Residence La Réserve

My sister and I decided to organise a blissful couple’s get away in the land that straddles France and Spain: the Basque country. We were going to stay in Saint-Jean de Luz, a fishing port whose name aptly mixes French and Spanish, and we were about to revel in the inextricable mix that is found here. Saint-Jean de Luz is nestled on the coast just before the French border with Spain, where the Pyrenees give way to the glittering Atlantic Ocean.

Our residence was to be found nestled in the foothills, leading to and overlooking this aforementioned ocean. The 3 acres on which it sits used to be St. Jean’s first golf course, created by the Brits and aptly named “Golf des Anglais”. Though the golf course no longer remains, pristine lawns still hold traces of it and, good news for mine and my sister’s husband, Chantaco and La Nivelle golf clubs are only a few minutes away. Our two room apartment sat on verdant grass with a terrace that gazed over the park and eventually to the glittering ocean. It was large floor to ceiling glass doors that slid away to reveal our picturesque setting and once closed allowed the room to feel bright and airy.

My husband and I managed to bag the bedroom, whilst my sister and her husband slept on the sofa-bed. Dressed in muted whites, beiges and neutral colours the apartment boasted a living/dining area, bedroom and fully-equipped kitchen. Characteristic Basque touches were dotted about the place, such as striped curtains and the Basque cross. The bathroom had a large shower and double sink with a modern design. Happy with our bolthole, we unpacked deciding on an itinerary for our stay. Bayonne, Biarritz and San Sebastian were all on our list but with all the fantastic features La Réserve boasts, we wanted to spend time here too. Although, we had chosen the apartments for the idyllic setting and independence, we couldn’t resist indulging in the hotel’s excellent facilities – the best of both worlds!

The hotel boasted an infinity pool that looks as if it cascades into the Atlantic Ocean lined with sun beds so you can bask in the glorious summer sun of this region. However, besides diving into the crystal waters, there was also tennis courts and table tennis that were essential to try out. The men were of course, planning to try out some imperative surfing, an activity which made this area of the Basque region so famous.

La Reserve also has a divine restaurant run by the young chef Fabrice Idiart who takes locally grown ingredients, fashions them into simple dishes with magnificent results. We enjoyed the Basque menu on the pristine lawns of La Reserve’s garden overlooking the Atlantic and feeling the gentle evening breeze, which was where we also tucked into a tasty breakfast of a morning.

After our meal it was past the potted orchids and vases of cut hydrangeas until we reached the cosy bar and lounge. This sleek and trendy atmosphere was the perfect place for a nightcap with a smoothly blended sweet cocktail in hand we toasted to an excellent day and to all the excellent days to come…