Our review of Kube Saint-Tropez: Saint-Tropez’s most successful comeback

The Pitch | The Awakening of the Sleeping Beauty

Was it its location—not quite in Saint-Tropez but on its outskirts, in Gassin, on the coastal road (a two-minute drive—though that can turn into thirty minutes during peak season, as traffic jams are an integral part of Saint-Tropez life)? Was it the architecture of this former clinic, purchased in 2009 by the Machefert family to be transformed into a 5-star hotel in Saint-Tropez? The Kube has turned these supposed drawbacks into its greatest assets, offering amenities rarely found in Saint-Tropez: two hectares of Mediterranean gardens, three swimming pools, panoramic views, and unexpected tranquility—all with 30 more rooms than the average 5-star hotel in town. The Kube is back —and it’s a force to be reckoned with.

Overview | Machefert, a pioneer of boutique hotels in France

Machefert is on the rise. Founded in 1992 by Patrick Machefert and Christiane Derory, the family-owned group was one of the pioneers of the boutique hotel concept in France (Kube Paris, a hotel in the 18th arrondissement, 1K Paris, in the 3rd arrondissement, which will become Le Héron in October 2026). By 2025, the group will expand its portfolio with several new openings: Azeli, in January 2027, in Marrakech; Le Rorie, a 52-room boutique hotel slated for Paris’s 6th arrondissement; and, most notably, Le Normandy, a 116-room flagship property on Rue Saint-Honoré, which has not been renovated since its opening in 1877 and is set to reopen in September 2027. At the helm, Kevin Machefert sums up the group’s DNA: “Each location tells a story crafted down to the smallest detail, even if that means sometimes taking a maximalist approach to the storytelling of our properties. It is precisely this level of excellence that makes them unique.”

What's the hotel like? Gardens, villas, and a rooftop

Set on 2 hectares along the coastal road, this spa hotel in Saint-Tropez features rooms and suites spread across villas and a historic building, nestled within impeccably maintained Mediterranean gardens dotted with teak terraces, palm trees, and cypresses. You might even spot Kit and Cat, the two peacocks that have made the estate their home. The historic building, which has been fully renovated, houses the rooftop restaurant, two additional pools—one of which is lined with bronze sculptures—more secluded suites, and several terraces where guests can enjoy breakfast or dine at any time of day. A My Blend spa, a spacious outdoor area dedicated to receptions, and a guinguette-pétanque (where “Jeudis du Kube” events—gatherings centered around the region’s vineyards—take place) round out this French Riviera hotel with its chic resort vibe.

What are the rooms like at the Kube Saint-Tropez?

With its 70 rooms spread across 10 categories, the Kube offers a resort-style layout that few 5-star hotels in Saint-Tropez can claim, without compromising on comfort or space. Surrounding the main pool, five two-story villas each feature six rooms, all opening onto a terrace facing the pool. The decor is contemporary and inviting, with stoneware floors, sandblasted raw wood furniture, and ceramic light fixtures. It’s a setting where you immediately feel at home, offering just the right amount of charm and plenty of functionality. For more space and privacy, Villa Wood—a 100 m² property designed by RM Design—features a reception room, a dining room with an open-concept kitchen, and a living room with a TV and office area. The floor-to-ceiling windows open onto terraces overlooking the pool. Upstairs are a bright bedroom with a balcony offering ocean views and two additional bedrooms (personalized services, private security, or a dedicated butler available upon request).

Another option: stay in the Natural Rooms, the 30 newly renovated rooms (ranging from 25 to 48 m²) in the main building, which we recommend to travelers who appreciate design and minimalist, harmonious interiors. Bright and airy, these rooms embrace a “quiet luxury” aesthetic dominated by shades of beige and white, blending solid oak paneling, sisal rugs, Casamance fabrics, and light sheers. Guests can choose between two views: the gulf or the gardens.

The room to book: the Junior Natural Sea, with its private hammam.

What's the restaurant at Kube Saint-Tropez like?

