It's the 2d of September, the sky is a gorgeous blue everywhere in France, and the weather is perfect for a trip in the Lubéron! This region is overflowing with fabulous hotels, and in the autumn you can easily take advantage of more affordable prices while avoiding the August tourist crowds.
I explored the Domaine des Andéols during this lovely getaway, a luxury hotel located only a few kilometers away from Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt, a strategic crossroads amid the magnificent villages of Provence. Gordes is only 14 kilometers away (and a must-see) while the ochre quarries are nearby–in short, there's no lack of things to do in the area!
A Luxury Village to Explore
This hotel is made up of about ten houses spread throughout fields of olive trees and lavender. The surroundings are truly magnificent, the estate is relatively isolated from other properties, and you feel like you're deep in the countryside here! As soon as I arrive, I'm offered a visit of two different villas so I can pick the one I like best: I should mention that the houses all have their own style and unique decoration. No standardized rooms here!
The villas are ornamented with artworks, and contemporary design elements are everywhere. I would love to visit every villa with their original ambiances, but I'll save that for next time! I decide on the maison des amis, a 50 m² (538 ft²) suite featuring a small garden and two deckchairs as well as a view over the orchards! Rest and relaxation, here I come!
Upscale Infrastructure
The pool is also very modern: a beautiful teakwood terrace in the middle of the fields with designer furniture… not a single misstep! I should mention that some of the villas here have a private pool, meaning that the shared pool is very calm and restful.
As for dining, two establishments are available for guests: the “Table des Andéols” with a 45 € set menu, and the restaurant “Sous le Platane” where you can enjoy your meal in the shade of a hundred-year-old tree or even on an elevated deck that they've arranged to receive customers. I didn't get the chance to test this second restaurant, but I had dinner twice at the Table des Andéols, to my great enjoyment! The grandiose setting and culinary marvels created an ideal dining experience. The outdoor breakfast is just as impeccable, with high-quality local products, the perfect way to wake up in the morning.
A Singular Ambiance You Can't Miss
The ambiance of this place is rather unusual; it's somewhere between a luxury hotel and a country house, so it feels like being at home with room service. The personnel is both welcoming and professional, and very service-minded. It's a magical place, and so difficult to leave! It's a wholly new experience, different from a classic hotel; it's more like a restful retreat that’s also entertaining (considering how many points of interest are nearby) in a very upscale little village. I will surely renew this experience, and I can recommend it to you wholeheartedly!
Practical Information
About Florence Consul
Editor of Experiences Luxe since 2015, I love discovering new exclusive and authentic experiences all over the world. I left my home country (France) 6 years ago to become a global citizen, traveling 365 days out of the year. I am a foodie person and I make a point of tasting local specialities.