Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière, a five-star palace hotel on the outskirts of Saint-Tropez has opened for the first time under the luxury Airelles brand.

Acquired in May 2019, the property has undergone extensive renovation work over the last two years, with highly acclaimed French architect and interior designer Christopher Tollemer overseeing the redesign.

The property, with its domed cupolas and turrets, is Saint-Tropez’s largest hotel, occupying 25 acres of grounds overlooking the Côte d’Azur and Provençal countryside. 

Highlights of the 75-room luxury hotel include a new Valmont Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and just a few minutes from the hotel by Mini-Moke or Rolls Royce, a private beach club and and beach, Jardin Tropézina. 

The hotel is available for exclusive hire for groups and the extensive grounds provide numerous options for hosting outdoor events and celebrations.

To celebrate its opening, the hotel has launched a summer culinary partnership with chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and a series of new experiences. 

Culinary partnership  

From 1st July to 10th October 2021, Château de la Messardière will be partnering with world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa. 

The restaurant Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez will offer guests a unique blend of Japanese-French fusion cuisine, with a particular focus on fresh seafood. The extensive menu will boast a selection of Matsuhisa’s legendary dishes including yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and yuzu soy sauce, black cod with saikyo-yaki miso and Rock Shrimp tempura.

In addition to the new restaurant Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière has completely redesigned its culinary offering with both local and international concepts to delight all. This includes the arrival of L’Auberge des Maures, one of the most iconic restaurants in Saint-Tropez, which will offer authentic Provençal cuisine with traditional specialties.

New experiences

Château de la Messardière is also introducing a selection of curated luxury experiences and activities themed around ‘the air, land and sea.

AIR

Exclusive helicopter day trips – Guests can choose wherever they wish to fly to in the South of France. This could be a day trip to sister property Château d’Estoublon in Provence, an invigorating fly over the region’s Gorges du Verdon or Mas du Mangoustier, or even a day trip to Monaco for a spot of shopping. 

Hot Air Balloon tour – For the ultimate holiday memory, discover St Tropez’s breath-taking scenery from the skies during a bucket list hot air balloon tour organised seamlessly through Château de la Messardière’s concierge team. Wake up early with a picnic breakfast in your private transfer which will take you directly to your departure location (Forcalquier), ready to watch the sunrise over the hills from above. 

LAND

Perfume making workshop – delve into the fascinating world of scent creation on a fun and interactive perfume making workshop, organised by Château de la Messardière and Valmont. Led by an expert perfumer, learn all about the delicate ingredients used to create different perfumes, the link between scent and memory and finally select and blend your chosen oils to create your very own personalised Eau de Parfum. 

Classic sidecar vineyard tour – Explore the surrounding vineyards of Saint-Tropez in style on a private tour by vintage motorcycle sidecar. Cruise around picturesque villages and rolling countryside with an experienced driver and enjoy a tour of world-renowned vineyards, followed by wine tasting and a delicious picnic. 

Bike tour of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez – Take to the road and enjoy a day of exploration around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez by bike (or e-bike) to explore the idyllic countryside, quaint hilltop villages and hidden seaside coves. Guests can either be accompanied by an experienced guide or choose to explore the region by themselves. Château de la Messardière’s Concierge team can arrange a picnic to enjoy while out, including French delicacies such as local cheese, baguette and dessert pastries.  

Golfing day trip – For keen golfing enthusiasts, Gassin Golf Club is only a 15-minute private transfer away. Covering 18 holes and 6,045 metres, it is renowned for its variety and technically demanding course, as well as its stunning setting, positioned in a protected conservation area, surrounded by lush forest and rolling hills. 

SEA

Private luxury picnic on a wild creek – Treat yourselves to the ultimate ocean adventure, on your very own private ‘pointu’ boat for a day of exploring Saint Tropez’s stunning coastline. With your very own captain, discover hidden coves and secluded beaches, followed by a delicious picnic on a wild creek with stunning views out to the bay.