacht-inspired details create spaces that feel distinctly Côte d’Azur without becoming overly nostalgic.
The hotel features just 42 individually designed rooms and suites, many with sweeping views across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The atmosphere is intentionally residential, with COMO aiming to create the feeling of staying in an elegant private home rather than a traditional resort. Contemporary artworks, sculptures and installations are thoughtfully integrated throughout the property, sitting comfortably alongside original architectural details and creating an elegant dialogue between Riviera heritage and modern design.
Dining continues beyond the beach club with the Winter Garden, an all-day restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine beneath a striking glass ceiling, while the Riviera Terrace provides one of the hotel’s most appealing spots for cocktails overlooking the water.
Wellness remains an important part of the COMO experience, with an intimate COMO Shambhala retreat offering treatments, yoga classes and fitness facilities for guests looking to balance Riviera indulgence with a little restoration.
Yet perhaps the greatest luxury here is simply the location itself. Whether arriving by yacht, helicopter, speedboat or car, COMO Le Beauvallon offers something increasingly rare on this stretch of coastline: space, tranquillity and a genuine sense of escape, all while remaining within easy reach of Saint-Tropez’s famous restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife.
For travellers seeking a more refined Riviera experience, the return of this historic hotel may prove to be one of the most exciting openings on the Côte d’Azur this year.
Images courtesy of The COMO Group
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