WHERE TO STAY, WHERE TO SHOP & WHAT TO BUY IN ST. TROPEZ

Those who follow my posts will know that I swapped Amsterdam for St.Tropez this week. Are you still thinking about booking a last minute holiday? Read and be inspired.

Where to stay

This year I’m staying at hotel l’Ermitage. You’ll know why the minute you arrive. A touch vintage fifties, a drop art deco, a little shabby chic and because it’s located on a hill, you have a tres belle view of the St. Tropez bay. The restaurant terrace is the place for the hip & happening to hang out in the evening. L’Ermitage was a neglected building for many years, but thanks to the initiative of entrepreneur and graffiti artist Andre Saraiva, it has a second glorious chance. Her walls are ‘wallpapered’  with suggestive photos by Terry Richardson and Irena Ionesco, just like her Parisian sister Hotel Amour. The decor is a collection of vintage, much of it chosen by Saraiva herself. There are no televisions or phones in the rooms. Each one of the 27 rooms in decorated individually and there are Kiehl’s products in the bathrooms. Kate Moss, Lily Allen and Snoop Dogg have all beaten you here.

Hôtel Ermitage: Avenue Paul Signac, St Tropez 00 33 4 94 97 52 33

Where to shop

The best part of being in St. Tropez in August is (besides being remarkably busy, but pfff so what…) that all the big brands like DvF, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana have their autumn sales. Not that I was in the mood for buying winter coats in the middle of summer, but good to soak up the vibe already. Besides that, you literally trip over jewellery stores and fluffy bits and bobs. Battaglia (15 Place de la Garonne), without a doubt my favourite store – is the exception. The clientele prefer to differentiate themselves from the many well known designers, by wearing a style that is a fantastic mix of rock, hippy and western glamour. Very inspiring.

What to buy

The Club 55 beach is a little hysterical during high season, but lunching there is a must. I always dash off to the 55 Beach Boutique between courses to buy an über chic beach outfit. You can buy sarongs, towels and baskets, but the must-haves are the bikinis and beach wear by Dutch designer Monica Vos and her brand PonchoBikini. Monica designs the pieces and the fabrics and many of her prints include a message. If you are not in the vicinity of 55, no problem because Monica luckily also has a webshop where the most gorgeous kaftans, tops and bikinis are for sale. I am super happy with my stone-grey kaftan dress and silk top (see photo).

Tomorrow I’m heading off to Cannes, and will let you know all about it…

Au revoir, Love Peggy.