The Hotel Particulier ★★★★★

I wonder at having never been to Arles as I wend my way through its picturesque, charming streets lined with ancient multi-coloured houses, all lit by that misty, Provençal light. I had no idea it was so charming and pretty! On my way into the centre in my taxi, I already note several tiny cafés that I would love to go to for a quiet cup of tea and a buttery French pastry andI resolve to explore the whole area on foot so as to discover its charming nooks and alleyways. In fact, Arles is relatively small, another thing that I already appreciate, and yet it is packed with so much to see and do I am not sure where to begin. I take a deep breath and bring myself back to the present. I am en route to the L'Hôtel Particulier, where I shall be staying for the next two days. It is at this point I suddenly notice we seem to be lost...Surely it can't be down here... Yet the car comes to a stop and I gingerly step out in front of a large black door, which opens onto a gorgeous courtyard. Yes, this looks a lot more promising...

Sure enough, the taxi had got it right and I happily tip the driver, feeling slightly guilty for having doubted him for a moment, and then I step over into a new world where eighteenth-century opulence blends seamlessly with modern comfort, creating a sumptuous design fusion. The tall, almost regal mansion beckons me in and I follow into an airy interior of cool simplicity with the occasional Baroque accent. My bedroom is beautiful! Tall ceilings make the most of that sweet fresh air that comes in from the window overlooking the immaculate French garden that I glimpse through the billowing curtains. A charming, ethereal quality characterises the entire room, from the antique mirror with gently peeling paint, to the vast bed with crisp sheets and the all-white décor, making it a cool, embracing, luminous boudoir fit for a French Fairy Queen. Well, I'm not French and I'm no fairy, yet I can pretend... This will suit me just fine!

Having discovered a discreet, state-of-the-art television, slightly set back so as not to ruin the classic enchantment of the rest of the room, and the wonderful bathroom with an array of luxury complimentary products, I am fully satisfied. I am definitely in the right place. It is time for me to settle into my stay and I decide that there is no better way to do so than to accept the complimentary welcome cocktail at the bar downstairs. I find that it overlooks the garden and that glimmering, pale blue pool that melts into the elegant scenery and I settle down contentedly to breathe in the sweet autumn air as I sip away. Soon I am feeling a little heady and the pool looks ever more inviting, yet one cocktail is not enough to make me forget that undeniable nip in the air. My solution is not to drink more cocktails, but rather to retire to my room for a moment to gather my swimwear and make my way to the hotel Space Spa. If the pool is anything to go by, it should be equally enticing and appealing.

I am not disappointed and I give myself up to the pampering cares of the Hammam and sauna, which not only rejuvenate me, but cleanse every lasting trace of travel grime and weariness so that I emerge radiant. With all there is to see, and my keen desire to take in as much as possible, I realise that my time in the spa will be essential to relax and recharge my batteries, so that I can absorb as much of Arles as possible! My predictions are right on the money and this absolutely stunning hotel, with its sumptuous spa and angelic décor, becomes my own personal sacred site amongst the many here. It is a pilgrimage I intend to make again, as I return to visit my marvellous retreat, L'Hôtel Particulier.