Lily of the Valley

Gigaro Beach, France

This Philippe Starck-designed luxury wellness hotel sits nestled away from the buzz of the French Riviera on the hillsides south of St. Tropez. It’s surrounded by the untouched landscape of the Cap Lardier estate – a protected area known as one of the green lungs of the French Riviera – and overlooks the Plage de Gigaro, a wild, fine sandy beach which stretches over 3 miles long.

The hotel’s 52 rooms, suites, and pool suites (located opposite the hotel’s Beach Club) are spread out over several ‘houses’ which adds to the unassuming, pared-back approach. Each one opens to a large, private terrace with views onto the Mediterranean and the protected hills of the Cap Lardier estate. Replete with polished marble, exposed concrete, exotic woods, and natural leathers, both the interior and exterior adhere to Phillipe Strack’s only direction when commissioned to work on the hotel—that it must blend seamlessly with nature.

The story

The owning family of Lily of the Valley have been visiting Gigaro Beach for the last three generations, and co-owners Alan Weill and his daughter Lucie wanted to share the destination with the world. The hotel’s Shape Club – a sprawling 2,000m² facility that offers bespoke programs, workshops, and treatments, motivated by a team of professionals who work under the guidance of the hotel’s consultant nutritionist doctor, Dr. Jacques Fricker – is a bold declaration of the owner’s commitment to being well.

Your stay

Villa W boasts views that have remained unchanged for 200 years. Set within its own grounds, Villa W has its own private access and parking space. Perfect for a discreet stay away, it’s a place where you can really unwind, recharge your batteries, and soak up this extraordinary, idyllic setting. A 17-meter lap pool runs along the entire length of the terrace, adding a colorful, arty touch.

Querido helped Lily of the Valley in the building of its credibility. As a young hotel, we needed Querido’s reputation to convince American agents that Lily of the Valley is a luxurious hotel that offers impeccable stays to its guests. Querido brought us a high level of trust and participated in the successful launch of the hotel. 2. Querido is the perfect go-between Lily of the Valley and the most prestigious agents. I do believe that without Querido, we won’t be so easily in touch with the leading people of the American travel industry. I personally know them, frequently receive emails to follow their clients’ bookings and love to meet them during Querido’s fam trips or when all the European Querido’s hoteliers meet in the US to visit them.

— Lucie Weill | Owner

How to spend your time

The beauty with Lily of the Valley lies in its ability to appeal to everyone, whether you’re taking part in one of the hotel’s wellness programs or not. Healthy food and activities abound, but often what people find most nourishing is the opportunity to rest, relax, and indulge. Let the hotel’s extraordinary staff prepare a private sunset picnic for you at Gigaro Beach or sample the delicious local seafood over the wood fire at one of the restaurants.

Fall in love with

The unique landscape that abounds: pine trees meet fine sandy beaches, lush gardens, and rolling hills. Lily of the Valley offers an endless list of activities to partake in too, both on and off the property, all of which really immerse you in the beauty of your surroundings, shirking the hedonist glitz St. Tropez is synonymous with.

Expect the unexpected

Over three miles of fine sand stretches along the beach of the Plage de Gigaro, which lies directly below the hotel. At one end, on the edge of the pine forest, sits the hotel’s own private beach, open from sunrise to sunset and home to Brigantine and Pépé restaurants. Lounge there for the day and feel your body and mind melt into the expanse of the Mediterranean.