July 17, 2009

Europe | France | St. Tropez

French Riviera Flash

By Nicole Cotroneo

Just hitting the party circuit in St. Tropez is so passé. Rent your own private nightclub instead — and become Euro-fabulous.

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Star-spotting in St. Tropez has hit fever pitch: Bono frolicking on the beach with Penelope Cruz, TomKat turned away from a hot nightclub, Tommy Hilfiger partying at his buddy’s bachelor pad… If you’re to keep up with this see-and-be-seen crowd, you’ll first need a stylish pad of your own. With six palatial bedrooms, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and its own nightclub, VillaHotel Katarina fits the bill — though style is in the eye of the beholder. Literally sparkling with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and gilded Versace furniture, this private villa is the newest in Villazzo’s St. Tropez collection — a portfolio of mansions replete with luxury hotel service. You name it, you’ve got it: butler, chef, concierge, maid or nanny. And at Katarina you’ve got a seaside location that’s within walking distance of perennial hotspot Le Club 55 on Pampelonne Beach. But why linger there when you’ve got a club at home? Swanked-out with zebra-print sofas, mirrored walls, and a star-glittered ceiling, there’s also a suggestion of Egyptian fetish in this subterranean salon. The Villazzo folks call Katarina’s mix of hieroglyphics, sphinxes and a sarcophagus “exotic.” We’re cool with that; but “unadulterated sophistication” might just be a touch too far.