From a bridesmaids led pilates classes to lunch at Le Club 55, step inside Florence Van Der Spek’s luxe hen do in St Tropez.
Why this destination?
I heavily hinted to my maids of honour that I’d love to go to the South of France for my hen do as a nostalgic nod to my childhood. I grew up in a little village near Cannes called Mougins, and it holds such a special place in my heart. Returning to the region with my favourite people felt like the perfect way to celebrate, it was really personal and incredibly special.
Where did you stay?
My wonderful maids of honour (Izzy and Alex) planned an unforgettable weekend for 18 of us (no small task!). We stayed in a stunning villa they found on Airbnb, nestled an hour north of St Tropez. The timing coincided with the Cannes Film Festival, so our airport arrival had us moonlighting as celebrities (sadly I missed the Pedro Pascal sighting!)
What did you do?
We started off with a terrace lunch at the villa (I arrived in a Harry Potter costume the girls put me in!), explored the grounds, and played a few classic hen do games. The villa had everything: a huge pool, two tennis courts, an outdoor BBQ, and plenty of space for all our antics. For the first night, one of my best friends Stef (handily a trained makeup artist) gave me a glam makeover, and I wore a white beaded Oceanus dress rented from By Rotation, paired with silver shoes. After drinks (and a mini photoshoot) one of my maids of honour cooked a dreamy mushroom risotto, and we ended the night around 11 pm after a very long travel day.
The next morning, one of my bridesmaids led a Pilates class which got us moving (despite a few hungover groans). We then lounged by the pool, croissants in hand, soaking up the sunshine. The biggest surprise of the weekend came next: my maids of honour had secretly booked us a table at my favourite spot; Le Club 55 in St Tropez. I wore a pink polka dot Chanel two-piece, probably my favourite outfit ever, and a pearlescent shell bag from Lulu Guinness, both rented from By Rotation.
Lunch at Le Club 55 was a feast: crudité platters, fresh bread, tomatoes with goat’s cheese, and grilled seabass (or chicken), followed by chocolate tart and tarte tropézienne (when in St Tropez!). A roaming band serenaded us with “Hey Ya” by Outkast, which turned into a group singalong – possibly not a hit with other diners, but we loved it. We then wandered along the beach, popped into the shop, and enjoyed drinks by the sea. I don’t drink alcohol, so I was thrilled to spot French Bloom on the menu.
Back at the villa, we had more pool time and a final relaxed dinner of pizzas and nibbles. I wore a beautiful long-sleeved silk mini dress from One Addington and Cult Gaia heels adorned with calla lilies, also rented. The next day we had a slow morning by the pool, I wore my new Sydney Lane bikini and finally braved a dip in the pool before we packed up and headed to Nice airport.
Where did you eat?
The standout meal was definitely lunch at Le Club 55, an iconic beach club in St Tropez and one of my all-time favourite places. At the villa, we kept things cosy and delicious with a homemade mushroom risotto and pizzas for our final night.
What did you pack?
I rented most of my favourite from By Rotation as did many of the bridesmaids. My fave outfit was the pink Chanel two-piece with the Lulu Guinness shell bag. I also loved the Oceanus beaded white dress and my final night look, the silk mini from One Addington paired with statement heels from Cult Gaia. I definitely went OTT but if you can’t on your hen do, then when can you?
What was the best moment of the hen weekend?
The highlight was simply being surrounded by all the women I love; an amazing mix of friends from every part of my life: school, university, work, family, and beyond. Watching everyone get on so well, pairing off, chatting, laughing, filled me with pride. So many people told me how warm and welcoming the group felt, which really reflected the incredible women I’m lucky to have in my life.
READ NEXT: Inside: Veena McCoole’s Dazzling Hen Do In London
