Domaine de Rochevilaine ★★★★

I suppose the usual way to get to the Domaine de Rochevilaine **** is by car. After all, it is only 35km from Vannes with its motorway connection and train station. But it is also directly on the Brittany coast, between the fishing village of Billiers and the marina at La Roche-Bernard. And that’s how some guests arrive, by sailing or motor boat, interrupting their coastal cruising for a few days of land-based indulgence albeit still almost surrounded by sea.

Having bought the old manor house and large surrounding park in the 60s, the original creator of this special place avoided the usual sprawl of gradual extensions. Instead, to provide more accommodation and to house the huge 1300m2 spa, he went out across Brittany in search of existing, original buildings, which he acquired, dismantled and reconstructed within the Domaine. Today’s guests can choose to stay in their own small house with private garden and jacuzzi,  in an artist’s loft, in a fisherman’s cottage with private terrace perched on the rocks, or in a number of contemporary furnished suites and rooms in the main house. The hotelier, Bertrand Jacquet, is a passionate lover of the arts and this is evident not just in the furnishings and decoration of the accommodations, which include an art gallery, but also by the frequent exhibitions and recitals that take place within them.

Since the very beginning of its latest incarnation, one of the Domaine’s principal attractions has been its spa. It has special package offers for guests specifically seeking a weekend to unwind physically as well as spiritually, offering not only the usual hammam, sauna, mud baths and solarium but also a unique treatment it has christened the Phoenician table. An experience not to be missed ……

Another focus of the Domaine is its restaurant, in which Bertrand Jacquet takes a particular interest, having been an acclaimed chef before becoming hotel proprietor. The three-roomed main restaurant, decorated in a contemporary style set-off by rare Breton antiques, provides panoramic sea views and, not surprisingly, locally-sourced seafood dominates the menus: lobsters, oysters, bass, sole, shrimp. The present head chef, Maxime Nouail, gives pride of place to “Le Menu Homard en quatre services”, a novel and delicious way of rediscovering the king of crustaceans. Meat lovers are indulged by Breton specialties based on lamb, veal or poultry. The dessert menu also features tempting local ingredients and fruits.

Perhaps after a post-prandial nap on the terrace, guests have a choice of indoor and outdoor pools and bicycles on loan from the hotel, plus a variety of other recreational activities in the close vicinity. Brittany is one of the richest touristic regions of France, and many interesting destinations are within easy driving distance of the Domaine de Rochevilaine ****.