This was the second time we spent our holidays at this resort, each time for three weeks consecutively. Our family of five consists of two adults and three children aged 13, 14 and 16 (plus a dog). The first year (2010), we booked a two-piece apartment in the Bellevue area. This turned out to be rather small for a family of five, given that the bunk bed was placed in the entrance hall. Therefore, this year (2011), we booked the largest apartment available in Bellevue. This contained two separate bedrooms, still requiring one child to sleep on a sofa bed in the living room. On the plus side: we now had two bathrooms instead of one.
Bellevue is a beautiful area of the park with splendid views of the mountains and sea. the various apartments differ a little in how they are faced towards the sea. Some may find the distance between Bellevue and Les Lauriers, where the small shop/bakery and the activities are, too large, but it never took us more than 5-7 minutes by foot going to buy bread and join the activities. The overflow swimming pool is magnificently situated, with a superb view over the bay. In the peak season, there are too few pool chairs available for all residents, so you need to be early! This year, some activities (aqua power) were held in the Bellevue pool area, so those finding it too cumbersome to walk to Les Lauriers can join that once a week.
Regarding the apartments themselves: there were too few plates and glasses initially (this was supplemented for all apartments later on during our stay). The mattresses are definitely of inferior quality: too hard. Our balcony was large enough to seat all five of us: very nice! Bellevue is advertised by Pierre et Vacances as being a quiet area, but it turns out to also be the base for some of the employees who get together after work and have a good time. Nothing wrong with that, as long as they abide by the same rules as anyone else is supposed to do: no noise after 10 pm! Also, we were bothered by cigarette smoke drifting into our bedroom all the time, coming from various locations around us (heavy smokers indeed!). Perhaps some areas could be designated as non-smoking.
For those into running and walking, the mountainous area (Le Massif) around the park is excellent. Be aware, though, of wild boars in the Bellevue area, particularly after sunset. Our 14-year old daughter, running around the park around 9 pm, met with 4 wild boars and came back screaming. The park area is not fenced off to the surrounding Massif, hence the attraction of wild boars, probably to the waste deposit areas.
For us, an added attraction to the park are the fitness activities provided by Les Mills instructors. These activities take place in the Les Lauriers reception area, during peak season approximately 6 times per week. These activities are supplemented by other activities such as tennis, jogging, beach volley, aqua gym etc.
Staff is generally helpful and considerate.Wifi access is in the process of being provided to every apartment. During our stay, it was only available in the reception area, for a 20 euro per week fee. For a park this size, it is surprising that there are no ATM machines. Getting cash requires a car drive to Les Issambres.
There is a free shuttle service provided to the beach, but we found that going by car is very feasible as well (plenty of parking, even during peak season). We would recommend taking Les Bateaux Verts from Les Issambres to St. Tropez, as this is a fun day trip and avoids some serious traffic and parking problems during the summer. The boat trip by itself is fun and only takes about 20 minutes. The 'sentier littoral' around the St. Tropez bay area is a beautiful brisk 4-hour walk, recommended for intermediate walkers with walking shoes.
In conclusion: there is definitely room for improvement, as always, but the resort gives adequate value for money.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC