Prao Beach Club | Sainte-Maxime, French Riviera

18 August 2018

Classy colibri at Prao Plage, beach club, La Nartelle, Sainte-Maxime, France

A beautiful private beach club is for me a place for relaxing, letting go and indulging in some well-deserved (or at least I easily convince myself so) farniente. During our long summers by the Mediterranean sea, we love spending lazy days in a stylish beach establishment in a beautiful location, surrounded by clear blue waters and soft golden sand. How I enjoy late afternoons on the beach, feet playing in the sand, a glass of champagne in my hand… A moment of ecstasy, when the sunlight softens and the horizon slowly turns golden pink. I then get the feeling of being closer to paradise, and that paradise is on earth…

“At the beach, life is different. Time doesn’t move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun.” Sandy Gingras

Prao Plage, riviera chic and conviviality

Bathed by the turquoise waters and the fine sand of the Nartelle beach, one of the most beautiful beaches of the French Riviera, the Prao is all chic riviera style: wooden floors and furniture, decorative objects in metal and driftwood, soft cushions in neutral shades with a touch of bright color that changes every season and, as an original and glamorous touch, large bouquets of fresh flowers that surprisingly and beautifully withstand the heat of the Mediterranean summer. Having got to know them over time, it is clear that the inspiration behind this refined and authentic atmosphere comes from the owners of this beautiful retreat, Gasparine and Stéphane Pellegrin.

Valet parking, moorings, tender, wellness area, changing rooms, kids area – everything is conceived for the comfort of the guests. The beautiful bar and lounge area of the Prao is the perfect place to sip a cocktail while enjoying a good cigar. In the restaurant and its shaded terrace, the Mediterranean cuisine is varied with a fine selection of fresh wild fish, but also tuna, seafood, pasta and excellent meats such as the homemade cheeseburger and the fillet. The wine list features reasonably priced exclusive champagnes such as Dom Pérignon, and wines from the vineyard Clos des Roses – what could be more festive than a magnum of rosé wine to share with friends? In the evening, the Prao’s restaurant is a very festive place, the mood dictated by the theme of the night: vintage beach, luxury kitsch, disco or soul chic parties animated by DJs or gipsy live music, until the small hours.

The beach, run by the attentive and charming Charly, is clean and well-equipped. We spend the afternoon lounging on one of the beautiful kingsize beds with music accompanying us in a perfect sea, music and sun atmosphere.

“On the beach, you can live in bliss.” Dennis Wilson

Last but not least, the Prao beach club also stands out for the quality of its welcome. All the staff members are kind, helpful and attentive, from car valet Cyril to all the waiters under the supervision of Romain: Aurélie, Ophélie, Axel, Karl, Rémi, Paul, Jules, Yaya, Tom and all the other members of the battalion! They all strive with good humour and efficiency to anticipate the desires and needs of their guests and to leave them with wonderful memories of the moments spent at the Prao. He-colibri