Royal Mougins Golf & Resort ★★★★

I am taking my other half with me for a romantic weekend and, unusually, he is even less interested in golf than I am; yet on arriving we both experience a small pang of regret that neither of us can play properly. Still, I can appreciate that for true aficionados it is infinitely more enjoyable to play without the likes of us stumbling about! Designed by the famous American architect, Robert von Hagge, this 71 par, 18-hole golf course leaves nothing to be desired. Set in the sweeping Vallon de l'Oeuf (Valley of the Egg) amongst lakes and olive trees, it is highly technical and requires a minimum handicap of 28 for men and 32 for women. This rules us out completely and I am secretly relieved. I always love the idea and then by about half way through am so exhausted by bashing the ball into yet another lake or prickly bush that I am quite ready to call it quits and retire to drink a well-earned hot chocolate. Now I can skip the hard part and just go for a beautiful long walk in the gorgeous countryside before lying back and relaxing with a cup of something warm while I read my book. Bliss!

Furthermore, there is plenty to keep us very happy here as we are shown our suite and discover the myriad of treats in store for us there. These include a kitchenette with Nespresso Pro and kettle; naturally, a sophisticated bathroom with large bath tub (a detail we both always love); a stereo system with DVD and iPhone docking station and two LCD televisions with satellite as well as free videos on demand. This last detail wins us over completely as, film buffs that we are, we envision cosy nights curled up together indulging in a good movie, one of our favourite past times! In fact, it is being just ten minutes away from Cannes that made me think it unfair to come without my man. There may be no film festival on now, but Cannes is still Cannes: beautiful, glamorous and steeped in iconic cinema history and tradition.

The neighbouring village of Mougins is, in fact, a favourite haunt of many a Hollywood celebrity wanting a quieter sojourn during the Festival. The ancient village perched high on a hill above Cannes, nestled amongst forests, dates back to the pre-Roman era and is simmering with history and picturesque charm. Many artists and celebrities have walked its enchanting, medieval streets and Pablo Picasso spent the last 12 years of his life here. I am particularly intrigued by the culinary tradition here, as there are now two gourmet restaurants in the tiny village, both run by the two Michelin-starred chef, Denis Fétisson. The first is the long-standing, world renowned, L'Amandier, a favourite of Picasso's, and the second is La Place du Mougins, where the passionate chef uses all his creative flair to create ever-changing, exquisite dishes from only local, seasonal produce.

I am very excited to try it and yet there is another trick up my sleeve. There is also a cooking school in the village where visitors can do a short course alongside the great chef himself and I have arranged a surprise session for my me and my man, who doesn't cook. Personally, I am hoping that this sensational experience will spark the passion that cooking with my grandparents and inventing recipes awoke in me all those years ago... We have an incredible time, we laugh a lot and then feast like kings and return to our hotel on foot, taking in the fresh air to clear our wine-blurred minds. The October colours are dazzling as the crisp air fills with the nutty scent of autumn mixed with pine wood and rosemary, lit up in shades of orange, red, gold and green. We enjoy a delightful walk and arrive fresh-faced and sparkly-eyed to our extravagantly comfortable love nest. So far we are having a truly remarkable time to remember and we only arrived this morning!

We decide that the best thing to do now is to warm ourselves up in the sauna so we set off to explore the spa facilities. What we discover delights us and I am thrilled to find not only an azure pool and beautiful hammam, but an outdoor heated jacuzzi which is open from May until October. We do not leave until the last of the setting sun disappears beyond the horizon as we watch it from the solarium, looking out the the expanse of nature as far as the eye can see. What a beautiful day and how wonderful to know that we have another two to look forward to! We dine that evening in the hotel restaurant, which follows the local example in taking great care to offer only the finest cuisine, in this case with a gentle Mediterranean influence. Then, fed, pampered and absolutely satisfied, we retire to our suite and watch not one, but two films in a row, whilst finishing off the bottle of wine, which the restaurant kindly allowed us to take with us. A Perfect ending to a perfect day and the perfect beginning to a perfect stay at the Royal Mougins Golf Club Hotel!