Hôtel Cantemerle ★★★★

We were certainly ready for some relaxation, and as we drove up to the hotel and found the private car park at the front under the natural shade of mature trees, it seemed as though we had entered into the Garden of Eden. The three acres of private grounds recede into the distance over the Baous Hills, birdsong is in the air and there are flowers amongst the greenery all around.

A friendly receptionist showed us to our room. It felt like a bijou home-from-home, with its private little ‘garden’ terrace outside. Upstairs on the mezzanine was the double bed and downstairs was an airy pastel living room with cheerful and colourful contemporary art prints on the walls. We had all the modern amenities and four-star luxury you could want, while feeling like being our own simple country cottage. In the bathroom we found a plentiful supply of high-quality toiletries, bathrobes and slippers and shower as well as a bath. A lovely indulgence after a long day is to relax in a sweet-smelling candlelight bath, possibly with a glass of good French wine to hand!

At dinner on the terrace in the evenings, Chef Jérôme Héraud takes great pride in using only fresh ingredients that have been sourced locally (plus I suspect from the subtle flavours a few exotic spices), and it results in the very best Provençal cuisine. I had delicious lobster ravioli which was perfectly prepared, and my husband enjoyed his Aveyron lamb. While we both raved about the raspberry soufflé.

The other highlight of this garden of delights: is the spa. It immerses you in a world of Moorish opulence and the spa pool is a poem in shades of jade green and turquoise mosaics and flowing fountains. The Hotel Cantermerle and its lovely gardens are a true balm for the spirits and a memorable delight.