St.-Tropez: Where to Stay: On the Horizon: Le Mandala

Le Mandala

Slated to open in mid-July, this hotel is part of the recent trend of intimate, contemporary-style B&Bs. Owner David Barbier and his wife have put their heart and soul into making the once modest property a showcase of gray-and-white minimalist chic. The guest rooms have plasma-screen TVs and large bay windows with views of the pool, sea or a vineyard but not much else in terms of decor, according to Barbier. For lounging, big-name designer furniture (think Philippe Starck, Patricia Urquiola and Werner Panton) will be scattered throughout the common spaces. I suspect that the Mandala will be a nice option for those who prefer pure clean lines and uncluttered elegance to the neo-Byzantine decor of the Byblos but who want to stay just steps from Les Caves du Roy. Rooms from $525.