Every great hotel has a story, but few are as steeped in passion and ambition as Hôtel Byblos. Its origins lie not in business strategy but in one man’s infatuation with a woman who defined an era. That man was the Lebanese businessman Jean-Prosper Gay-Para, and the woman was none other than the blonde bombshell, Brigitte Bardot. Entranced by her onscreen allure in the 1956 film ‘And God Created Woman’, he set out to build a palace fit for a goddess, a dazzling retreat designed to win her heart.

Construction began in 1965, and what emerged two years later was nothing short of spectacular. Inspired by the ancient city of Byblos in Lebanon, the hotel’s pastel-hued architecture, vine-covered balconies and sun-drenched terraces gave it the feel of a Mediterranean village of pure luxury.

By May 1967, the hotel was ready for its grand unveiling. The flamboyant inauguration was a three-day event, attended by 700 guests, including Bardot herself. But while Byblos was an undeniable masterpiece, the romantic vision behind it never materialised. Only four months later, facing growing political turmoil in his home country, Gay-Para sold the property to French entrepreneur Sylvain Floirat and returned to Lebanon.

Today, under the guidance of Antoine Chevanne, great-grandson of Sylvain Floirat, Hôtel Byblos remains one of the most prestigious addresses in the world, continually evolving while staying true to its roots. Recognised with the coveted ‘Palace’ distinction - an honour reserved for only the most exceptional hotels that rise above the standard five-star rating - Byblos continues to set the standard for elegance, service, and cultural significance.

With its apricot and salmon-pink stucco buildings, terracotta tiles and mottled marble staircases, Hôtel Byblos stands atop the highest hill in this Provençal village, blending seamlessly into the historic fabric of Saint-Tropez. Less than a minute’s stroll from Place des Lices - the beating heart of this coastal town - the hotel places you at the centre of the action, yet behind its pastel façades, it offers a haven of stylish seclusion. Avenues lined with palm trees guide guests to the property’s 91 bespoke suites that conjure up the spirit of the French Riviera, each room decorated with Mediterranean flair and views out to the sea through ethereal gossamer curtains.

Relaxing on a sun lounger with a glass of cool rosé has never been more appealing than around Hôtel Byblos’s heated turquoise pool, lined with fairytale flower planters. The hotel’s chic lounge bar B. serves up everything from locally fished ceviche and ikejime red tuna tartare to Apulian burrata and fresh vegetables sourced from the hotel’s onsite organic garden.

Poised to become a new summer favourite, Il Giardino is the hotel’s upcoming poolside Italian restaurant, opening in May 2025. Designed by Marine Ugo with an emphasis on atmosphere and authenticity, the restaurant will serve flavourful dishes inspired by the richness of regional Italian cuisine.

Whether easing into the day or recovering from the night before, the Byblos Spa is a serene sanctuary where exotic woods, rare marbles and soft lighting set the tone for total renewal. In partnership with Sisley, the spa offers personalised treatments and signature massages, along with a sensorial “Eaux Rêvées” water journey complete with Turkish baths, sauna and cascading waterfalls.

For decades, the shores of Pampelonne Bay - a sweeping crescent of fine white sand in neighbouring Ramatuelle - were the playground of sun-seekers and partygoers alike. Dotted with flashy beach bars and buzzing clubs, it was the place to see and be seen. But in 2019, the introduction of the ‘Loi Littoral’, a coastal preservation law aimed at protecting the Riviera’s fragile beauty, changed the face of the beachfront. Establishments were required to meet stricter environmental standards, and for the first time, luxury hotels like Hôtel Byblos were permitted to open their own beach clubs - built in harmony with nature.

Embracing this opportunity, Hôtel Byblos unveiled Byblos Beach Ramatuelle - an elegant, eco-conscious outpost that extends the spirit of the hotel all the way to the water’s edge. Just a 15-minute drive from the main property, the beach club is a natural extension of the Byblos ethos - refined yet relaxed, polished but never pretentious.

Here, sail-inspired parasols ripple in the breeze, wide wooden sunbeds stretch out along the sand, and the Mediterranean sparkles just steps away. At the heart of it all is the beachfront restaurant, where seasonal dishes - crafted from local farms, fisheries, and the hotel’s own kitchen garden - celebrate the lightness and flavour of the Riviera.

Not every hotel can claim its own nightclub - especially not one as iconic as Les Caves du Roy. Conceived in 1967 as the ‘Temple of Tropezian nights’, it’s been synonymous with Riviera revelry for over five decades.

Nestled just off the main passageway of the hotel, this legendary venue has long been the epicentre of Saint-Tropez after dark. With its illuminated palm trees, hypnotic lighting and signature oriental flair, the space pulses with glamour and history. Inside, the atmosphere is electric. The music is loud, the energy high, and the dance floor always packed - with a resident DJ spinning until 5am.

Over the years, its golden-lit dance floor has welcomed guests from every corner of fame: Clint Eastwood, Cher, Leonardo DiCaprio, Prince Charles, Sean Combs and Drake, to name just a few. But despite its storied past, Les Caves remains timeless and continues to set the tempo for unforgettable nights, as magnetic now as it was in its earliest days.

And yes - as part of the ASMALLWORLD Summer Weekend programme, guests can expect this iconic venue to once again host an evening of celebration that’s anything but ordinary. What happens at Caves may be whispered about for seasons to come.

If the walls of Hôtel Byblos could talk, they wouldn’t speak in words, but in music, clinking glasses, and laughter carried on the night air. They’d speak of unforgettable summers, intentionally lived.

Each year, the ASMALLWORLD Summer Weekend picks up that thread, inviting members to add their own chapter to the story of Saint-Tropez. Returning from 16-18 May for its sixth edition, the event promises a celebration of connection, indulgence, and Riviera spirit.

Find all the details - and your ticket - on the ASMALLWORLD Summer Weekend Event Page.