Como Le Beauvallon: the Côte d’Azur’s newest opening is full of surprises

Como Le Beauvallon is one of the most talked-about Saint-Tropez openings of 2026. Except that it’s technically neither a new opening nor located in Saint-Tropez.The grand terracotta-toned Belle Époque beauty was originally built in 1914, after which its glamorous gravitational pull drew in stars including F. Scott Fitzgerald and Audrey Hepburn. It’s gone through various iterations since then, but has now been reopened as a hotel by the Como Hotel Group.It’s in Saint-Maxime, just across the bay from Saint-Tropez, which can be reached via one of the hotel’s greatest draws: a complimentary private boat shuttle that will zoom you across to the jet-set town in eight minutes. It’s an extremely glamorous way to arrive, and comes into its own when Saint-Tropez traffic gets gridlocked on market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays).A two-bedroom suite terraceComo Le BeauvallonThe setting is magnificent, the hotel’s handsome exterior crowning a hill that looks shockingly lush after a sun-scorched UK summer. Below, through an unlikely storm tunnel, is a glamorous scene comprising a pool, seafront restaurant and beach club. Space is abundant here: four hectares of grounds and only 42 rooms within the vast building, with a reported guest limit of 87.The RoomsThe interiors are somewhat at odds with the historic building, with vast public spaces now illuminated with contemporary light fixtures and a private collection of more than 300 contemporary artworks. Treasures including towering statues, sculptural resin chairs and Pixar-like renderings of the signs of the Chinese zodiac wait around every corner. Inside a Beauvallon SuiteComo Le BeauvallonThe rooms are similarly modern and eclectic, with open bathrooms containing fully glass bathtubs and double showers appearing to be something of a signature. The sea views are, however, timeless (especially in the panoramic Beauvallon Suites on the fourth floor) and abundant natural light is a treat. Overall, the rooms and suites take a relaxed approach to privacy and definitely err on the side of sexy, making them great for couples but less suited to families or guests who don’t know each other that well. Food and drinksYannick Alléno is the man behind the hotel’s surprising but effective restaurant, Beauvallon Sur Mer. It’s billed as Asian-Mediterranean fusion and while it does both well, the pan-Asian dishes are among the most memorable: glistening gambero rosso with ginger, juicy prawn har gow, fragrant stir-fried noodles. Mediterranean classics like whole-baked catch of the day or flame-grilled ribeye are also handled well. And nobody could argue with the ‘Sur Mer’ part of the restaurant’s name; tables are right on the water’s edge, with a soundtrack of lapping waves and constant entertainment from passing sailing boats and superyachts. The hotel, pool and restaurant, Beauvallon Sur MerComo Le Beauvallon During the day, poolside crowd pleasers like club sandwiches and salad Niçoise add to the sense that this is an international five-star that doesn’t let guests down. Breakfast is similarly self-assured, served at the back of the hotel and comprising a buffet and à la carte options (the pastries are a highlight). The extrasAn excellent concierge team is only ever a WhatsApp away. Some rooms don’t have mini bars, but generously stocked nearby pantries more than make up for this. For all-out luxury, guests staying for more than three nights in the hotel’s Como Suite benefit from complimentary helicopter transfers to and from Nice Airport. So if you’re thinking of extending your stay, it might well be worth it…