The girls' holiday is, in my humble opinion, a much underrated mini-break; the chance to escape and totally unwind entirely free from other halves, kids, family, work pressures, life pressures. An opportunity to spend unadulterated quality time laughing uncontrollably, drinking, eating (uncontrollably) and putting the world to rights with incredible women who know you inside out. And I think I’ve quite possibly found the best way to have the ultimate girls trip. Imagine a glorious villa in the heart of St. Tropez, mere walking distance from the markets, shops, restaurants and bars of this legendary port of glamour. Imagine a private chef in situ at said villa to cater for your every whim, creating delicious feasts from fresh local fayre. Staff, also, on hand to serve meals, clear up and help book anything your heart desires: from wine tasting in the Provencal vineyards, horse riding along the coast to a sunrise yoga class by the pool or an afternoon massage under the shady terraces of said glorious villa. Then imagine unlimited champagne for the duration of your stay…yes, truly: unlimited champagne.
Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Introducing Purple Summer, the luxury villa company that can cater for all these delights - plus many, many more - at their hand-selected portfolio of stunning holiday properties in Mallorca, Ibiza and the Cote D’Azure. I was lucky enough to visit Villa La Tourelle, Purple Summer’s signature property in the heart of St Tropez.
And what an experience. From the moment you are collected from the airport - with a champagne hamper with five star snacks whipped up by Chef Grgur in the back of your private chauffeured transfer - it is luxury all the way…and did I mention champagne all the way too? So if you’re after some autumnal sun or thinking ahead to next year already, read on and start planning…
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Villa La Tourelle is nestled in the heart of St Tropez, just minutes walk from the main market square. A converted vicarage, the traditional French property can sleep up to 10 guests, with every room boasting an en suite bathroom. Unique features include a bedroom in a turret and two additional annexes in the garden. The stunning pool area has its own poolside bar (permanently stocked with Taittinger champagne, fine wines, spirits and soft drinks) and a beautiful, sheltered dining area. Plus further outdoor dining areas directly outside the villa, with easy access to the kitchen.
A delicious fresh breakfast is provided every morning of your stay: platters of fruit, local pastries, eggs, cereal, cheese and charcuterie boards. Guests can then choose to dine in for lunch or dinner any day of their stay and can choose to work closely with the chef to decide menus, work with allergies and preferences. Or leave the menu entirely to the chef and prepare to be surprised and delighted! We were lucky to have former Master Chef Croatia chef, Gregur Baksic whose dishes just kept on giving. From fresh Mediterranean salads and roasted chicken lunches to seafood platters and oysters fit for royalty, Gregur even took us on an early morning tour of the St Tropez fish market to choose fresh line-caught monkfish, sea bass, calamari and octopus for our dinner. His cheese board was lethal.
…and the home of Whispering Angel is just around the corner!
The beauty of Villa La Tourelle’s location is that you can walk to all the local restaurants and bars. Although the cobbled streets make heels somewhat of a no-no. Saunter down to the famous port of St Tropez for sundowners and people watching! And explore the many narrow streets teaming with traditional cafes, restaurants and bars. We visited the delightful Au Caprice des Deux for dinner one night (the steak was parfe!). Christian Dior’s Cafe Des Lices, overlooking the harbour, is also a splendid spot for a tres chic girls’ brunch. For glamorous beach action, head to neighbouring Ramatuelle to sample the two best beach clubs the Riviera has to offer: Nikki Beach and the prestigious Le Club 55. For poolside dancing to saxophones and sparklers, Nikki Beach has it all, with a selection of great DJ’s throughout the season. Meanwhile Le Club 55 is more old-school movie star glam, perfect for a long, lingering Sunday lunch by the sea and celebrity spotting (Joan Collins has a regular table booked for much of August, it’s that fabulous a place.)
From shopping to yacht hopping! Art galleries to artisan markets, St Tropez itself is a haven of fabulousness and all within walking distance of the villa. But should you wish to venture further afield the picturesque, lakeside village of Port Grimaud with its winding streets and local boutiques, it’s the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and a coffee or Pastis. When in France - especially the Cotes De Provence - it would be rude not to go wine tasting right? For the Rose lovers, Purple Summer can arrange trips to any number of local vineyards through the fantastic Unusual Wine Tours. And of course, no trip to St Tropez would be complete without a boat day, kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkelling or sailing around the gorgeous coves in a catamaran and jumping off into the Med outside Bridget Bardot’s house! All part of the service at Purple Summer.
A 4 night stay in late May or early June 2023 would be priced at £15,400 for the villa that sleeps 10. This includes an early booking discount plus staff, private concierge, transfers, private chef, unlimited Taittinger and fine wines throughout your stay. The villas also caters for families and Purple Summer can arrange childcare for your stay.
