Experience Luxury in the Alpilles with Domaine de Manville Golf or Spa Packages

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 5-star hotel opened its doors to visitors. On-site amenities include an 18-hole golf course, an indulgent spa, conference facilities, and a gastronomic restaurant. The Sauts successfully created a luxury escape in the Alpilles at Domaine de Manville (Read the background story here).

Let’s do Lunch

However, more than just a short-term home for foreign visitors, Domaine de Manville is a place that tempts locals to visit. After blazing temperatures all summer, the forecast for Friday was 15c, with rain and wind. My girlfriend suggested an afternoon at the spa. Brilliant! Ultimately, the weather was not as bad as anticipated, but that would not stop two ladies from taking advantage of a lunch and spa package.

Domaine de Manville’s massive wooden entry doors are not quite as tall as the plane tree nearby but give off the same “we are here for the long term” message. The doors swung open to a contemporary hotel reception area, where we were greeted warmly and provided the details for our afternoon at Domaine de Manville. With our spa passes, we headed up to the Bistro for lunch. This open kitchen serves meals all-day breakfast through dinner, and daily menu specials oscillate between healthy and hearty. Golfers filled many of the Bistro tables.

We chose a light lunch of salad and fresh fruit juice; it was a wise choice before a massage. However, the roasted lamb shank was tempting on a grey, cool day. After our diet-friendly lunch, we headed to the Spa for two hours of self-indulgence. As described, the Spa at Domaine de Manville is 530 square meters of well-being and pleasure. Architect Mireille Pellen and interior designer Annie Zeau managed to strike a balance between a functional and intimate space. The changing rooms are well-appointed, but not designed as the place you want to spend your time. Walk down a short hallway in your plush terry robe to a world of warm options including; a jacuzzi, sensory pool, sauna, and steam bath (hammam).

Don’t Let the Pampering Stop

It was time for our treatments, massage for me and reflexology for my girlfriend. We both fell asleep wrapped in high-thread-count linens. Our great afternoon was over, although we vowed to return soon as these Domaine de Manville spa packages were created with locals in mind. Perfect as a gift for a friend or yourself.

The weather on our visit was not favourable to lounging by the pool. Still, you could imagine spending the day shaded by the enormous plane trees and soaking up the best Mediterranean lifestyle. Next time we might stay longer and taste the gourmet creations by Chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.

Book Your Domaine de Manville Experience

Domaine de Manville
13520, les Baux de Provence, France
Tel: + 33 (0)4 90 54 40 20

Image Credits: All photos provided by and published with the permission of Domaine de Manville

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).