Hotel & Spa du Castellet ★★★★★

The villages in the south of France have to be among the country’s most amazing treasures. Castellet, perched on a headland, is one of them, with its paved streets, shaded squares, small artisanal shops, countryside and year-round sunshine. The Hôtel & Spa du Castellet ***** is just a few steps from the entrance to the village, and is proud to bear its name.

On the horizon you can see the Mediterranean, and behind you the Saint-Baume massif forms a breath-taking backdrop. Underneath are the vineyards and wine estates, and to the sides, you can see pine forests. This is the setting for the Hôtel & Spa du Castellet *****. Could you imagine anything better?

This dreamy setting houses a five-star hotel whose restaurant, Le San Felice, offers delicious dishes. The hotel comprises a main building with villas scattered here and there in the park. Add a six-hole golf course, tennis court and two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), and you have all the ingredients for an exceptional break.

Let’s start with the bedroom. Here, soft is the key word. We loved the antique furniture in shades of honey, lavender and grapes, with silky fabrics, Molton Brown cosmetics in the bathroom and a private terrace that is the perfect finishing touch to this peaceful retreat.

And now for the dinner. Award-winning chef, Christophe Bacquié, cooks up all sorts of delights for the taste buds. Originally from Corsica, he is a talented and passionate chef who trained in some of the best French establishments. He was the first chef to be awarded two stars on his native island, and has always retained a passion for good local ingredient, especially fish. Here, he enjoys surprising his guests with different flavours that he expertly combines, accompanied by a good wine list with plenty of local wines. From inside as well as from the terrace, you can see the medieval village of Castellet from afar, and sometimes even the sea.

With gastronomy being an integral feature of this establishment, the breakfast could only match the high standards of a chef with two stars. It is quite simply perfect, both in terms of choice and the quality of products, giving you an exceptional way to start the day.

After a tranquil Provençal night and a restorative breakfast, you can schedule your day to your own pace. My husband, who finds it difficult to sit still, was delighted to have a round of golf and tennis game with a fellow hotel guest. As for me, I started with a hot stone massage followed by a herbal tea beside the outdoor swimming pool.

The only risk is falling in love with this hotel and not wanting to go out exploring, but it would be a shame to miss out on all the nearby medieval villages, a trip to the coast, or a coffee on the Cassis harbour front, so make sure you do discover the region!
The seven stars of the Hôtel & Spa du Castellet ***** are sure to light up your stay.