Located in the tiny village of Rayol-Canadel-Sur-Mer, the 55-room recently refurbished hideaway Le Bailli de Suffren sits above the shimmering Mediterranean on an unspoiled inlet of crystalline waters.

With three superb restaurants and a Carita Spa, there’s no need to venture into neighbouring traffic-clogged St-Tropez. From the terrace of your room – a contemporary medley of azure and crisp white by French interior architect François Champsaur – there’s a splendiferous view of the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles on the horizon, and if ever you tire of lazing by the pretty pool, explore the lush century-old botanical gardens, Domaine du Rayol, just a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Visit the website