La Bastide Saint Antoine ★★★★★

I had been dreaming of returning to the tranquil beauty of the South of France and soaking up a little of the indulgent luxury of the Côte d’Azur. From the glittering coastline and seaside towns with fine restaurants and fabulous shopping, to the beautiful green countryside further inland, with authentic little villages, vineyards and olive groves.

This time, we were staying in Grasse, the world capital of perfumery, situated just 25 minutes from Cannes and Antibes. We arrived at the Bastide Saint Antoine, already enchanted by the magnificent surroundings, to find a beautiful pale yellow old farmhouse with pretty blue shutters and a vine-covered terrace.

Stepping inside, we were greeted warmly by the receptionist, who directed us to our Classic Room. It was spacious, and utterly charming: brimming with the feel and aesthetic of the South of France. The ceiling was vaulted and traditional ceramic tiles lined the floor, with a lovely mix of period and contemporary furnishings. The walls were painted in pale tones, matching the linen, while the doors were in a lovely pale blue. I peeked into the bathroom to find his and hers sinks and a luxurious footed bathtub that beckoned me.

We couldn’t resist the lure of the sunshine for long, and made our way back downstairs to explore the gardens. Full of the flowers, trees and herbs of the south, the extensive grounds are enveloped in a delicious, Mediterranean perfume. The hotel is situated on a hilltop, and from the grounds you can enjoy magnificent views over the lush green countryside and down to the sea in Cannes.

Keen to sink into the luxurious lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur, we soon found ourselves reclining on comfortable sun loungers beside the swimming pool, enjoying a refreshing drink and a few lengths in the warm water. Later, I tested the fitness room, and treated myself to a massage. With sunset approaching, we hopped into the outdoor hot tub and gazed out at the wonderful panoramic view.

That evening, we ate supper at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. It was quite simply divine: beautifully prepared French cuisine full of the flavours of the South, served in a dream setting and accompanied by delicious wine from the region. I was in heaven!