World TravellerGuide to travelling the world

St Tropez is one of the most famous destinations in the French Riviera, well-known for its wealthy jet-set holidaymakers. Renting a villa in St Tropez can therefore be an expensive business – but it doesn’t have to be.

St Tropez is a well-known destination for the jet set, perhaps most notably Brigitte Bardot, whose interest in the area helped to transform it from the small fishing village that it was earlier in the 20th century to the thriving playground of the rich and famous that it was in the 1960s, and remains today. Due to this reputation, the town has become extremely popular, especially in the summer time, amongst extremely wealthy tourists who gather there to enjoy the beaches, culture and ambience of this iconic section of the French Riviera. It is also a favourite spot with the yachting community, thanks to its regatta, which is held in October. Big yachts and celebs can seem to be what makes the place tick, but that is missing the point.  However, it remains a draw for star-spotters as well as regular holidaymakers. As a result of all this interest, villas in St Tropez can be extremely expensive, although if you choose your time and location carefully and have a degree of flexibility, then the prices come down accordingly.

St Tropez’s golden era was really during the 1950s and 60s, in the immediate post-war period. The town was the first to be liberated on the Mediterranean coast after the Second World War, and subsequently became the site of an influx of artists, film-makers and musicians – later becoming a destination of choice for the rich and famous who wanted to soak up some of the same historical and cultural legacy. Villas in St Tropez can cater to this wealthier demographic, with some of the biggest and best places easily asking £10,000 per week and upwards (in addition, you may find that some villas require a minimum two-week let in high season). However, others will cost just a fraction of this price, particularly if they are away from  the village of St Tropez and the areas around the beaches to the south. Out of high season, you can expect prices to fall further. If you are happy to travel a short distance to one of the nearby villages, you will also find some better deals.

The build quality in St Tropez and the surrounding region is very high, and because the town relies so heavily on the tourist industry you can expect all the amenities you require. Many villas in St Tropez come with swimming pools – you should check about the heating, however; although you will not need this during at least part of the summer, when the temperatures drop at night you may need pool heating in order to enjoy your swim. Often this is provided but costs extra. Similarly, air conditioning is often not included as standard, but can be added for a surcharge. The more exclusive villas come with their own staff, including a cook, manager and chef. Depending on where you choose to stay, you may also find yourself close to other facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts, and some of the quaint and unspoiled little villages in the area which have their own markets and thriving communities.

There is therefore a vast range of property available in and around the St Tropez area, with something suitable for most tastes and wallets. Remember that you will pay a premium for staying near the marina, since this has traditionally been the preserve of the jet-set and Superyachting contingent; high season also comes with its own price tag attached. Nevertheless, there are villas in St Tropez that don’t cost an arm and a leg, and if you are willing to drive out to one of the nearby villages, or take your holiday outside of the busy season, you are likely to fare much better.

Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt is at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula on the shores of the Red Sea.  With a dry temperate climate the sun shines all year round, and with summer temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius and winter ones reaching 35 degrees, this is a fantastic holiday destination all year round.

There are three main areas to Sharm el Sheikh.  Na’ama Bay which is the main tourist development that was begun in the 1980’s, and where you can find many shops, restaurants, cafes and bars dotted along a lovely wide paved walkway on the sea front.  The smell from the oleander and bougainvillea that line this walkway is wonderful.  The second bay area is Sharm el Maya.  Here the harbour is filled with elegant craft and the old town is set inland a little.  There are many palm trees here.  The third area is Ras Um Sid Cliff.  This is the clifftop area that links the two bays.  Up here you’ll find lovely views out over the Red Sea, and there are some excellent hotels here.

One of the main attractions to Sharm el Sheikh is its marine life.  Over 250 coral reefs and more than 1000 species of fish can be seen locally, and the area is so diverse in its nature, that a large area of the sea here has been designated as a national park – the Ras Mohammed National Park.  Many people come here to enjoy this wonderful natural beauty and to snorkel, dive or take boat trips out to see colourful fish such as parrot fish, butterfly fish, threadfins, coral grouper and map angelfish.  For people with families even if they are too young for snorkelling or diving, there are glass bottomed boats which you can take trips on.

As well as the colourful marine life, there is plenty more to occupy your family during it’s time here.  Since the 1980’s this region has become quite well developed as a holiday resort, and even has its own themed water park now.  Cleo Park at Na’ama bay is Sharm el Sheikh’s first Pharaoh themed water park and is filled with exciting rides to thrill any adventuresome families.

Other things to enjoy locally include desert safaris by jeep or camel and shopping in the local Bedouin markets, as well as a variety of sporting activities such as wind surfing, golf and horse riding.  You could also take a trip out in to the desert at night to see the stars in their full glory away from the city lights and feast on a traditional Bedouin meal, or a hike up Mount Sinai although we don’t recommend this for smaller children as it can be a little strenuous.

In the evenings, there are plenty of restaurants to visit if you don’t want to eat in your hotel, as well as a number of bars, nightclubs and even the odd casino.  Many of the hotels also offer evening entertainment, so it’s more a case of finding time for everything rather than wondering what to do.