Oetker Hotels announces the appointment of Géraud Tournier as General Manager of Le Mas Bellevue in Saint-Tropez, opening in June 2027. Simon Bannelier, who has worked closely with Tournier for many years, is promoted to General Manager of Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa.
Le Mas Bellevue will mark Oetker Hotels’ arrival in Saint-Tropez, joining Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa in the South of France. Conceived as a refined retreat a stone’s throw from the destination’s celebrated beaches, restaurants and social scene, the hotel will offer an elevated expression of Saint-Tropez, combining its distinctive joie de vivre with the warmth, elegance and highly personal hospitality of Oetker Hotels.
Timo Gruenert, Chief Executive Officer of Oetker Hotels, comments: “Entrusting a debut as significant as Le Mas Bellevue to Géraud reflects our confidence in his leadership and his deep understanding of our guests and values. Simon’s promotion is equally rewarding. Having developed his career alongside Géraud, he brings both continuity and his own ambition to Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa. Together, these appointments demonstrate the extraordinary talent growing within Oetker Hotels.”
Tournier has spent more than a decade with Oetker Hotels, building his career across Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel and serving as General Manager of both properties since 2022. He joined Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa as Head Sommelier before.
becoming part of the opening team at L’Apogée Courchevel the following year. Subsequent appointments as Food & Beverage Manager and Resident Manager prepared him for his leadership of the two properties. His earlier career included sommelier roles at Pavillon Ledoyen in Paris and Le Louis XV in Monaco.
Géraud Tournier says: “Opening Le Mas Bellevue is a wonderful opportunity to create something distinctive in a destination with such a strong personality. I want guests to feel the elegance and ease of a refined retreat, alongside the fun, generosity and social energy that make Saint-Tropez so special. Above all, we will build a team that brings the genuine warmth of Oetker Hotels to every stay.
Duarte Bon de Sousa, Chief Operating Officer of Oetker Hotels, who has mentored Tournier, adds: “Watching Géraud grow over the past decade has been a great pleasure. He has a remarkable ability to inspire people and create teams that care deeply about their guests and one another. Seeing Simon now take the next step underlines how that same generosity of leadership creates opportunities for others.”
A graduate of Rennes School of Business, Bannelier has built his career at Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa and L’Apogée Courchevel, progressing through front office and operational leadership roles to become Resident Manager of Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa and Deputy General Manager of L’Apogée Courchevel. Working alongside Tournier for many years, he has developed a close understanding of both hotels, their teams and their loyal guests.
Simon Bannelier comments: “Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa has played such an important part in my career, and it means a great deal to lead a hotel and a team I know so well. Géraud has given me the trust, guidance and opportunities to grow, and I look forward to offering that same support to others. Together with the team, my ambition is to keep enriching the experience for our guests while preserving the warmth and character they love.”
Alongside their new appointments, Tournier and Bannelier will retain their respective roles as General Manager and Deputy General Manager of L’Apogée Courchevel.
