Villa Kerasy ★★★★

We embarked on our annual journey to Brittany, cramming the suitcases into the car, driving to Dover in the early hours of the morning and crossing the channel to Calais. This time was going to be a little different to our usual week of immersing ourselves in the French culture with their romantic language, their delicious cuisine and their stunning beaches. This time we were heading for a little slice of India but without the jetlag and expensive flights, in the southern part of our beloved Brittany.

We could’ve flown straight there but we would never get bored of the iconic French scenery, so we opted for the ferry followed by a scenic drive – a long way but all part of the adventure! An hour and a half after stopping in Rennes for a bite to eat in a traditional restaurant, we arrived in the medieval city of Vannes and headed to Villa Kerasy, just a kilometre from the city centre. We were greeted by a gorgeous 1920s beaux arts-style villa decorated with Asian art, Persian rugs and intricately carved furniture, al in perfect harmony with the peaceful nature that surrounded us. The pleasant aroma of incense lingered as we entered the reception area, where the friendly staff checked us in and escorted us to our Deluxe Room. We had a king-sized bed with a beautiful Indian quilt, and the large windows looked out onto the gardens which we’d explore later. All the modern facilities were included, such as a satellite TV, a range of ‘Sundari’ cosmetics, a bathrobe and fluffy slippers, fast Wi-Fi, a minibar and a selection of magazines and information about the area.

After unpacking and having a quick siesta, I was in the relaxed frame of mind so decided to check the spa out. They use the traditional Indian medicine to create a range of treatments which are tailored to each guest, depending on what their ‘Dosha’ is. After finding out that mine was ‘Kapha’ (water and earth), I enjoyed a personalised programme of massage, facial and body treatments and came out feeling completely rejuvenated. I floated down to the restaurant for supper which, like the spa, was tailored to my ‘Dosha’. I indulged in a healthy but delicious balanced dish, taking my taste buds on a journey through the 17th Century Spice Route… dahl lentil soup, vegetable sambar and a fresh fish curry.

We woke up the next morning feeling completely refreshed, and feasted on a Dosha-dependent Ayudervic breakfast. Mine consisted of purifying tea, fresh bread, spicy fruit compote and crepes with honey – a delicious combination of flavours to set me up for the day. Of course we still had time to explore everything we love about Brittany… the cheese, the wine, the people and the fascinating history. It was a weird but wonderful transformation after our first night in Indian paradise, and we soon got back into the laidback ‘art de vivre’ we knew so well. We headed into the old city of Vannes and discovered a delightful jumble of timber-framed houses and wonky merchants’ mansions, sprinkled with atmospheric squares, cafés and shops. After a morning of sightseeing, we wandered to the beach and spent the afternoon lazing on the sand and soaking up the sun.

Perhaps it seems like an odd concept… going to France to have an Indian-inspired holiday. I was sceptical at first, but after a week of being fed, pampered and waited on hand and foot by the friendly experts, I was completely sold.