Le Phébus & Spa: When Provence Inspires Luxury

A charming jewel in the heart of the Luberon

Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, between the iconic villages of Gordes, Roussillon and Joucas, Le Phébus & Spa, a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux network, enjoys a prime location in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence. This seven-hectare green oasis charms with its breathtaking views over the valley and the heady scents of garrigue and lavender that fill the air. Surrounded by the treasures of the Provençal “golden triangle”, the hotel is the perfect starting point to discover the authentic charms of the region while savoring the peacefulness of the countryside.

The history of Le Phébus Hôtel & Spa is rooted in a centuries-old past, as the establishment was built in the 1980s on the dry-stone ruins of an ancient commandery of the Order of Malta dating from the 11th century. Driven by the passion of the Mathieu family, this characterful house has continuously evolved over the decades, elegantly combining historical heritage and contemporary comfort. Named in tribute to the unique light that bathes Provence and inspired the greatest artists, Le Phébus today embodies an art of living where hospitality, gastronomy and well-being harmoniously come together.

The timeless beauty of a mas in Provence

Le Phébus & Spa charms with its refined style inspired by the most authentic Provençal tradition. This dry-stone mas with ochre Mediterranean tiles blends elegantly into the bright, colorful landscape of the Luberon. Between the blond of the facades, the changing green of the olive and pine trees, and the brilliant blue of the pool, each detail creates a true visual symphony. Inside, the bastide spirit is brought to life thanks to the talent of interior designer Gil Dez and stylist Christine Faesch, who imagined a pure and warm decor: soft tones of beige, taupe and ochre on the ground floor, enhanced upstairs with shades of olive green echoing the surrounding nature. The whole offers a soothing atmosphere where comfort, charm and respect for the site's history blend together.

Our experience in the sumptuous Grand Prestige Suite

The rooms and suites of Le Phébus & Spa harmoniously combine the timeless elegance of a Provençal bastide with the modern comfort of a five-star hotel. With their terracotta floors, marble bathrooms, and carefully designed decor blending wood, stone, and fine fabrics, they offer a warm and refined setting. Each accommodation boasts stunning views over the valley, the ochres of Roussillon, or the wooded park, and some suites feature a private terrace with pool for a stay marked by privacy and well-being. In addition, the spectacular Villa des Anges, a true 550 m² retreat hidden from view, offers absolute luxury with its heated natural pool, vast living spaces, and seven rooms and suites for a unique experience.

We had the privilege of staying in a Grand Prestige Suite, a true 80 m² cocoon bathed in light and offering an exceptional panorama of the enchanting landscapes of the Luberon. The suite charms with its generous space, discreet elegance, and absolute comfort. Its large terrace, with a private jacuzzi, invites incomparable moments of relaxation facing nature. This exceptional setting, both intimate and open to the surrounding beauty, made our stay unforgettable.

A gourmet breakfast

Breakfast at Le Phébus & Spa is a true gourmet ritual in an enchanting setting. In the bright dining room, facing a sublime view of the pool and the hills of the Luberon, guests enjoy a generous and refined buffet. All the essentials of a French breakfast are featured: golden pastries, soft brioches, artisanal jams, fresh fruit salad, as well as a fine selection of homemade cakes and pastries prepared with care. The elegant presentation of the buffet, combined with the quality of the products, makes this moment pure bliss to start the day.

Provence sublimated by Xavier Mathieu

Xavier Mathieu, chef-owner of Le Phébus & Spa, passionately embodies Provençal gastronomy, which he sublimates with talent and emotion. A native of Marseille, he grew up with Provence in his heart and trained with the greatest: Roger Vergé, his mentor and family friend, who instilled in him a love of local products, and Joël Robuchon, who honed his precision and technique. After experiences on the Riviera, in Paris, and in the Luberon, he returned to the family mas to express his vision of sincere and radiant cuisine. Guided by the seasons and the treasures of his vegetable garden, he magnifies the flavors of the South with dishes that combine authenticity and inventiveness. His cuisine, rewarded with a Michelin star since 2000, delights the palate with its truth and simplicity, with recipes inspired by regional classics and his travels, always respecting local products.

Our dinner between Michelin-starred gastronomy and tradition

Le Phébus & Spa offers two distinct culinary experiences: La Table de Xavier Mathieu, a Michelin-starred gastronomic address offering elegant menus where Provençal recipes are subtly reinterpreted according to the markets and seasons, and just a few steps away, Le Café de la Fontaine, which invites guests to a more relaxed moment around the fountain in a friendly bistro atmosphere. The spontaneous and generous menu highlights vegetables from the garden and market produce, cooked to order in the open kitchen, for a lunch that celebrates Provence in its purest expression.

We had the pleasure of dining at La Table de Xavier Mathieu and chose the menu of Classics and Must-Haves of Our Provençal Table, a journey of five tastings accompanied by cheese and desserts. The meal begins with a few pleasure bites, true little colorful works of art celebrating the products of the region. In these miniature plates and gourmet spoons, you find crunchy vegetables straight from the garden, fresh fruits with subtle aromas, and delicate flakes of finely seasoned fish. A glass of champagne completes this promising introduction.

