Set above Gigaro Beach in La Croix-Valmer, Lily of the Valley offers a quieter, more wellness-driven alternative to staying directly in Saint-Tropez. The hotel is about a 20–25-minute drive from the center of Saint-Tropez, making it easy to head in for dinner, shopping, or a night out, while still returning to something far calmer and more private.
The setting is a major part of the appeal. Perched above the beach with direct shuttle access, the property is surrounded by protected coastline and greenery rather than the density found closer to town. It feels intentionally removed, without any inconvenience.
The best time to visit depends on what you want from the stay. Late May through June and September are the sweet spots, with excellent weather and a more relaxed atmosphere. July and August bring higher energy, particularly at the beach club, while spring and fall lean more into the hotel’s wellness focus with a quieter, reset-oriented feel.
We left with a clear sense of what the hotel does exceptionally well and where it falls short. This is one of the most compelling wellness hotels on the Riviera, but it is not perfect. The breakfast underwhelmed us, and the beach club is not as private as some might expect. Everything else ranges from very good to excellent.
What makes this hotel stand out is how easy it is to feel removed from Saint-Tropez while still being close enough to dip in when you want.
Ready to book your stay? Use our complimentary booking tool for value-added amenities.
Who is Lily of the Valley best for?
Lily of the Valley is best for travelers who want to feel better when they leave than when they arrived.
It works particularly well for:
- Solo wellness travelers
- Couples seeking a quieter Riviera base
- Guests planning longer, reset-focused stays
- Travelers who want access to Saint-Tropez without staying in the center
It is open year-round, located above Gigaro Beach in La Croix-Valmer, and wellness is central to the hotel’s identity.
What makes Lily of the Valley feel different?
This is not a traditional Riviera hotel with a spa added on.
The entire property is built around wellness. The Shape Club, nutrition philosophy, and programming are the foundation of the experience rather than an add-on. The hotel’s approach is structured around fitness, detox, weight management, and longevity, with a real emphasis on movement, recovery, and nutrition.
Design also plays a role. The hotel was designed by Philippe Starck, and it shows. The architecture blends into the hillside, with Mediterranean, monastic, and California influences. It feels thoughtful and intentional rather than flashy.
That said, the design is not perfectly maintained. Some of the landscaping looked slightly unpolished, and there are visible signs of wear in areas like the hallway wood paneling. Nothing major, but noticeable at this price point.
What it is actually like to stay here
The hotel is spread across multiple “houses,” giving it a more residential feel than a traditional resort. It never felt crowded or overly busy.
A typical day looked like:
- Morning workout or class at the Shape Club
- Breakfast
- Pool or beach club
- Lunch by the beach
- Afternoon spa or Nordic circuit
- Dinner on the property or in Saint-Tropez
The tone is relaxed, wellness-oriented, and quiet. It is not a scene. The crowd felt international, low-key, and friendly. We saw a mix of couples, solo travelers, and a few families.
Room categories at a glance
We stayed in the entry-level room category and would still confidently recommend it. It was private, well-sized, and thoughtfully designed.
| Category | Size | View | Who it’s for |
| Classic Room | 35–40 sqm | Hills | Entry-level, good value, more tucked away |
| Superior Room | 35–40 sqm | Wellness area | Close to the spa, similar feel to Classic |
| Deluxe Room | 35–40 sqm | Partial sea | Nice upgrade for light and view |
| Deluxe Sea Room | 35–40 sqm | Full sea | Best standard room category |
| Deluxe Suite | 72 sqm | Hills | More space, quieter positioning |
| Shape Club Suite | 72 sqm | Hills/pool | Best for wellness-focused stays |
| Deluxe Sea Suite | 70–80 sqm | Sea | Strong all-around suite option |
| Lily Suite | 70–80 sqm | Sea | Signature suite, central location |
| Pool Suites | 86–210 sqm | Garden/pool | Private, more residential feel |
| Villa W | Multi-bedroom | Panoramic | Full privacy and space |
The key takeaway is that even the base rooms are excellent. Upgrading is more about views, outdoor space, or proximity to certain parts of the hotel than about fixing a deficiency.
Pool and beach club
There are two main pools at the hotel, and both are very good. The vibe is calm and private, with great service that makes it easy to settle in.
The beach club is a highlight, with one caveat: it is not fully private and does attract outside guests, which slightly changes the dynamic. That said, we still spent a lot of time here and really enjoyed it.
- The setting on Gigaro Beach is beautiful
- The restaurant is genuinely excellent
- The overall energy is more lively than the main hotel
The Shape Club and Spa
This is the standout feature of the hotel.
