A Hilltop Utopia: The Restorative Magic of Lily of the Valley
- Corey Jones
- Dec 18, 2025
- 3 min read
There are two versions of the French Riviera: the frenetic, glittering party scene of Saint-Tropez, and the serene, sun-bathed escape found just 25 minutes away. Lily of the Valley, a 5-star wellness hotel in La Croix-Valmer, is the undisputed capital of the latter.
Despite its name, the hotel is not in a valley. It is a village-like resort perched on a hilltop on Cap Lardier, the "green lung" of the coast. The hotel, a neoclassical-meets-rustic-modernist vision from designer Philippe Starck, is designed to vanish into the topography. Influenced by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and California villas, the mineral buildings are so integrated with the tumbling greenery that when viewed from the sea, the resort disappears entirely.
We arrived seeking a true restoration, and entered a utopia of quiet, exceptional design. This is a place where calorie control feels suspiciously indulgent and exercise involves sun-soaked treks along coastlines overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. The hotel, which is open year-round, has perfected the art of the high-end wellness program, and we emerged feeling like better, glowier versions of ourselves.
The Philosophy: The Shape Club
The heart of the property is the 2,000-square-meter Shape Club, an award-winning wellness complex that is next-level. It feels futuristic without being clinical. This is not a simple spa; it is a center for total transformation. Most guests, ourselves included, are drawn in by one of the four signature health plans: weight loss, detox, sport, or better-aging.
The facilities and programs are comprehensive:
High-Tech Treatments: The spa features a machine for nearly every ill. We found the cryotherapy chamber to be an essential and invigorating daily ritual.
Hydrotherapy: The complex includes two saunas, a large steam room, and a bracing snow shower.
Pools: Two semi-Olympic heated pools are on-site, one of which we often had to ourselves in the morning.
Fitness: A spacious, state-of-the-art gym is complemented by a full schedule of classes, including yoga, sculpt sessions, and guided beachside workouts.
Outdoor Movement: The location on Cap Lardier provides panoramic sea views and access to coastal hiking trails. The hotel also provides access to watersports like paddleboarding and canoeing on the Mediterranean.
The Accommodations and Service
Our Classic Room was a study in "rustic luxury." The design is a rich, textural blend of wicker, rattan, raffia, and gorgeous marble. The room, which featured a supremely comfortable bed and ample closet space, opened onto a private, spacious terrace with a huge daybed overlooking the lush hills.
What truly sets Lily of the Valley apart, however, is the service. It is preemptive without being intrusive. Housekeeping was faultless; we would return to find our phone chargers neatly wrapped, eyeglasses set on branded cleaning cloths, and personal items artfully organized. The nightly turndown service, which included plush slippers placed on mats beside the bed, was a small but deeply appreciated gesture. From the valet to the spa therapists who remembered our preferences between visits, the level of attentiveness was unmatched.
The Culinary Program
The resort’s wellness philosophy is most evident in its culinary program. The three restaurants are overseen by Chef Vincent Maillard, an alumnus of Alain Ducasse and Guy Savoy kitchens, and developed with nutritionist Jacques Fricker. The goal is to help guests achieve their goals without depriving them of the pleasure of food.
It is an emphatic success. At Vista, the main restaurant, our included breakfast was a daily highlight. We enjoyed favorites like avocado toast and fresh juices while sitting on the terrace overlooking the sea. The menu is a testament to the fact that healthy, low-calorie dining can be, and should be, "suspiciously flavorful."
The Location: A World Apart
While the 53-room property feels like a complete sanctuary, it is perfectly positioned. A free shuttle whisks guests down to the hotel's superstar beach club on the beautiful Plage de Gigaro, a peaceful stretch of clear water and golden sand.
For those wanting a dose of the high-life, the mega-yachts and designer shops of Saint-Tropez are a short drive away. But we found the real luxury was returning to the peace of the hilltop. Lily of the Valley is a dream come true, an experience that is worth the splurge and, most importantly, one that lasts.
Lily of the Valley
Colline Saint-Michel
Boulevard Abel Faivre
Quartier de Gigaro
83420 La Croix Valmer France
+33 (0)4 22 73 22 51
