HIGHSTAY Debuts the Dreamy Villa Coachella in Saint Tropez

Positioning itself as an elevated alternative to standard vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, HIGHSTAY tenders a tightly curated collection of luxury apartments throughout Paris. Each is programmed with all of the hard and soft amenities one would expect from a 5-star hotel.

Much of this approach centers on tapping the French capital’s impressive raft of interior architects to outfit these one- to three-bedroom flats. The challenge for them, however, is to not just simply create pristine yet unlivable statement pieces but rather, ensure these temporary dwellings are both comfortable enough for a multigenerational family to take up residence.

The same thinking informed HIGHSTAY’s recent expansion into the Mediterranean market. Among two revamped estates, Villa Coachella emerges as a, what appears to be modest, stone-clad farmhouse perched within the lush Chemin de Saint Anne hills of Saint Tropez. With close to 3000 square feet of space, the “country home” unfolds as a deft interplay of relaxed coastal living and refinement. Comprehensively reimagined by Paris-based interior architect and furniture designer Stéphan Parmentier, the destination reflects his proclivity for contemporary art and civil aviation.

These reference points are introduced in a nuanced treatment; one that doesn’t overpower an especially site-responsive palette of earthy and off-white finishes best suited to frame the natural majesty of the surroundings. Woven textiles, mid-tone woods, off-white ceramic surfaces, and terrazzo inserts are carried across the property. Custom built-ins accompany carefully sourced furnishings and distinctive but not boisterous industrially inspired luminaires.

The rustic atmosphere is tempered by touches of precision engineering. Black steel framed windows are dressed in green shutters. Arched articulations in both architectural detailing and furnishings are as much a reflection of contemporary intervention as they are of ancient innovation. A robust collection of contemporary art ties everything together.

In the main exposed-beam living room, a puzzle-like coffee table sits below a large sculptural chandelier. The main fully-equipped kitchen is complemented by a state-of-art outdoor barbecue set-up. Villa Coachella comprises nine en suite bedrooms and expansive interior and exterior entertainment spaces that seamlessly blend together. In true South-of-France fashion, the oversized heated pool and alfresco dining areas give way to undulating vineyards.

Beyond its design-led approach, HIGHSTAY also champions a robust suite of experiential services. In Paris, these include private cruises along the Seine, perfume master classes at Guerlain, and helicopter tours of Versailles. In Saint Tropez, there’s an onsite boccia court, fitness center replete with top-line Technogym equipment, and a full spa rivaling a 5-star resort. Also cohesively staged by Parmentier, the facility incorporates a hamman, sauna, jacuzzi, and cold plunge. The home cinema is adorned in a starlit ceiling and features a foosball table.

Though able to accommodate up to 18 guests, Villa Coachella is large enough to facilitate quiet retreat. There’s enough amenity spaces and programming for guests to cut away for a bit. While children might splash around in the pool, their parents can partake in a guided meditation away from the noise. Private chefs are also on call.

What: HIGHSTAY’s Villa Coachella
Where: Saint Tropez, France
How much: Price upon request
Design draws: A sprawling, full-service residence along Saint Tropez’s hilly coastline deftly reimagined by renowned interior architect Stéphan Parmentier to both reflect the rustic setting and contemporary style.
Book it: Villa Coachella

Go virtually on vacation with more design destinations right here.

Photography by Clément Gérard.