It’s one of the Kube’s highlights: its all-day dining concept, a rarity in Saint-Tropez. That means continuous service from noon to 10:30 p.m., giving you the freedom to structure your day at your own pace. A late lunch by the pool, a snack in your room, dinner on the rooftop, or a drink paired with small plates to share: here, there are no set schedules or designated dining areas—you eat whenever and wherever you want.

The most beautiful rooftop in Saint-Tropez?

In any case, one of the most sought-after. Chef Jaïs Mimoun has moved Le Petit Célestin—a Parisian bistro that has been in the Marais for fourteen years—to the rooftop of the Kube. The experience begins the moment you arrive, as you step into a glass cube adorned with red carpets and curtains, creating an almost cinematic atmosphere. From the rooftop, the panoramic view takes in a 360-degree sweep of the gulf: directly across lies Sainte-Maxime; below, Bouillabaisse Beach and the bell tower of Saint-Tropez; and in the distance, the bay of Saint-Raphaël. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Alps. Behind you, the canopy of umbrella pines frames the scene.

If you’re not staying at the Kube, be sure to reserve a table at Le Petit Célestin, the restaurant in Saint-Tropez: the sunset from the rooftop alone is worth the trip. The beautifully executed decor combines wicker chairs and red benches. Special mention goes to the huge mirror that allows guests seated with their backs to the sea to enjoy the view as well. As for the food, it’s lovely bistro-style cuisine just the way we like it—generous and seasonal—featuring, depending on the day, sea bass ceviche, pea gazpacho with candied lemon, artichokes and oyster mushrooms, grilled ribeye, or whole fish baked in a salt crust.

Cybèle, the bohemian beach at the Kube Saint-Tropez

Spanning 35 meters of sand in Ramatuelle, between Tiki Beach and Playa Amigos, Cybèle extends the spirit of the Kube Saint-Tropez to the seaside. No champagne showers here—this spot has a different vibe: that of a beach club where you can still hear each other talk, where families are welcome, with excellent service and a fair price-to-quality ratio for lunch on one of the world’s most beautiful bays. The decor, designed by Cordelia de Castellane, artistic director of Dior Maison, features a palette of greens, rattan furniture, and stunning Barbotine tableware.

While the Mediterranean menu incorporates a few South American and Asian touches, its unique feature lies primarily in cooking with the Green Egg—a cast-iron and porcelain oven that imparts a subtle smoky note. Must-try dishes include the grilled eggplant caviar, served with charcoal-baked bread and house-made labneh, or the one-kilo Mediterranean sea bass for two, presented whole and split open, smoked with rosemary, and accompanied by lightly seared baby broccoli. A light and refreshing rosé from the Rimaureusq estate pairs perfectly with this flame-grilled cuisine.

What is the spa at the Kube Hotel in Saint-Tropez like?

Another major highlight of the Kube wellness hotel is its myBlend spa, located in a separate building. Spanning 300 m² across two levels, it features six treatment rooms—including one double room—a hammam, a sauna, and a beauty salon dedicated to manicures, hairstyling, makeup, and aesthetic treatments. The real added value lies in the myBlend signature experience, known for its cutting-edge, customized treatments supported by technologies such as the myBlend LED mask and CellSynergy protocols. This comprehensive approach—combining aesthetic expertise, relaxation, and beauty tech—makes this spa a destination in its own right, even for those not staying at the hotel.

What we loved about the Kube Saint-Tropez:

• The seaside resort atmosphere, with a real sense of space 
• Trendy collaborations: a Vanessa Sposi pop-up, Kujten lounge chairs, and two Aston Martins available for transfers 
• The art of creating multiple living spaces: a guinguette and pétanque area, terraces, poolside areas, a rooftop, patios… You can move from one atmosphere to another without ever getting bored 
• The large parking lot— a luxury in Saint-Tropez 
• High-level security, with 70 cameras and rooms equipped with electronic locks 
• Day passes focused on sports, wellness, or detox, starting at 399 euros.