Pastis….the epitome of cool and without a doubt the best boutique hotel in St. Tropez. That is, if you’re able to get a room. The hotel has only 10 suites so guests are welcome on a first come, first serve basis.
If cool art and even cooler owners are you’re thing, then you’re in for a treat at Pastis. John and Pauline Larkin, owners of Pastis, remind you of characters out of a Stephen Fry novel: eccentric, opinionated, cultured and purveyors of good taste. The couple, who have owned Pastis for 15 years, have completely gutted the hotel from its original state – a rather lacklustre building – and transformed it into an oasis of calm, laden with quirky art, that marks the entrance to St. Tropez.
The hotel has unbeatable views; one side looks over the beautiful swimming pool, flanked by grandiose palm trees, and the other looks over the calm waters of St. Tropez, where you can see all the big yachts gliding in.
We loved the art brimmed bedrooms. The rooms themselves are full of character, with exposed beams giving an authentic town-house feel. The rustic charm is enhanced by details: the contemporary art throughout, the stylish seating area featuring a leather futon and oh-so comfortable sofa, the minutiae that make a difference – Oritigia products in the bathroom, the wood carved doors with miniature sculptures on them and Villeroy & Boch sinks and baths – nothing has been spared to make the bedrooms super comfortable and luxurious. We loved, too, the bath, with its own wrap around curtain.
Many a guest can take inspiration from the rooms for their own bedrooms and, we would hazard a guess, many could only dream of a similar space of their own in St. Tropez!
The art aspect is one that the owners are justifiably proud of. The Larkins have been involved in the arts professionally and, along the way, have amassed an eclectic collection. Some of this is in their private home, and some of it is on display at Pastis. We loved the Hockney and Warhol prints, the Terry O’Neill signed photographs, the almost-hidden Space Invaders mosaics on the staircase by French Urban artist Invader, the Matisse prints and John Hoyland works. We also loved the design furniture throughout – stylish but not over the top.
Pastis is a 2 minute walk from the centre of St. Tropez, giving it one of the most enviable locations. The hotel is a short walk to the centre but far enough to avoid the night time noise and, with the luxury of its own parking, it also allows for a quick getaway without having to navigate the hectic traffic from the centre.
We cannot recommend Pastis St. Tropez enough. There are the razzmatazz 5 star hotels a-dozen and then there are the really special hotels, like Pastis, that make you feel at home and leave you with a feeling of the sublime. It really is a place you have to visit and experience yourself.
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