Wellness Escapes: Byblos St Tropez just became a leading health retreat and here’s why

St Tropez has long been the world’s most famous fishing village and a place of contradictions. It's a charmingly quaint fishing village complete with farmers market in the square and picturesque harbour, yet also a homage to luxury where the richest in the world come to moor their yachts, drop thousands in designer boutiques and then party the nights away in exclusive nightclubs. Now it’s being lauded as a top wellness destination too, thanks to a brand new health and fitness programme led by expert practitioners at the town’s most legendary hotel - Byblos. It’s complemented by a range of new Spa treatments, and a calming alfresco terrace by the pool - Le Jardin d’Arcadia. We checked in for 48 hours..

Byblos St Tropez review: The new leading health retreat promises to help you switch off - here's how

Who is Byblos St Tropez for?

Anyone serious about switching off from the outside world for a few days and immersing themselves in a range of enlightening treatments from breathwork and human design to yoga and pilates. This is a hotel seriously committed to health and wellbeing. The Byblos’ spa was the very first Sisley spa to open in France back in 2007. The 450 square foot space features 5 treatment rooms, a new sauna, an indoor and outdoor relaxing area plus a newly redesigned hammam; as well as the introduction of a new space - “The Waterfall Room”. This was sensational and features sensory showers, including jets and waterfall features.

The hotel’s wellness and personal development consultant, Marion M’Santi, the resident yoga teacher who trained in India and has travelled the world coaching celebrity clients, was appointed to curate the unique new workshops on offer. Going further than any other wellness programmes at “Palace” hotels in France, the holistic offering features personalised workshops and treatments that fall into 3 levels- depending on how far a guest would like to immerse themselves in the experience and shut out the outside world. So whether you're someone who practises regular yoga and meditation and want to go deeper, or are dipping your toes in to trial 48 hours of wellness, great food and some luxury, there is something for everyone. Did I mention they also have an exclusive partnership with LuluLemon? Comes in handy if you’re in need of some new kit during your stay.

The Setting

The setting is perfect if you want to take some time out to focus on your physical and mental health, but like your luxury, great food and the odd glass of (very good) wine too. 

A bit about the hotel itself: Byblos is bound up in the legend of St Tropez. It's where Mick Jagger stayed the night before his wedding to Bianca and entertained his VIP guests to the ultimate party in a Moroccan themed room, which is now part of the spa.  A Lebanese businessman originally built the hotel in the 60s in an effort to attract the object of his devotion Brigitte Bardot. Sadly, she never succumbed to his advances, but the hotel itself is an exquisite homage to unrequited love. 

Like a fishing village within a fishing village, the hotel is modelled on the traditional Provençal architecture with an array of little rustic red and ochre buildings around a beautifully serene pool. It is home to a diverse selection of abstract artwork and boasts sumptuous suites that make you feel every inch a VIP. It's unique enough to be unlike any other hotel you’ll ever visit and yet reassuringly 5 star with the food, service and beautiful individually designed rooms and facilities.

It may be home to France’s most famous nightclub Les Caves du Roy, which is housed in the basement, plus three top dining destinations such as the Alain Ducasse restaurant,, but the hotel is like a calm sanctuary from the bustling world outside. The overall feeling is boutique and discreet.

The Programme and Spa

The holistic programme here is primarily about workshops and treatments that allow guests to go on a journey of self-discovery and personal development. The idea is that you step outside your busy life for a few days and reconnect with your inner self. The bespoke workshops range from yoga and meditation to reiki healing, human design and shamanism. You can choose how deep you want to venture into your journey from stage 1 “Inner Harmony” treatments – an individual workshop, yoga and meditation session, to stage 2  “Epic Journeys” involving customised individual body workshops inspired by classical Greece followed by a beautifully balanced nutritious lunch,  and stage 3 experiences. 

I went for the stage 3 weekend - the “Byblos Constellations” programme which takes place over 2 days (you can still sign up to one in August). These focus on workshops including shamanism, breathwork, human design and reiki healing. The programme was intense - in a good way - and can be balanced by relaxing massage and facial treatments in the spa. What I loved most is that sessions could be scheduled around your body clock. I opted for what was an outstanding breathwork session to start my day - a combination of meditation and intense expert-lead breathing exercises which was energising and rejuvenating. I then finished my day with the Yoga Dusk workshops which included a Pause and Reset mode to help me relax before bed.

The Food

The newly renovated terrace, Le Jardin d’Arcadia, right by the hotel’s pool is open all day and the hotel’s executive chef Nicola Canuti has created a special menu focusing  on local produce with balanced, delicate dishes using freshly selected vegetables from the  hotel’s own vegetable garden. The menu includes their popular ‘Garden Bowls’, Catch of the day or  Semolina Gnocchi with Lobster.  

The evening menu is more classic Gastronomic approach, offering classic local  Mediterranean dishes and colourful creations for a true taste of the French Riviera.  

Don't miss

The beach club. Its a short ride from the hotel and is one of the most exclusive places to dine on the nearby Ramatuelle beach. Great food and people watching. If you’re in the mood for a dance, the nightclub pulls in some great international DJ’s and you’re almost certain to spot a celebrity. Just a small tip: Don’t go till after midnight when things warm up. One of the huge benefits of being a Byblos guest is that you get guaranteed entry (it operates one of the toughest door policies in the world). Reason enough to check in.

Sustainability Efforts

The hotel’s sustainable charter commits to limiting waste and water and supporting the local economy. The hotel also features a 300 square metre vegetable garden that provides the fruits, vegetables and herbs for the kitchen. They also produce their own honey. The beach club and hotel operate a strict no plastic policy. 

The cost

££££ 

There really is only one place to stay in central St Tropez - The Five Star Hotel Byblos. 

With rooms from £550 per night, this is definitely a luxury getaway but if you’re serious about a great wellness getaway it's worth every penny.

Hotel Byblos, 20 Av. Paul Signac, 83990 Saint-Tropez, | Byblos.com

What to pack