I Stayed at France's Saint-Tropez Palace Hotel, Where the Next Season of 'The White Lotus' Will Be Filmed-Here's What It's Like

"It's official: The White Lotus is taking up residence in the French Riviera's grande dame hotel: Château de la Messardière. Crowning a hilltop between the Bay of Pampelonne and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the 19th-century palace is cinematic in every sense. Originally an aristocratic wedding gift, it was later restored by Jean-Claude Rochette, architect-in-chief for France's historic monuments, before joining the Airelles Collection in 2021."

"There is a certain " if you know, you know " intentionality to the arrival. Much like the blink-and-you'll-miss-it entrances of ultra-luxe stays, the approach eschews fanfare for privacy. My family and I circled the hillside twice before spotting the unadorned gates. In a town often defined by flash, the estate offers the ultimate stealth-wealth flex: the ability to dip into the port's glamorous scene and then retreat, minutes later, into absolute seclusion above it all."

"Our suite was nearly twice the size of our New York City apartment, stocked with play tents and toys for the kids, and chilled Dom Pérignon and silky pajamas for us. One could easily stay cocooned in the sun-drenched suite for a week and have a glorious time, but the hotel's real brilliance lies in how it draws you outward, into an expertly choreographed world that unfolds as a playground for all generations."

Château de la Messardière crowns a hilltop between the Bay of Pampelonne and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The 19th-century palace originated as an aristocratic wedding gift, was restored by Jean-Claude Rochette, and joined the Airelles Collection in 2021. The hotel merges Old-World splendor with contemporary sensibility across 12 hectares of gardens and pine forest. The estate prioritizes privacy with understated entrances and secluded positioning above the port. Suites are expansive and family-ready, offering amenities for children and luxury touches for adults. Public offerings include La Table de la Messardière terrace breakfasts with Cédric Grolet pastries and a choreographed range of multi-generational experiences.

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