The Shape Club is extensive and very thoughtfully designed:
- Multiple fitness studios for classes, including Reformer Pilates
- A fully equipped gym
- A heated semi-Olympic outdoor pool
- A Nordic circuit featuring sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and snow shower
- A strong range of treatments and therapies
The Nordic circuit in particular is worth prioritizing. It is well done and easy to incorporate into your day.
The spa team operates on a separate WhatsApp line and was extremely responsive throughout our stay.
This is not just a spa. It is the core of the entire hotel experience.
Dining
The food is good overall and enjoyable, though not the strongest part of our stay.
Across the hotel’s restaurants, Pepe, Brigantine, and Vista, we had consistently solid meals. At Pepe in particular, we ordered burgers, arancini, and Aperol spritzes, all of which were very good and made for an easy, relaxed lunch.
We had one minor service inconsistency where all dishes arrived at once rather than being properly coursed. It felt a bit disjointed and not quite in line with what you expect at this level. Not a major issue, but worth noting.
Positives:
- Strong wine list
- Beautiful bar
- The beach restaurant (Brigantine) is excellent
Breakfast was the weakest part of our stay. It felt average and not on par with comparable hotels in Europe. We may be biased from spending time at places like the Grand Hotel Tremezzo or Hotel Il Pellicano, but expectations at this level are high. It was perfectly fine, just not memorable.
You can view all of their dining menus here.
Location and access to Saint-Tropez
This is one of the hotel’s biggest strengths.
You are close enough to Saint-Tropez to enjoy it, but far enough removed to avoid the intensity. We went into town one night and had the hotel arrange a car another evening. Both were easy and well handled.
Concierge and service
The concierge team was very strong. They were responsive, helpful, and easy to communicate with via WhatsApp.
We did not book excursions, but other guests spoke highly of them. Overall, the service felt reliable and well-organized.
What’s included
A standard stay includes:
- Shuttle service to the beach
- Access to fitness facilities
- Some complimentary classes
- Concierge support
Structured wellness programs are separate and should not be assumed to be included unless specifically booked.
If you are ready to book, you can use our complimentary booking tool to access preferred partner amenities, including an upgrade on arrival, daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit, and early check-in or late check-out, subject to availability.
FAQ
Is Lily of the Valley worth it?
Yes, especially for travelers who value wellness, privacy, and proximity to Saint-Tropez without staying in it.
What makes Lily of the Valley different?
It is a wellness hotel at its core, not a beach hotel with a spa added on.
Do you need to book a program?
No. You can fully enjoy the hotel without committing to a structured program.
Which room should you book?
Even entry-level rooms are excellent. Upgrade for sea view or outdoor space.
What is the Shape Club?
A large, integrated wellness center with fitness, recovery, and treatment facilities.
What is the dining like?
Good overall with a strong beach restaurant, but not flawless. Breakfast is the weakest part.
Is the hotel on the beach?
No. It is set above Gigaro Beach, with a shuttle to the beach club.
How far is Saint-Tropez?
About 20 to 25 minutes by car.
Is it good for couples or solo travelers?
Both. It works especially well for couples and solo wellness-focused stays.
Is the beach club private?
Not fully. It is pretty popular and draws in outside guests.
Plan Your Stay with Ourisman Travel
Lily of the Valley gets a lot right. The setting, wellness offering, room quality, and overall atmosphere are all strong. It feels intentional and distinct in a market that can often feel repetitive. And if the goal is a Riviera stay that combines wellness, design, and access to Saint-Tropez without being consumed by it, this is one of the most compelling options on this stretch of coast.
At Ourisman Travel, we specialize in crafting luxury journeys for discerning travelers. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on creating unforgettable memories.
Through our Hotel Only service, we can book your stay at the exact same rate you find online, with the added benefit of booking directly with us. We charge zero fees through this service; it is completely complimentary!
Lily of the Valley is a Virtuoso property, which means when you book through a preferred advisor, you receive added value and VIP recognition at no additional cost. If you’re weighing options like booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts vs. Virtuoso, we’ve outlined the real differences in our blog on why booking with Virtuoso is often the stronger choice, particularly when it comes to upgrade priority, personalized pre-arrival communication, and long-term hotel relationships that extend beyond a single stay.
Virtuoso Amenities We Can Offer:
- Upgrade on arrival (STA)
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $100 Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in / Late check-out (STA)
For more information on current rates or to start planning your next adventure, email us at [email protected] or complete a Travel Request Form. If you’re still exploring your options, we have several resources to help you, including our complimentary booking tool, a Preferred Hotels Map, and detailed blog posts. Let us help you curate your journey to Lily of the Valley today!
Explore more wellness-focused stays on our blog:
