Château de Bagnols ★★★★★

“Good afternoon, Lady Webb of London, you have arrived at your destination; Beaujolais, France!” My husband grinned sheepishly as he pulled open the car door like a true gentleman.

I emerged from the rental car practically skipping, a smile beaming from ear to ear, my hand swinging to meet that of my husband just a few steps in front of me, heading towards a magnificent structure that stood in front of us, the Chateau de Bagnols. It was as if I had stepped out from the real world and into a childhood dream as I clip-clopped by heels over the bridge and up to the large arched entrance with a wooden gate. Although this wonderful castle was built in the 13th century and used up until the 19th, it was left for many decades and fell into disrepair. It was only in the late 20th century that it was restored, and only recently in 2012 renovated and became one of the most beautiful chateau-hotels in the world, proved by its status as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

With only 22 apartments, although our new residence felt immense, we were assured that it would be an intimate and relaxing stay. Each room is different, we had chosen one of the “chambres authentiques”, but as we entered what greeted our already sparkling eyes was a divine and regal room. The wooden beams that lined the ceiling were richly varnished whilst on one wall there hung an embroidered tapestry and the bed faced a deep mahogany fire place surrounded by high-backed, rather contemporary armchairs. The bed was almost glowing in scarlet red velvet, glimmering irresistibly with the light that came through the window. The embellished canopy that hung over the bed gave it an ever more cosy feeling. The bathroom was stunningly traditional with the bathtub as the centre piece, terracotta tiled flooring, traditional sink and complimentary hotel toiletries.

Just because we were living the chateau life, though, didn’t mean we had to deprive ourselves of modern day amenities such as wifi. Our windows looked out over the chateau’s manicured gardens, a view of crystal fountains, radiant green grass and the blossoming flowers of May. From within the chateau itself, every turn astounded, with glass covered courtyards, stylish reading rooms, embellished ceilings and antique furniture.

The chateau’s piece de resistance is its exquisite restaurant, in every sense of the word. Jean Alexandre Ouaratta, the hotel’s chef has worked in several award-winning establishments and now transfers his skills to this royal setting. The smartly dressed tables with flickering candles and pristine white table covers contrast with the dimly lit surroundings and rustically patterned walls creating an inevitably romantic ambience. Of a morning we had breakfast in another dining room, adorned with a large, embellished fireplace that just took our breath away. Every room was as if we had stepped into a period drama film and the food was another experience to add to our delight, as well as the free-flowing Beaujolais wine. This is why we come to France!

The chateau is dedicated to all creature comforts, great food, succulent wines, pristine gardens and elegant accommodation and just to top it all off, there is a crystal pool and selection of wellness services at their spa area. Courtesy of VeryChic we had our own fluffy bathrobes and slide-on slippers and 10% off our chosen massage treatment. Bliss!

With services that are second to none and with the most captivating surroundings, I think I’ve fallen deeply, deeply in love. I am a Lady who has found her Lord and her happily ever after, in the shape of the Chateau de Bagnols – I declare that I shall never leave!