Imagine staying in a glorious 19th century Provencal country estate surrounded by mighty cedars, olive trees and resplendent vineyards framed by the rolling Luberon hills of the Durance Valley. Transformed in 2013 by architect Alexandre Lafourcade, Domaine de Fontenille is now a luxury spa hotel and exceptional wine domaine, with …

Relaxing in Provence Sometimes it takes me a while to get round to doing something and this week I finally decided I would go and try out the Spa at Montbrun Les Bains. I say finally as our lovely neighbour had mentioned it to me three (3) years ago, just …

In keeping with our yearly tradition and being a supportive wife while my husband does the challenging cycle up Mont Ventoux, I needed to find a place to pass the time. Thus the Spa des Écuries at Hotel Crillon le Brave was my “sacrifice” for a few hours. Well, what choice …

Placed in a commanding position with all her majestic glory is a village that shines like a jewel above all others. She wears her crown well as visitors flock to capture her image from the valley below. The best time to see Gordes is when it’s calm in the early …

Secluded in a 20-acre aromatic park of olive and cypress trees, lavender, rosemary, and thyme is a hidden little retreat called les Bories, which is located on a quiet road across from Gordes. Les Bories is a five-star luxury hotel with a beautiful spa that offers extensive treatments. So in …

Patience, vision and exquisite taste converted a run-down 250-acre agricultural property, outside of Maussane des Alpilles, into a luxury resort — Domaine de Manville. Edith and Patrick Saut purchased the land and associated ragtag collection of farm buildings in 2007. Seven years later and with a multi-million Euro budget, this …

“Even one night at this place is an unforgettable experience.” – Mary Kay Seales after her stay at this luxury property, in Provence, with her two sisters. Just a bit north of Aix-en-Provence near the tiny medieval village of Lauris is the stylish and architecturally perfect Domaine de Fontenille, on the …

Enchanting image galleries of Provence flood the Internet. The region is like a pretty girl with an extensive wardrobe, endless photos of lavender fields, market produce, chilled rosé and turquoise swimming pools. The mild Mediterranean climate is a magnet for holiday goers seeking a chance to relax in the sun. …

In keeping with my newfound tradition in Provence of getting a massage while my husband bikes Ventoux or elsewhere, I made an appointment at the new spa at la Coquillade resort. Now, please note that I don’t stay in these places but just indulge in a little treat now. Read …

Cantilevered to a Luberon hillside are the striking remains of an ancient oppidum and its defensive dry-stone walls; Gordes can rightly boast about its ranking among les Plus Beaux Villages de France. However, at the height of Provence’s tourist season this town, with its single thoroughfare, becomes a ghastly traffic …