Some places have an energy that immediately soothes and uplifts you. Lily of the Valley, nestled in the hills of La Croix Valmer above the Mediterranean, is one of those rare places. The combination of breathtaking views, impeccable hospitality, and a true focus on wellness makes it a dream destination for anyone looking to recharge in an elegant, friendly and non-clinical setting.
A Warm Welcome and First Wellness Check-In
We arrived just before lunch. I was eager to begin my wellness journey. It was a typical winter day on the French Riviera: beautiful light with sun and a few clouds, although relatively more windy than usual. Lily of the Valley is not an ordinary retreat: it is both a top-notch luxury hotel and a wellness destination, so you have your retreat in a « normal » environment and its delights and pleasures. The lush gardens, the elegant design by Philippe Starck, and the ever-present sparkle of the sea below created a setting where health and pleasure go hand in hand.
Before lunch, we toured the hotel and the Shape Club - Lily of the Valley’s state-of-the-art wellness center. This is no regular luxury hotel spa; it’s a comprehensive fitness and wellbeing hub with cutting-edge equipment, expert coaches, and an atmosphere that immediately makes you want to move.
Our first official step into the program was a wellness consultation that included impedance diagnostics - a high-tech way to rapidly assess body composition and track progress throughout the retreat. It is always fascinating to compare the data with our previous measurements - last time we had an impedance diagnostic at Lily of the Valley was October 2022.
A Mediterranean Lunch to Remember
Lunch was a revelation. Too often, wellness programs come with an unspoken expectation that healthy food means sacrifice, or even punishment, be it with regards to taste or calories. Not here. We dined on beautifully crafted dishes that were as delicious as they were nourishing, with the sparkling Mediterranean providing the perfect backdrop. And yes, truffles made an appearance - not once, but twice today. Who said detoxing had to be boring?
A Deep Dive into Nutrition
After settling into our suite and taking a moment to appreciate the comfort and style of our home for the next few days, it was time for our consultation with the in-house nutritionist. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Lily of the Valley truly tailors its nutrition plans to each guest’s needs and objectives.
Our discussion covered the science of detox, the importance of mindful eating, and how to fuel the body optimally for an active lifestyle. The programs at Lily of the Valley are supervised by Dr Jacques Fricker, a renowned nutritionist. You may know we follow a strict plant-based and gluten-free diet, and even with these hard-core constraints the chef’s team at Lily of the Valley was able to make wonders.
A Scenic Mountain Bike Ride Through Cap Lardier
My afternoon was dedicated to movement, and what better way to explore the stunning natural surroundings than by mountain bike? It was a long time I wanted to explore this part of the French Riviera by bike - I had done a few road cycling tours around Saint Tropez a while back - and I was really not disappointed. The ride took us through the protected area of Cap Lardier, an untouched gem along the coast. Thanks to Lily of the Valley’s high-tech electric mountain bikes, the ride was accessible to all levels: challenging with a few serious uphill climbs, yet effortlessly enjoyable.
There were just two of us on this nearly private session with our guide Joel, making the experience feel even more exclusive. The ride was pure magic, offering panoramic views over Pampelonne Beach, the charming village of Ramatuelle, the bay of Cavalaire, and even as far as the islands of Port-Cros and Porquerolles. It was a reminder of how rejuvenating it is to move in nature, with the fresh sea air and golden afternoon light enhancing every moment. And you get to know other guests enjoying a wellness program at Lily of the Valley in the same time as you, which is always nice.
Recuperation, Relaxation, and a Signature Sports Massage
After the ride, it was time to unwind. A quick snack, a peaceful walk with Pharaon - who had been patiently waiting in the room during my biking adventure - and then onto one of the highlights of the day: a signature Restore and Boost massage.
Lily of the Valley’s therapists have designed a unique treatment that blends deep tissue techniques with cryotherapy bowls, making it ideal for muscle recovery. The experience was intensified by a well-curated playlist, played louder than in traditional spa settings, perfectly in sync with the dynamic energy of the massage.
I particularly loved how it finished with the back, my favorite part of any massage and the area where I needed it the most. By the end, I felt both deeply relaxed and invigorated, ready to continue my retreat with renewed energy.
A Luxurious Dinner to End the Day
Dinner was another highlight. Dinner time on a Friday night at Lily of the Valley is very, very nice, with a chic and friendly atmosphere, lots of guests arriving for the weekend and enjoying cocktails and good wines. Did I mention you can enjoy a glass of wine with your retreat dinner if you would like to? Our dinner was, again, both healthy and indulgent, proving that you don’t have to compromise on flavor when eating well. The presence of truffles made it feel even more like a treat, reinforcing the philosophy that wellness at Lily of the Valley isn’t about restriction, but about balance and enjoyment.
Final Thoughts on an Unforgettable First Day
As I reflect on my first day here, it’s clear why Lily of the Valley stands out among wellness destinations. The perfect blend of movement, recovery, guilt-free well-being, and gourmet healthy cuisine makes for an experience that is both effective and deeply pleasurable. And this is just the beginning - I can’t wait to see what the next days have in store.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a sport retreat that will challenge athletes while also being enjoyable for those who want to get back into movement, in a one of the most elegant hotels of the French Riviera, Lily of the Valley might just be your paradise.
