Perched above the Med, a short drive from the scene-y swirl of Place des Lices, Lily of the Valley feels like a serene secret – part wellness retreat, part Riviera dream. Designed by Philippe Starck and inspired by Provençal abbeys, Babylonian gardens and California cool, the hotel blends beautifully into the hillside, a cluster of terracotta-toned villas scattered among pines and palms.

But make no mistake – this is wellness, redefined. The spa, lit by filtered sunlight from the pool above, is a sanctuary of stone and silence, where in-demand therapist Gilles Szafirko works Ayurvedic magic. Guests come for the tailored programmes – Detox, Weight Loss, Sport – and stay for the balance: Technogym sessions, cell-renewing Indiba facials, and nourishing lunches curated by an on-site dietician. Think elevated avocado toast, poached fish, seasonal vegetables – all served with Riviera flair in the open-air restaurant.

Families, however, are also very welcomed at Lily of the Valley. There’s expansive villas for indoor/outdoor living, an exceptional sailing club with canoeing and paddle boarding, and also the option of hiring babysitters whilst you workout.

From the Vista terrace, the view is pure Côte d’Azur theatre: cream parasols, linen-clad staff, and a crowd that’s as polished as the service. This is St Tropez, yes – but slower, softer, and altogether more considered.