Relais Christine

Located on a gentle hill overlooking the Mediterranean, the Villa Belrose is a beautiful hotel just a short drive from the town of Saint Tropez. With just 40 rooms and a real emphasis on service, Villa Belrose has a boutique feel to it. Rooms and suites are decorated in soft, muted tones and enjoy sea or garden views. From the restaurant terrace you can enjoy one of the best views over the Bay of Saint Tropez while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine shaped by Italian influences. Chef Pietro Volontè received a Michelin star for his innovative and impeccably presented cuisine. There is also the option to dine poolside and enjoy a drink in the lobby bar. Villa Belrose features a large swimming pool with sun terrace that look out over the sea, and there is an extensive spa menu for those looking to totally switch off.

Situated in Gargas in the Vaucluse, near Roussillon, atop a hill with superb views over the Luberon, Mont-Ventoux, and its own wine estate, La Coquillade is a charming hamlet resort that encapsulates the very best of Provence within its 100 acre bounds. 63 modern, airy rooms and suites are spread throughout the property in six residences, the oldest dating back to the 11th century. All have a private outdoor area, with some boasting their own Jacuzzi, heated outdoor pools or even a personal Hamman spa. There’s also an exquisite six-suited private villa located 10km (6 miles) away, ideal for families and groups of friends after total privacy, with a private chef and other services on request. Gastronomy is a primary focus here, with three delightful restaurants; La Gourmet, Le Bistrot et son Jardin, located in the vineyards, and Il Ristorante, at the poolside, serving Italian specialities. Pairing well with the cuisine, explore the Aureto vineyard and sample its full bodied vintages. Within the village, relax in and round one of the three large swimming pools or in the vast spa, play tennis or perhaps a game a pétanque. Discover the idyllic surrounding countryside on one of resort’s high quality Swiss BMC road or mountain bikes, or perhaps in a hired vintage sports car.

In the renowned vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, around 17km (11 miles) outside of Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie is a rural retreat celebrating the best of this Southwest France’s cultural and culinary heritage. There are 40 rooms and 21 suites split amongst the sprawling property, with most in six buildings that, while looking thoroughly historic, were specially built using huge reclaimed beams from abandoned local properties. Most have a terrace or a balcony with a beautiful view on the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyards or over the lake. There is also the Village des Pêcheurs – or Fishermen’s village – with 12 suites on stilts around a small lake inspire by the oyster-farms of the Arcachon Bay. Additionally, there is the unique Ile aux Oiseaux suite, a wooden pavilion standing out over the water on stilts, adventurously redecorated by a different designer every 3 or 4 years. The spa here comes from the inventors of ‘vinotherapy’, with treatments combining the anti-ageing properties of polyphenols contained in grape-seeds and the spa’s own natural hot-water spring in the most tranquil of settings. The senses will continue to be treated at either of the two restaurants here, whether with fine seasonal French dining and fittingly fabulous wine list at the twice Michelin starred La Grand’Vigne, bistro-style food at Table de Lavoir, or at either of the two wine bars. Activities from Les Sources de Caudalie include wine tasting, wine tasting lessons and cooking classes. Excursions to explore the surrounding sites, such as boat trip into Bordeaux or to rustic Saint-Émilion, can also be arranged.

The Chateau Hotel Domaine de la Tortinière is a peaceful and charming 19th century manor surrounded by a acres of parkland, overlooking the landscape where the Indre River flows. There are 30 rooms in total, 11 that are in the château itself with others in neighbouring outhouses including a charming 200 year old cottage with its own private, all decorated with antique furniture and warm fabrics. Domaine de la Tortinière  is also home to a well known restaurant that offers refined cuisine served either in the old orangerie of the château or on the sunny terrace looking down to the pool.