PALACE OF PROVENCE

Built in the 19th century as a private home for a decorated cavalry officer, the Château de La Messardière is a Saint-Tropez landmark, a stunning grand dame surrounded by the lush rolling vineyards of Ramatuelle. Operating as a hotel since 1904, the 99-room hotel continues to seduce visitors with commanding views of Pampelonne Bay’s famous golden sands. Begin the morning with a dip in the garden pool under the shadow of ancient olive trees before meandering through the Provencal-scented grounds to find the Valmont Spa. Catch a ride to the resort’s private beach in a Mini-Moke Jeep or Rolls-Royce Culliman, or challenge the family to a game of tennis or boules in the recreation garden. At mealtimes, there are five restaurants to choose from, including the Peruvian-Asian fusion hotspot Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez. Rooms begin around $1,000 per night. airelles.com

CRUISE CONTROL

With its calm turquoise waters, gorgeous golden-sand beaches, lively waterfront bars and restaurants, dramatic caves, and rocky plateaus, Saint-Tropez is, unsurprisingly, a yachting mecca. In September, the bay fills with vessels large and small, ranging from quaint sailboats to towering super yachts that rival the size of cruise ships. Average yacht rentals cost about $1,500 per day, and there’s a surplus of boats to choose from, including the Aquarius from luxury Dutch shipyard Feadship (pictured above). It boasts a dedicated owner’s penthouse, 21-foot swimming pool, expansive wellness center with gym and beauty salon, and a water slide. yachtcharterfleet.com

SEASONED BY THE RIVIERA

With more than two dozen Michelin-starred restaurants in the small hamlet’s cozy six square miles, Saint-Tropez is a gustatory wonderland, where beautifully plated ratatouille and Tarte Tropezienne are as prevalent as Louis Vuitton handbags. The triple-starred La Vague d’Or is a mainstay, housed in the beachfront Cheval Blanc hotel. Chef Arnaud Donckele helms the kitchen, where his team of studied cuisiniers design dishes that celebrate the flavors of Provence, both farm and sea. Headliners include turbot simmered in salt, seaweed, and lime peels, and young rabbit abetted by absinthe and country bacon. A la carte and tasting menus are both available, and the latter is $325 well spent. chevalblanc.com

CHÂTEAU LE CHIC

Set in the idyllic Place des Lices, a 19th century public square under the shade of 100-year-old Plane trees, the seven-suite White 1921 boutique hotel is a hallowed hideaway among the hedonism of the shore. Its famed Champagne Bar is a must; the upscale menu is fed by a cellar filled with rare vintage labels, including a particularly impressive assembly of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage Collection 1921 bottles. Follow with a decadent meal from Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Donckele and renowned pastry chef Maxime Frédéric, who recently took over the reins of the restaurant from Louis Vuitton. Afternoon tea is also served daily from 3-6 p.m., featuring delicate bites like grand cru chocolate dessert and freshly prepared tart. white1921.com

SOL PARTY

In this coastal, glamour-blanketed diamond of the Côte d’Azur, sojourners don’t wait until the sun dips behind the Mediterranean for the party to heat up. Dayclubs are the lifeblood of the Saint-Tropez social scene, whether you’re craving a supine-style afternoon by the pool or pulsating beats from internationally feted DJs. There’s no shortage of locales to choose from (try one each day, perhaps?), but be sure the iconic Nikki Beach is on your shortlist. The Miami-born concept is celebrating its 21st year on Pampelonne Beach and remains a magnet for celebrities and the international jet-set crowd. Towering palms dance around crisp white lounge chairs, where a high-brow clientele clinks glasses of PerrierJouet between bites of truffle pinsa and chicken satay. Reservations highly recommended. saint-tropez.nikkibeach.com