Hotel review: La Bastide de Marie, Provence, France
La Bastide de Marie is a high-end yet super-friendly and relaxed hotel located near one of France's most charming villages, Ménerbes. Perfect for a weekend break, this 18th century residence offers the best of rustic Provence with a luxury twist.
First impressions
One word: Idyllic. The driveway is lined with cypress trees, olive trees and lavender bushes, and the bastide is set in the middle of the Domaine de Marie's 57 acres of vineyards. The beautiful stone country farmhouse is authentically restored in the style of a traditional Provencal 'mas', and it's completely charming.
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What's to love?
If you're a foodie who also happens to be a fan of 'antique chic', this is the hotel for you. Each room is exquisitely individually decorated with unique pieces sourced at local second-hand markets, often from renowned antique hotspots like l'Isle sur la Sorgue. These beautifully weathered pieces are set off by Baroque items, creating a perfect balance between grand, contemporary and rustic.
The restaurant is a highlight here, with visitors coming to the hotel just for its relaxed yet fine dining. The food is described as 'salt of the earth' cooking, and it's sublime. Seasonal, fresh, simple yet imaginative: you'll get a real taste of Provence with specialties like creme brûlée flavoured with lavender from the garden.
Best rooms in the house
The Marie Suites are the 'top-end' rooms, and offer 50 square metres of space, many with exposed stone walls and fireplaces.
Bit of a Bohemian at heart? Why not try a night in the Roulotte, a caravan - or, rather, 'rural boudoir' - located in the garden by the pool.
For extreme privacy and luxury, there's also a villa that is available to rent on the estate. Villa Grenache has five bedrooms, all decorated with the same attention to detail - pastels, antiques, wrought-iron furniture - and can accommodate up to 10 people.
This place is perfect if you...
Are looking for a bit of treat-yourself-territory. This bucolic bastide offers a slice of Provencal paradise - but it does come with a reasonably large pricetag .
Don't miss
A trip to the Spa at La Bastide de Marie for a spot of pampering with the hotel's very own Pure Altitude products, containing revitalising antioxidants from over 50 mountain plants.
Top tip?
Choose the half board option - it covers room, breakfast and dinner for two with aperitifs, a bottle of wine and coffee. There's also delicious afternoon nibbles and tea on the terrace.
I want to go!
Rates start from 130EUR (room only) or 330EUR (half board basis) per night based on two people sharing. Visit www.labastidedemarie.com
See more pictures of La Bastide de Marie in our gallery below:
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