It must be said that the balconies of a few Villa Cosy hotel rooms are visible across the vineyard; it’s a reminder that Villa Eucléia is an adjunct to the hotel – in essence, a big suite with a vineyard attached. But I’m not complaining. The great thing about the property is that it’s close enough to Saint-Tropez’s beaches, restaurants and people-watching, yet far away enough to offer tranquil refuge from the high-season crowds and traffic.
In fact, it’s tempting not to even bother venturing into town when there’s so much to do within the property. For starters, the basement contains a cinema room and compact gym with yoga mats. The pool, surrounded by white rose bushes, a pomegranate tree and olive tree, has an expansive terrace with lounge chairs, a dining table, and space to unfold the ping pong table. Close by is a court for rounds of petanque, Provençals’ favourite sport. It makes me wish I’d brought a bigger entourage. Up to 14 people can sleep here, making it a great venue for friendship groups or families.
The kitchen-living room, like pretty much every room in the house, looks out onto the pool terrace. Modern, loungy sofas and a big coffee table are accompanied by artworks on the wall by contemporary Yaniv Edery, whose pop art depictions of anthropomorphised mobster-like lions smoking cigars and wearing Rolexes is either a dig at the Riviera’s nouveau riche, or a celebration of them – it’s hard to tell. Anyway, there’s a 10-seater dining table and large wine fridge, which operates like a hotel minibar except it’s six-feet high and stocked with bottles of Louis Roederer, Dom Perignon and Ruinart, among others, which you’ll be billed for, just as you would in a hotel.