Géraud Tournier will lead the group’s upcoming Saint-Tropez property, scheduled to open in June 2027, while Simon Bannelier takes over as General Manager of Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Provence.
Oetker Hotels has announced two leadership appointments in southern France as it prepares to introduce its hospitality portfolio to Saint-Tropez. Géraud Tournier has been appointed General Manager of Le Mas Bellevue, while Simon Bannelier has been promoted to General Manager of Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence, Provence.
The appointments reflect the group’s focus on developing leadership talent internally ahead of the planned June 2027 opening of Le Mas Bellevue. Both executives will retain their existing responsibilities at L’Apogée Courchevel, where Tournier serves as General Manager and Bannelier as Deputy General Manager.
Le Mas Bellevue will mark Oetker Hotels’ entry into Saint-Tropez, adding to its established presence in the South of France through properties including Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes and Château Saint-Martin & Spa in Vence.
The new hotel is planned as a retreat near Saint-Tropez’s beaches, restaurants and social attractions, combining the destination’s relaxed Mediterranean character with the group’s emphasis on personalised luxury hospitality.
Timo Gruenert, Chief Executive Officer of Oetker Hotels, said Tournier’s appointment reflected the group’s confidence in his leadership and understanding of its service standards. He also welcomed Bannelier’s promotion, describing the appointments as evidence of the talent developing within the organisation.
Géraud Tournier to lead Saint-Tropez debut
Tournier has spent more than a decade with Oetker Hotels, progressing through food and beverage and operational leadership positions at Château Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel.
He joined Château Saint-Martin & Spa as Head Sommelier before becoming part of the opening team at L’Apogée Courchevel. He subsequently held positions as Food & Beverage Manager and Resident Manager before advancing to general management responsibilities at the two properties in 2022. Earlier in his career, he worked as a sommelier at Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris and Le Louis XV in Monaco.
In his new role, Tournier will oversee the development and opening preparations for Le Mas Bellevue, with an emphasis on creating a distinctive guest experience that reflects both the destination’s character and Oetker Hotels’ hospitality approach.
Tournier said the opening presented an opportunity to develop a property that balances Saint-Tropez’s social energy with the privacy and comfort of a refined retreat. He also highlighted the importance of building a team committed to delivering personalised service.
Duarte Bon de Sousa, Chief Operating Officer of Oetker Hotels, praised Tournier’s development as a leader and said Bannelier’s promotion demonstrated the opportunities created through mentorship and internal career progression.
Simon Bannelier promoted at Château Saint-Martin & Spa
Bannelier’s appointment as General Manager of Château Saint-Martin & Spa builds on his experience across the group’s properties. A graduate of Rennes School of Business, he has held front-office and operational leadership positions at Château Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel.
His previous responsibilities included serving as Resident Manager at Château Saint-Martin & Spa and Deputy General Manager at L’Apogée Courchevel. Having worked closely with Tournier for several years, Bannelier brings experience of the group’s operating standards, teams and established guest relationships to his new position.
Bannelier said leading Château Saint-Martin & Spa was an important step in his career. He also emphasised his intention to support colleagues’ professional development while continuing to strengthen the guest experience and preserve the property’s distinctive character.
Preparing for growth in southern France
The appointments come as Oetker Hotels prepares to expand its presence in one of France’s most prominent luxury leisure destinations. Le Mas Bellevue is scheduled to open in June 2027, with the development planned around 78 rooms and suites, each with a private terrace or patio, alongside an infinity pool, wellness facilities, a bar and a restaurant.
The property is being designed as a collection of 11 interconnected Provençal-style houses set within landscaped gardens. Its location between Saint-Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne is intended to offer access to the region’s coastal attractions while providing a more secluded setting.
By assigning experienced executives to the new property and promoting an established leader at Château Saint-Martin & Spa, Oetker Hotels is aligning its management structure with its expansion plans. The appointments also underline the role of internal talent development in maintaining service continuity as luxury hospitality groups enter new markets.
