Off-Season Escapes:
A Fantasy Hockey Manager’s Guide to St. Tropez

For most, St. Tropez conjures images of sun-drenched beaches, sparkling waters, and glamorous seaside lunches. But for a seasoned Fantasy Hockey manager, it’s the perfect antidote to the mental marathon of trade negotiations and waiver-wire strategies. After all, managing a roster all season long can be a bit of a grind. What better place to trade in your spreadsheets for sunshine than this iconic French Riviera retreat?

With its blend of laid-back luxury, breathtaking views, and a culture that practically insists you slow down and savor the moment, St. Tropez is your ultimate off-season getaway. Whether you’re basking in the glow of a championship victory or licking your wounds after a tough season, here’s how to unwind, regroup, and—dare I say—find some inspiration for your next Fantasy Hockey triumph.

Beach Bliss and Lunch at the Beach Club

First things first, you’re going to want to hit the beach. The best part about St. Tropez beaches isn’t just the golden sand, clear water, or the fact that you can take your time setting up camp (no last-minute substitutions here). It’s the beach clubs. Grab yourself a sunbed and let the waves roll in as you sip on something cool and refreshing. Of course, you’ll want to do as the locals do—long, lazy lunches with no pressure to finalize a trade or check injury updates.

Order up a plate of fresh seafood at one of the many chic beach clubs—think Le Club 55 or Bagatelle—and pair it with a glass of rosé. Enjoy the sweet taste of freedom, because the only decisions you have to make here are what to eat and which direction to tilt your sun hat. Trust me, no fantasy draft will ever be this relaxing.

Channeling Your Inner Bo Derek

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “William, how do I really fit in around here?” Well, let me introduce you to the hidden gem of the St. Tropez experience—getting yourself some cornrow braids. Yeah, you heard me. When in St. Tropez, go full vacation mode. As someone who’s rocked more than a few breathtaking hairstyles, I can tell you, a fresh set of beach-ready braids is not only a practical choice for managing the summer heat, it’s also a surefire way to get noticed.

Plus, imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you show up to your fantasy league’s next draft Zoom call with that sun-kissed glow and braids like you’re auditioning for a ’90s music video. They’ll know you’ve leveled up your off-season game.

Strolling the Beach Walk: A Chance to Clear Your Head

After you’ve had your fill of sand and seafood, take a stroll down the beach walk. This isn’t your typical boardwalk with ice cream stands and tacky souvenirs—no, this is the Riviera. It’s where you go to remind yourself that sometimes the best move in fantasy (and life) is to take a deep breath, stretch your legs, and just enjoy the view.

Along the beach walk, you’ll encounter a mix of luxury yachts, charming seaside cafes, and a constant parade of beautiful people living their best lives. It’s the kind of scene that makes you wonder why you ever stressed over that midseason injury report. If anything, strolling along this iconic stretch will remind you that, in the grand scheme of things, missing out on that late-season sleeper pick isn’t so bad after all.

Hiking the Hills for Some Elevated Perspective

For those who want to swap the shoreline for some scenic heights, St. Tropez also offers some impressive hiking trails. The Sentier du Littoral, for example, gives you incredible views of the Mediterranean, and more importantly, a great way to work off all those long lunches.

As you hike through the rolling hills, you’ll find yourself reflecting on your Fantasy Hockey decisions with newfound clarity. Maybe trading away that top-line center wasn’t such a disaster after all. Or maybe it was. But out here, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face, it all feels like just a game—because it is. The hills give you perspective, both literally and figuratively. And let’s face it, every Fantasy manager could use a little of that now and then.

Art, Culture, and the St. Tropez Art Museum

Finally, for those seeking a cultural retreat, the Musée de l’Annonciade is a must-visit. This cozy museum, housed in a former chapel, is home to a fantastic collection of modern art, including works by Matisse and Signac. It’s a quiet escape where you can immerse yourself in a world far removed from stats, standings, and shootouts.

Wander through the galleries, and let your mind relax as you take in the colors, shapes, and stories behind each piece. Who knows, you might even find some inspiration for your next big trade or draft strategy—after all, art, like Fantasy Hockey, is all about seeing things from different angles.

The Perfect Post-Season Retreat

In conclusion, St. Tropez is the ideal off-season getaway for any Fantasy Hockey manager looking to unwind. Whether you’re lounging at a beach club, sporting some fresh cornrows, hiking for some perspective, or soaking up art and culture, this town has everything you need to recharge your mental batteries. And who knows? And who knows? Maybe after a week in this paradise, you’ll come back ready to dominate the next Fantasy season with newfound energy and zen-like calm.

Just remember: no lineup changes are needed on this vacation.

Safe travels—and hey, if you spot me out there, don’t be afraid to say hi. I might even share a few tips for next season.

— Willy Styles