Where is your favourite destination and why?
Saint-Tropez, without question. It has been part of my life for as long as I can remember and holds some of my happiest memories. We spent family holidays there growing up, so it feels incredibly nostalgic. Whenever I go back, there is a real sense of familiarity and comfort. There is something about the light, the sea, the food and the pace of life that I absolutely love. It has glamour, of course, but what makes it truly special is that it never feels like it is trying too hard. You can spend the day barefoot on the beach, have a long lunch that turns into the afternoon, and then dress up for dinner in the evening.
When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
I was last there a few months ago with my sisters and my fiancé, Channing. Being there with the people I love the most always makes it even more special. The South of France has become incredibly meaningful to me over the past few years, particularly since launching [rosé brand] Lala V. It feels like a place where people genuinely know how to enjoy life. Whenever I go back, I feel myself slow down almost immediately. It reminds me to appreciate the simple things: a morning coffee overlooking the sea, a swim before lunch, an afternoon spent talking around a table, or a glass of rosé as the sun goes down.
Where do you like to stay there?
I love staying somewhere relaxed and peaceful, ideally with family and friends. If I’m staying in a hotel, Hôtel Byblos is iconic. It has timeless charm and perfectly captures the spirit of Saint-Tropez. It feels glamorous without feeling intimidating. But honestly, my favourite place to stay is anywhere that allows me to wake up, see the sea and feel completely relaxed.
What has been your favourite meal there?
My favourite meals are always the simplest ones. Fresh fish straight from the sea, beautiful tomatoes, olive oil, warm bread and a perfectly chilled glass of rosé. The older I’ve got, the more I’ve realised it is rarely about the food itself, it is about who you are sharing it with. I also love the contrast of somewhere like The Niwaki, a Japanese restaurant just down the road in Monaco. It has a completely different feel to the classic beach restaurants of Saint-Tropez, but there is something about it that still feels very Riviera. The interiors are beautiful, the atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, and the food is incredible.
What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
I would start with coffee at Sénéquier and then breakfast at the Dior Café, followed by a walk through Place des Lices before it gets busy. I love wandering through the market and looking at the flowers, baskets, linens and local produce. Then I would head straight to Pampelonne Beach for a swim and a very long lunch with friends and family. In the afternoon, I would walk through the old town, browse the little boutiques and spend some time by the harbour. Then I would end the day with a drink overlooking the port and dinner somewhere relaxed and lively.
“Order something simple at the beach, stay longer than planned and enjoy the moment. That is Saint-Tropez at its best”
Favourite restaurants?
Club 55 will always be a favourite for the atmosphere and nostalgia. I also love Le Girelier on the port for seafood, and L’Opéra for a fun evening that always turns into a memorable night. Another restaurant I love is Gaia and I am really excited to hear that they have recently opened in Saint-Tropez — it is honestly one of my favourite restaurants and will definitely be one to visit this summer.
What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
A long lunch on Pampelonne Beach with family and friends. Loulou, Gigi and Bagatelle are my top beach restaurants. Order something simple, stay longer than planned and enjoy the moment. That is Saint-Tropez at its best.
Is there a hidden gem you are willing to share?
I love wandering through the quieter streets of the old town early in the morning before everyone arrives. It feels like a completely different side of Saint-Tropez and is incredibly charming.
Where do you let your hair loose?
Definitely at Shellona or one of the beach clubs on Pampelonne where everyone is relaxed, barefoot and enjoying themselves.
Who do you call to have a good time there?
My sisters, without question. We always have the best time together, wherever we are.
Favourite shops?
I love exploring the local boutiques in the village and discovering beautiful homewares, linens and pieces that feel effortlessly French. My favourites are Bla-Bla and By Marie.
The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
A bottle of local rosé. It always brings back memories of long lunches, sunshine and everything I love about the South of France.
Your packing essential?
A great swimsuit, oversized sunglasses and a beautiful summer dress. I love packing pieces that feel relaxed but still put together — things that can take you from a morning swim to a long lunch with a glass of rosé in the sunshine.
Have you ever had an emergency incident there?
Thankfully nothing major, although there have definitely been a few missed boats, forgotten passports and last-minute travel dramas over the years.
Which building would you like to live in?
A beautiful villa overlooking the sea just outside Saint-Tropez, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. That would be my dream.
Favourite memory from there?
My favourite memories are all the family holidays we spent there growing up. Amelia, Kitty and I have always been incredibly close, and some of my happiest memories are simply being together with them by the sea, swimming all day, staying out late and not wanting the holiday to end. When I think of Saint-Tropez, I don’t think about the yachts or the glamour first, I think about family, sunshine, laughter, long lunches and those beautiful moments where nobody is looking at their phones and everyone is simply enjoying being together.
Lala V Cótes de Provence Rosé is £23 per bottle; available at lalavofficial.com
