Thanks to the legions of perma-tanned totty that keep paparazzi photographers in mortgage repayments, St Tropez has become associated with footballers' wives culture and bling.

This corner of southern France has its fair share of glamorous blondes, strutting around in micro-shorts and bejewelled bikinis, so I did have my reservations about La Reserve, a new five star hotel that opened in July this year.

Would my unadorned, black bikini be scoffed at around the poolside? Would my basic grooming cut it among the highly polished guests, who, no doubt, spend a vast percentage of their time being pampered, while I can barely fit in a haircut?

My concerns eased somewhat upon approaching the hotel, a low rise building refurbished in a minimalist style, discreetly tucked away on a hillside. One can’t really see it attracting WAGs - such is its location, snappers would have a hard time trying to photograph anyone around the pool.

Once inside you can see that this is a hotel, that like the name suggests, is for people looking for calm, peace and quiet.

That has a lot to do with its star attraction, a spa clinic that specialises in wellbeing treatments. This is also the reason why, when the temperature drops in autumn, it’s still an excellent destination for a weekend break.

The hotel, which has sister establishments in Geneva and Paris, complements the spa’s work in its approach to rooms and the restaurant, whose head chef is Eric Canino.

Canino previously worked under Michel Guérard, inventor of cuisine minceur, a form of healthy low-calorie cooking, and the restaurant’s menu reflects this with fresh, locally sourced food. As expected, there are lots of fish dishes and salad options.

There are a couple of tempting desserts if you do want to splurge, including a divine chocolate trifle.

Breakfast is a buffet of fruit, pastries and yogurts along with juices and a selection of herbal teas.

The rooms are large and minimalist in décor, with fashionably off-white walls to make the most of the daylight streaming in from floor to ceiling windows, which open up onto private terraces. The expected walk-in showers come complete with La Reserve’s in-house brand of toiletries and plenty of fluffy towels.

The minibar is stocked with complimentary soft drinks and the coffee tables heavy with design books – it felt a little like checking into my own private members’ club. Then the receptionist showed me the walk-in wardrobe, roughly the size of my flat in London.

The only disappointment was the breakdown of the movie service, especially as I’d finished my book. Given that getting a TV engineer out at 10pm in the middle of the French countryside is a hard task even for a five star hotel, it was an early night to bed for me.

My room had a clear view of the Mediterranean, an uplifting sight first thing in the morning. The hotel has just 23 rooms, so it can, at times; feel as though you are the only guest.

That’s also the service you get from staff, it’s very attentive and personal as though you are the only hotel guest. I asked reception if they had any headache pills and immediately a packet was produced, along with questions of whether I wanted to see a doctor, or if I needed more cold water sent to my room.

After just two days, I felt rested and actually very reluctant to leave. I would definitely recommend La Reserve to anyone needing a relaxing few days, people looking to kick-start a healthier lifestyle and during the summer months, it would make a great honeymoon destination.

I’ll just have to convince my future husband that’s where we should take our honeymoon.

Bottom line: I stayed on a two-night package of accommodation in a deluxe room, a discovery day at the spa, one lunch at the restaurant and daily buffet breakfast that costs from €810 per person. The rate is inclusive of all taxes and services and is per person on a double occupancy basis.

Best thing: the view from my room

Worst thing: the film service only offering movies in French

Access all areas: there are two rooms adapted for disabled guests next to the spa. There are ramps and lifts throughout the hotel to provide disabled access.

Need to know: La Reserve, Chemin de la Quessine, 83350 Ramatuelle, France

Room 8 out of 10

Food 7 out of 10

Service 10 out of 10

Value 8 out of 10

Score 8.25

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