The tasting continues with a melting tian of black olives, capers, and shallots, a dish that is simple in spirit yet rich in aromatic complexity. The softness of the olives and capers pairs with the sweetness of finely browned shallots, while the olive crumble brings a crunchy note that lifts the whole. The balance of flavors is perfectly extended by a glass of La Canorgue 2021, a red wine that precisely highlights the depth of the dish and its southern accents.

We then discover the Provençal pie with asparagus, sorrel, watercress, and lemon balm, a dish that honors the freshness of seasonal vegetables. A melting heart of asparagus subtly enhanced by the liveliness of sorrel and watercress and completed by lemon balm bringing a discreet lemony touch that refreshes the palate, while the creamy green sauce generously envelops it all. In addition, the grilled and smoked asparagus sorbet, surprising and perfectly balanced, prolongs this plant-based interlude with originality.

The journey continues with the Provençal Raïte, one of the chef's signature dishes, a true tribute to the cuisine of his childhood. Inspired by the recipes of “Mémé Rose”, this plate combines cod and amberjack with leeks, in a preparation that pairs the crispness of a golden crust with the lightness of a quenelle of airy cream scented with garden herbs. This dish embodies the soul of the chef's cuisine: one that combines family tradition and modernity, in a perfect balance between authenticity and refinement.

In continuity, we taste the Pieds et Paquets Marseillais, elegantly reinterpreted. This emblematic dish of Provence is presented in a refined version, where the feet and packets stewed in a creamy, fragrant sauce deliver an intensity of flavors true to tradition. The contemporary presentation magnifies this great classic of the South.

To bring an unexpected note, a shot of iced absinthe from the Alpes de Haute Provence surprises and awakens the taste buds. Served in an elegant frosted glass, this shot reveals the aromatic power of absinthe sublimated by the extreme freshness of the icy preparation, offering a refreshing and bold interlude. The journey continues with a character dish: the leg of lamb from the Alpilles cooked in its hot garrigue sand. The slow cooking in the sand infuses the meat with the subtle aromas of wild herbs, revealing tender and flavorful flesh. The rich jus intensifies the depth of the dish, while the spelt and split pea fricassee adds a rustic and authentic touch.

The sweet chapter begins with a goat's milk curd and red berries sweetened with lavender honey, a dessert full of lightness and freshness. The fresh cheese, served in a wooden bowl, seduces with its creaminess and balance between mild acidity and floral aroma. The fine and graphic lace evokes a honeycomb and adds a crunchy touch that elegantly extends the tasting. Next comes Around the Hive, a poetic dessert that pays homage to the treasures of honey. The warm mead soufflé, of airy lightness, reveals subtle and perfectly balanced honeyed notes. Alongside it, lavender honey ice cream extends this sweet symphony with delicate freshness, for a soft and harmonious finale.

To close this exceptional dinner, the Provençal sweets platter “Tradition Provençale des 13 desserts” celebrates the generosity and art of living of the South. The elegant and gourmet cart unveils a festival of sweets: calissons, nougats, candied fruits, canistrelli, caramels, chocolate olives, and canelés, inviting to a final journey into the festive traditions of Provence.

A haven of well-being among olive trees and garrigue

The spa at Le Phébus & Spa is a true sanctuary of well-being nestled in the heart of the gardens, in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, which we had the pleasure of discovering after our breakfast. Fully glazed, it bathes in natural light and opens onto olive trees and flower beds, creating a soothing and rejuvenating atmosphere. This space dedicated to relaxation offers a complete experience: three treatment rooms including a duo room, an outdoor massage area, a herbal tea room where you can enjoy infusions facing the park, as well as a hammam, sensory shower, jacuzzi, and Nordic bath. The indoor heated pool, equipped with massage jets, and the modern fitness room complete this haven of serenity. The treatments, performed with Ila and Végétalement Provence products, draw on the richness of nature to offer moments of pure escape and regeneration.

Outdoor activities and chef's secrets

Le Phébus & Spa offers many complementary activities that enrich the guests' experience and invite them to fully enjoy the exceptional natural setting. The large outdoor pool, bathed in sunlight, offers a perfect space to relax while admiring the landscapes of the Luberon. Just a few steps away, an original fitness trail winds between lavender, colorful beehives, and the vegetable garden where tomatoes, artichokes, and other treasures of the earth grow. Sports enthusiasts can also play tennis or pétanque in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Finally, for gastronomy enthusiasts, chef Xavier Mathieu enthusiastically shares his secrets during cooking classes open to all, whether beginners, curious foodies, or gourmets. These workshops, offered in group or private sessions, promise privileged moments around local flavors.

My opinion

Le Phébus & Spa embodies for me the spirit and soul of Provence, blending authenticity, refinement, and art of living in an exceptional setting. Between discreet luxury, unspoiled nature, and inspired gastronomy, I found a timeless escape conducive to relaxation, discovery, and sensory pleasures. A unique place where every stay turns into an unforgettable memory at the heart of the Luberon.

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A big thank you to Le Phébus & Spa for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!