Originally from Normandy, Arnaud Donckele has hit upon an enchanting setting in St Tropez – a hotel framed by pine trees and looking out to sea. La Vague d'Or promises its patrons an exceptional experience every day. First and foremost, the food invites many a superlative. With the best ingredients (vegetables from local market gardeners, fish and shellfish), Donckele pays a heartfelt tribute to the Mediterranean. Intoxicating marriages of flavours, perfect jus and sauces, meticulous attention to textures – it's impossible to remain unmoved in the face of such inspired work and exacting standards. Take the now-classic tourton (a filled beignet) of Provence vegetables and Mediterranean crayfish, one of the chef's favourite dishes, in which the essence of his philosophy as a cook finds free expression. Ride the "Golden Wave"!