The South of France is one of the most picturesque parts of the country and there are myriad luxury offerings from which to take it all in. InterContinental Marseille — Hotel Dieu, which opened its doors in April, towers over this fascinating city’s old port, as it has since the mid 1750s, when it began life as a hospital. Now the imposing 194-room hotel has sensational 21st-century architectural additions, which blend beautifully with the unclad, rough limestone of some interior walls and massive private terraces.
Room 734 is 600 square feet, with unpolished Verona oak floors, linen-look walls, and a 300-square-foot terrace looking across the port to Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica on the hill beyond. Take time to explore the area including the port’s waterfront, which was upgraded by British architect Sir Norman Foster. Back at the hotel, dine at Brasserie Les Fenêtres, under the command of Marseille’s best-known chef, Lionel Lévy. His signature dish is bouillabaisse. Try it as a starter ‘milkshake’, out of a glass with foam on top, or as a main course.
The latter comes deconstructed, with rouilly-filled potato towers, perfectly cooked fish nuggets and a half-full glass of fish and rouilly over which you pour broth from a glass thermos. Build up your appetite by running through the old town’s steep streets or making use of the hotel’s gym or indoor pool. General manager Madelijn Vervoord and her chief concierge Audrey Berr add a delightful personal touch to this significant hotel.
www.marseille.intercontinental.com
Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle is in La Celle en Provence, a valley tucked between Roc de Candélon and the Luberon mountains. The abbey itself, mostly in ruins, dates to the 12th century. In 1999 Alain Ducasse leased its adjacent Benedictine convent, where, years ago, unmarried daughters of society families took the veil.
Under general manager Tancrède Barale, who coincidentally comes from Marseille, the 10-room hotel feels as though you’re staying at a Ducasse home — look out for the fantasised portrait of him in the church, which is now home to the boutique. My favourite rooms are those in the Béquinage building. There, you have private gardens looking into the main two-hectare garden with its cherry trees, blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes, herbs and vines, and several stunning Nathalie Decoster metal sculptures.
Michelin one-star cuisine by long-time Ducasse disciple Benoît Witz is served in three intimate dining rooms: Diane de Calluire, Alsacie de Montpellier and Louise de Castellane. During the day, explore the locale and try the best of Provence’s wines at Coteaux Varois en Provence Maison des Vins, next to the hotel. Exercise comes from outdoor running or swimming, and there is a newly-opened beauty room.
www.abbaye-celle.com
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort near Fayence, 40 kilometres north-west of Cannes, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Under general manager Gilles Fouilleroux, this 303-hectare resort is golf heaven. There’s two Dave Thomas-designed courses, a Biomecaswing centre where you can improve your swing and a David Leadbetter golf academy.
There’s also plenty of amenities for less golf-minded guests, including tennis courts, a spa with its own 20-metre indoor pool, a sensational kids club and relaxing private terraces in each of the 115 villas. Foodies enjoy two-Michelin-star cuisine from chef Philippe Jourdin, while art lovers can admire sculptures scattered throughout the hotel from Frenchmen Arman and César Baldaccini, with contributions by Brit Tony Cragg and German Hans Thurner.
www.terre-blanche.com
