Luxury Travel Advisor - December 2008 - (Page 58) THE PULSE Pan Deï Palais, Saint-Tropez Known for its endless supply of white sandy beaches, year-round mild climate and cerulean waters, Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera has long been an exclusive vacation haven for today’s affluent and elite stars of film and music. Now, a select hotel has opened that is sure to cater to discriminating jet-setters from all walks of life. Pan Deï Palais (www. pandei.com), a former historical mansion, has been converted into a 12-room, sun-filled hotel, whose décor is very much influenced by the Far East (an Indian name is applied to each room or suite). Modern amenities abound: Wi-Fi throughout, in-room, flatscreen LCD TVs and spa treatments. The top digs here are the Deva & Ananda Princess Suite and the Shânti Two-bedroom Suite. The former, whose name signifies “supreme bliss,” features wood flooring and oriental rugs. It can also be linked to the Saraswati room to create a private apartment. The Shânti Suite, on the hotel’s top floor, overlooks the pool, which boasts an ornate mosaic-etched bottom, and garden and offers tremendous views from a private terrace. We hear that the bathroom is a huge hit with guests for its Roman tub and whimsical touches like a skylight and angled ceiling. Other oft-requested accommodations are the four Prestige Rooms, all evoking an elegant Far East quality with wood accents everywhere, as well as intricate moldings. The Lakshmi Prestige Room has the feel of a Moroccan hideaway, with its stylish wall imprints. It can link to the Mirabai Room, forming a suite that overlooks the pool. We think this ease and flexibility would be great for families. One of the biggest draws of this hotel is its lovely garden and pool area, which exudes the feeling of a private residence somewhere off in the French countryside, finely landscaped and bordered by well-tended shrubbery and relaxing daybeds. Cuisine revolves around the simple sentiment: “You are at home.” Chef Satoshi Kubota helms the food and beverage offerings, which has been called “eclectic gastronomy,” a fusion of Asian and French tastes and flavors. Note: We hear the prawn à la Thai and Tandoori lamb are all the rage. Spa Time: Though not expansive, the spa does offer a steam room and massage room, where Brigitte Agostini is the resident ace THE DURGA PRESTIGE ROOM (top) is drenched in natural light and directly overlooks the pool area. GARDEN DAYBEDS (opposite, above) are the perfect way to lounge an afternoon away. 58 LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR | December 2008 http://www.pandei.com http://www.pandei.com
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