From the editors of TownandCountryMag.com it’s never too early to get a head start on planning your next vacation. These gorgeous villas will provide plenty of inspiration.
Domaine de Manville, Les Baux-de-Provence
Locals Patrick and Edith Saut spent a decade transforming a 100-acre, circa 1908 cereal farm into a country retreat that’s about as idyllic as it gets. Opened in July, Domaine de Manville has 30 quaint guest rooms, a garden spa, pool, and an 18-hole golf course surrounded by olive groves and Cypress trees. At the backyard restaurant, young talent Steve Deconinck (another local) serves free-range lamb chops, fresh Provençal produce from black olive tapenade to slow-roasted tomatoes, and desserts made with honey cultivated on site. Barnyard touches abound, most notably the roosters and sheep who roam the property. Rooms from $302 a night; domainedemanville.fr
L’Hotel Bernard Magrez, Bordeaux
In the world’s wine capital of Bordeaux, French wine magnate Bernard Magrez (who famously owns four Grands Crus Classés, including Château Pape Clément vineyards) has teamed up with Michelin-starred chef Joël Robuchon on L’Hotel Bernard Magrez, which opened on December 9. The two have big plans to bring a greater culinary cache to the region, which is surprisingly lacking in high-end cuisine. The estate has just six suites, and can accommodate up to 50 guests. Additional amenities include wine tastings and vineyard tours. From $365 per night; bernard-magrez.com/en
1) La Bergerie, Tourrettes
“There’s a deep sense of history in Provence, but the region is begging for high-end, modern lodging,” says Rich-Jones, whose year-old, private-staffed villa in the south of France is built on land formerly belonging to the 18th-century aristocrat Charles Bouge. The modern villa on storied grounds has electric fireplaces, an outdoor kitchen, a movie theater, and a saltwater swimming pool. An on-site concierge will arrange for helicopter rides to Monte Carlo or chartered sails around Cap D’Antibes, while the excellent private chef can whip up anything from boeuf bourguignon to a paella with just-caught prawns and cod. The home is situated on Terre Blanche, one of the only full-service resorts in France, and La Bergerie guests have access to its world-class spa and restaurants. From $55,000 per week or $7,900 per night; bergerieterreblanche.com/the-villa
L’Artemise, Uzès
This sixteenth-century home turned enchanting guesthouse, spa, and restaurant is located Uzès, the hidden gem of Southern France. The property is surrounded by a serene garden with views of the Eure Valley and Mont Ventoux. Eight cozy guest rooms are equipped with light Belgian linen sheets and Pascal Morabito toiletries, and boast original works by heavy-hitting art names like David LaChapelle, Shirin Neshat, and David Hockney. The vaulted-ceiling basement spa includes a steam bath, massage room, gym, and heated pool. (Of course if you prefer swimming outdoors, you can take a dip in the backyard swimming area). At the restaurant, chef Guillaume Foucault, who formerly worked with renowned Parisian chef Pascal Barbot, serves up a rotating menu of dishes created from fresh seasonal produce, as well as the best wines from the region. From $281 per night; chambresdelartemise.fr
Bastide Les Amis, Menerbes
This recently restored two-villa estate in the Golden Triangle of Provence can be rented year round and sleeps up to ten people. Guests will find no shortage of Provençal charm in the terracotta kitchen and surrounding olive groves, but the flat-screen TVs and premise-wide wireless internet ensure that you won’t feel totally cut off. The village of Menerbes (made famous by Peter Mayle’s book, A Year in Provence) has a bakery, butchery, and three small restaurants. The only shred of a nightlife can be found at the clifftop bar, which offers gorgeous views of the Luberon Valley. Rates upon request;provencevillarental.com
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