Moulin de Vernègues Hôtel & Spa ★★★★

Driving through the idyllic Provençal countryside, along the River Durance, the wind in your hair, the sweet smell of lavender and pine in the air, you’ll truly begin to understand the meaning of ‘getting away from it all’. Approach the tree-lined drive and you’ll be met with the charming view of the Moulin de Vernègues – old stone walls covered in ivy, wrought iron lamps hanging from the outside and a heavy oak door. This is a property that says quaint and charming Provence all over.

Elegant countryside-inspired décor welcomes you from the inside – a light green lobby filled with an array of plants and flowers, sitting next to comfy sofas and armchairs. Enter your room and you’ll immediately feel calm and relaxed. The décor is understated and simple with neutral tones, natural wood and soft plush furnishings. Large, wide floor-to-ceiling windows let natural light stream into the space and bring the beauty of the outdoors closer.

There’s nowhere better to relax and unwind than the hotel’s haven of tranquillity – MySpa. Using the local L’Occitane products, containing ingredients such as lavender, almond, shea and immortelle from the surrounding Provençal landscape, you can lie back and enjoy the Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi or range of massages and treatments.

As evening approaches, watch the sunset over the Luberon hills, from your private balcony before treating yourself to the gourmet cuisine at the Moulin de Vernègues Restaurant. Here, head chef Nicolas Vié creates a delicious fusion menu, where gourmet French cuisine is blended with subtle Asian flavours and techniques. Try the fillet of sea bream with grated hand of Buddha vegetables and a wakame and sesame salad, followed by roasted mango yuzu with crunchy Camargue rice and Madagascan vanilla. Pair these with fine wines produced by the local chateaux.

Treat yourself to a Provencal getaway in the Moulin de Vernègues, a place that knows the true meaning of a relaxing retreat.