A Provencal Discovery — Avignon’s La Bastide de Marie
Think: boutique estate, surrounded by vineyards, fresh crisp French air, charming hospitality and breathtaking views of the French countryside. Yes, we are talking about an excellent estate is picture-perfect right out of a 007 flick. Ultra-luxury, just a few rooms, stunning location and top-notch culinary experiences, the hotel sits flanked by the awe-inspiring Luberon Mountains.
The driveway offers an unparalleled lining of deep-rooted Cyprus trees, the faint smell of olive oil trees in the distance and lavender bushes all around as you enter the property.
The La Bastide de Marie is a heart-stealer in every aspect. Romantic and intriguing atmosphere, put together with rooms that spell opulence, with intricate stone work and delicate floral arrangements. Handworked wrought iron furniture, with fine linens and luxurious upholsteries — a holiday that is truly magical, a stay that is out of a fairytale. Elegantly understated ambiance ensures a home-like feel, with the luxuries of old and new alike, and culinary offerings that leave you reeling for more, whether its breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and soft, melt-in-your mouth croissants hot from the oven or truffles at dinner. Don’t miss the crudites, gazpacho, lamb cutlets and the famous Ratatouille of France. An elegant indoor dining as well as a rustic and more in-touch with nature outdoor dining setups are what guests may choose from.
When the indoors are too much, take a tip in a crystal clear rock pool flanked by leafy plane trees. Owned by a famous french hotelier, Jocelyne Sibuet, known for romantically built hotels with a penchant for being in the lap of luxury, yet with a laid-back vibe, the hotel is a farmhouse in the South of France with antiques from all over the world as well as the local neighbouring markets, gallant chandeliers and luxe upholstery.
The hotel offers a range of services that include culinary delights, hospitable staff, a heated outdoor pool, a spa catering to those in severe need of massages and pampering. You can rent a bike and explore the vineyard and local villages around at your own pace, or take part in a wine tasting and tour of the hotel’s very own cellar.
When resting and eating gets too much, take a car and drive around the vineyard owned by Domaine de Marie — a 37 acre land, producing a promising set of red, white and rose wines. Other activities include driving down to local towns to taste the culinary flavours and roam the tiny cobbled streets, and in an adventurous mood, spend an entire day in Avignon.
On your next trip exploring the astonishing South of France, the La Bastide de Marie is a must-add to your list of experiences, right below the magnificent Luberon Mountains, flanked by cute, traditional villages around and roads and roads to explore in a lovely open-top car. Make use of nature, in the lap of luxury with a traditional french farmhouse that will give you a memorable stay — nothing more, nothing less!
