La Bastide en Gascogne ★★★★★

All for one and one for all! I am going to Gascony, land of the original D'Artagnan whom inspired Alexander Dumas to write 'The Three Musketeers' and I am bringing my own beloved Muskateer with me for a romantic mini-break. We'll be staying in Barbotan-les-Bains, a Spa town whose thermal waters have been healing visitors from far and wide for centuries beginning with the savvy Romans. Amongst the first to tap into the 18 thousand year old hot springs they used them to cure various ailments as well as to simply rejuvenate themselves. Thus the local tradition has long been one of greater well-being and relaxation. This is very much in keeping with Gascony in general, which is famed for its rich and wholesome way of life, steeped in nature, fresh air and fine food! Land of Armagnac and Foie-Gras, it is a legendary landmark in French cuisine and although it may not follow the dietary concept of celery sticks and vitamin smoothies, its healthy secret lies in the heart and joy of delicious, straight-from-the-earth, home cooking. This is where the French come to recharge and regain their vital glow and in their footsteps we follow.

I almost skip out of little rental car as we reach La Bastide's wide, elegant orange and white façade that veritably radiates warmth in the afternoon sunshine. I am on holiday with my man and not just any holiday, we are here, in this fabulous four star luxury hotel in the heart of some of France's most beautiful country. We are genially welcomed and ushered to our room, which is aglow with a fine, soft light that floods in through the tall, pretty windows and reflects off the white surfaces throughout. Classic country chic is the motif as only the French can pull off with such tasteful panache, creating a serene, airy ambiance of secluded romance. Our en-suite bathroom boasts a large, walk-in Italian shower just big enough for two and we also appear to have all the mod-cons from flash flat-screen television with international channels to air conditioning and free WiFi. Everything we could possibly need, not least that large, sumptuous king-size bed that guarantees a delicious night's sleep, c'est parfait!

That refined, classic aesthetic with rustic touches is the hallmark of this hotel, from its down-to-earth yet discreet staff and beautiful restaurant serving truly wonderful cuisine that combines local flavour with exotic hints from around the world, to the long, pale blue pool in its lush green setting. Not to mention the hotel's very own Spa toward which my love and I make a beeline in order to immediately avail ourselves of that magical thermal water amid pearly mosaic tiles and gold stone. Every detail enchants us and we have barely been here a few hours before we relax entirely, feeling ourselves to be completely cared for and perfectly pampered. This is a sensation that we carry with us throughout our stay here and by the time we leave it is with the impression that we are saying au revoir to a family friend's home. Such is the hospitality of Gascony and certainly of La Bastide, where true to tradition, the taste of life is sweet.