Escape to the ‘Var’ regions of France

Escape to the ‘Var’ regions of France 

       

The Cote D’Azur is without a doubt the epicenter of luxury yachting with its ultra chic resort towns and villages its endless array of world class restaurants and designer stores, not to mention its heavenly weather and sublime scenery. If you charter a yacht in the south of France your itinerary may include, staying in Monaco, cruising to St Tropez stopping off in Cannes and Golf Juan. However there is so much more to the area than these landmark locations. For instance daring to venture west of St Tropez you will come across the tranquil bays of the Var Region. I have been staying in a stunning Villa overlooking Cavaliere beach in Le Lavandou.(1) The beach bars in this area are extremely laid back however if you are seeking luxury Le Club Cavaliere is a 5 star Hotel  and spa shares the same strip. 

1. Cavaliere beach in Le Lavandou, a long strip of sand on the Riviera Var

http://www.clubdecavaliere.com/uk/ http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/search-book/hotel-restaurant/cavaliere/. 

It is a truly wonderful hotel, with its own stretch of private Beach, pool, tennis courts and spa. It is not known for its celebrity spotting however we happened to be seated a table away from the current number one tennis star Novak Djokovic. The atmosphere outside on the terrace is simply perfect, candle lit tables, delicate piano music and fresh sea breeze cooling the warm mediterranean air. The food was absolutely first class and the service was impeccable yet needless to say for a $100 (minimum) / person it is what you deserve. The sommelier was happy to recommend wines that would compliment our evening meal and he did not fail to impress. I have heard that staying in the Hotel is a very peaceful and relaxing experience, but come to think of it, getting pampered in the 5 star Spa, relaxing on a private beach and enjoying stunning food would please most people. 

The French President Nicholas Sarkozy spend the majority of his summer vacation in this area, in the family’s beautiful chateau. You will create a treasured memory mooring your boat right next door with the flag is at full mast, it makes the perfect end to a perfect day after a trip over to the Poquerolles, watching the sun go down over the mountains behind the renowned vineyard of  Chateau de Bregancon. http://www.chateau-de-bregancon.fr/

2. A summer retreat for President Sarcosi. He too is known to enjoy the surrounding areas and take trips over to the Porquerolls. 

  

 Cruising at a steady speed of 10knotts onboard a private Yacht you can reach Ile de Poquerolles in just over 1hr and 20mins from Cavaliere / Le Lavandou. It makes for the magic morning, sipping champagne on your way to an unforgettable place and and even more unforgettable lunch at the Michelins Starred “L’ Oliver” at the Hotel “Le Mas Du Langoustier”. http://www.langoustier.com. I would recommend that you make reservations ahead of time in the summer months and ensure you have transport organised from the port as the hotel Shuttle only comes and goes every 20-30minutes. The Manager ‘Maxime Dutilleul’ is happy to accommodate our clients courtesy of Denison Yacht Sales,(www.denisonyahtsales.com. organising reservations, and transport from the Port, that is unless you are not willing to get your feet wet, jumping off your tender and strolling along the beach front up towards this beautiful hotel nestled in amongst the  amid pine and eucalyptus tree’s. 

    “A discovery at the end of an island, an encounter at the end of the Wold”. 

(Le Mas Du Langoustier). 

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 “L’Oliver is a tribute to life and flavour, a sun-kissed oasis of light and shade that is as bold as it is subtle and creative”. (Le Mas Du Langoustier) 

 I am no food critic but what I must say is, you cannot miss out on the desert. The desert at L’Oliver was a luxury in itself...Truly devine. 

  

Enjoy the superb wine from the Islands. http://www.langoustier.com/uk/vineyards.htm       

Guests admiring the stunning scenery whilst waiting for their Helicopter to arrive.

. Arrive and depart via helicopter to the Hotel Le Mas Du Langoustier. 

It is also possible to take the ferry across from Hyeres or if you are extremely fortunate, there is Helicopter landing spot at ‘Le Mas Du Langoustier’.

 A trip to the Poquerolles Island is one you’ll fail to forget, especially if you are making the journey on a private yacht. Ile de Poquerolles is a small Island (7km long, 3km wide and only 350 inhabitants).It is an extremely welcoming island with a truly beautiful harbor, beaches with soft white sand, vineyards and forests. The history of the islands are fascinating an well worth reading about. (http://www.langoustier.com/uk/history.htm). You will learn that a soda factory once stood where today’s Hotel now stands. It was 1935 that marked the birth of ‘Le Mas du langoustier”. The rest of the Island is just as charming, rustic and provincial as the Hotel. 

  The small dusty streets are lined with market stalls and little boutique bars and restaurants. It is recommended that you make the time to stroll through the town, you will not be disappointed, perhaps you could take a drink in one of the bars whilst waiting for your tender to arrive in the harbor to take you back to you yacht,or alternatively, before you make the short stroll to the ferry depot. 

          

 (The last ferry Departs at 7.30 pm).

Port Cros is another small island,  just 700ha (2.7 square miles), covered almost entirely in pine and holm oak trees. It is a national park and highly regulated, the only mechanised vehicle is the Mini-Moke that carries the luggage up to the island’s main hotel, Le Manoir d’Hélène. You may be thinking that this doesn’t sound too glamerous, however it is a luxury as it is a unique experience you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Le Manoir d’Hélène

 Le Manoir d’Helene has a subtle elegance about her, it is far more laid back than Le Mas Du Langoustier, yet is is so dreamy you may never want to leave. Lunch and Dinner is served under umbrellas overlooking the bay, or in the elegant dining room. Le Manoir is a place to lose oneself, to read Proust, or work your way through the cocktail list. 

Lunch at Le Manoir. 

The south of France has more to offer than its A-list celebrity  haunts. Setting sail on a luxurious private yacht you are granted the freedom to discover these hidden treasures. We are surrounded by a world of luxury goods and services, however the real luxuries in life can also be found down a dusty dirt track on a small island in the Var regions of France. You will create memories that will stay with you forever, which is something money cannot buy!! 

Discover the world and watch the sun set onboard your private yacht. 

There are a number of Villa’s available for a luxury summer escape, whether it be in this area, St Tropez, Cannes, Antibes or closer to Monaco on Cap’di. In addition if you choose to Charter a yacht you will have the freedom of being in any location you desire. For more information regarding Villa’s and Charters you can contact Denison Yacht sales, specifically; alex@denisonyachtsales.com, anna@denisonyachtsales.com and ali@denisonyachtsales.com all of whom will be more than happy to assist you.