Lily of the Valley

FRANCE

PERSONALITIES

Wellness aficionados. Active travellers. Lovers and friends looking to detox in a beautiful natural environment.

MOMENTS

Living well. Smell of jasmine in the air. Panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Going at your own pace. Time slowing down.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Anytime with May to October being the warmest.

COST

WHY STAY

Lily of the Valley is an intimate health and wellness retreat between the French Riviera and the vibrant Saint-Tropez, sitting on Gigaro Hill with infinite views of the French Mediterranean and stretches of sandy beaches below.

The owner and designer of the hotel, Philippe Starck, envisioned Lily of the Valley as a forty-four room haven, seamlessly blending into the environment, with its Provençal abbeys and Californian villas.

The focal point of the property is The Village - a well-being mecca, complete with a gym, a lap pool, consultation and treatment rooms, an herbal tea room, two saunas, a large hammam and a snow shower. The hotel offers many tailored treatments and programs based on holistic medicine and ancient therapies.

Spend the days relaxing by the pool and the evenings by the crackling wood-burning stove. Tune into your energy. Embrace the art of living.

WHY WANDER

Discover the raw and protected landscape of Domaine du Cap Lardier. Spend the day at Gigaro Beach. Take a drive along Côte d’Azur. Go mountain biking or hiking. People watch at Sénéquier café on Pampelonne Beach. Take a day trip to discover the French Riviera: Nice, Cannes and Monaco; or the surreal lavender fields of Provence.

INDULGE IN

Try rockfish soup with rouille or raw gamberoni with raw artichokes among many modern Mediterranean creations.

GETTING THERE

Fly into one of the Cote d'Azur airports and rent a car for a scenic drive.

WILD INITIATIVES

From energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures to the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients in its exquisite cuisine, Lily of the Valley demonstrates a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings.

*Images property of Lily of the Valley

Les Sources de Caudalie

FRANCE

PERSONALITIES

Wellness aficionados. Foodies. Winos. Families looking for a peaceful countryside escape.

MOMENTS

Lazily biking through vineyards. Learning the magic of French cuisine from the masters. Getting lost in enchanting gardens. Wine with your dinner. Wine on your skin.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

May to October.

COST

WHY STAY

Les Sources de Caudalie is a luxury wellness hotel in Southwest France, surrounded by vineyards and forests, only 20 minutes from Bordeaux.

The retreat has been created in mind with the French Paradox that French diet and lifestyle lead to good health, and built with recycled local materials, complimenting the surroundings. Choose one of 40 rooms, one of 7 suites, or one of 6 private cottages, named after regional heritage, and complete with unique antique designs and terraces facing the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyard. For a unique experience, stay in “Le Village des Pêcheurs” (Fishermen’s village) - where each of 12 suites are on stilts around a small lake.

One of the main attractions of the hotel is the Vinothérapie® Spa. Treatments combine natural hot spring water from 540 meters beneath the earth, as well as grape and grapevine extractions. Take advantage of the steam room, relaxation rooms and the jet-stream. Try Crushed Cabernet scrub, Honey and Wine Wrap, Barrel Bath, or Winemaker's Massage for an unforgettable experience.

WHY WANDER

Les Sources de Caudalie has something for everyone. Discover the surrounding towns of Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux or Arcachon. Do yoga in the heart of a vineyard. Bike through famous wine estates of the region. See creations of local contemporary artists focussing on the senses and the natural elements. Take a tour of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, learning about the process of wine making that ends with a tasting. Take a boat through Arcachon bay to the famous « Ile aux Oiseaux ». Fly a helicopter to l’Ile de Ré, where you will have lunch and visit an oyster farm.

INDULGE IN

Eat at the hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant La Grand' Vigne. Partake in Chef Nicolas Masse’s private cooking lesson. Learn about Bordeaux’s finest at Rouge wine bar. Taste fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs from the onsite bee garden. Try Cadiot-Badie - Bordeaux’s best chocolates.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Bordeaux and rent a car for a short scenic drive. Alternatively, arrange your pickup with the hotel.

WILD INITIATIVES

From energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures to the use of locally sourced, organic ingredients in its gourmet cuisine, Les Sources de Caudalie strives to minimize its ecological impact. The property also boasts an environmentally conscious spa, employing natural, cruelty-free products. The hotel's dedication to sustainability extends to waste reduction and recycling programs, showcasing a holistic approach to responsible tourism.

*Images property of Les Sources de Caudalie

Château de Saint Paterne

FRANCE

PERSONALITIES

People with love for history and French cuisine. 

MOMENTS

Visiting local food markets. French cooking classes. Candle lit dinners. Hidden rooms. Enchanting gardens. Aperitifs in front of the fire.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

May to September.

COST

WHY STAY

Château de Saint Paterne, is a century old castle, located 2km from Alençon, between Loire and Normandy. Surrounded by its own park and frequented by King Henry IV in the past, this charming hotel is perfect for nature lovers and historians alike.

The rooms are full of character, keeping the mysterious historic features with modern improvements. Stay in L'Orangerie for a special experience. The newest and largest suite is located 50 metres from the main house and offers the best views of the park and the Chateau. For something more remote, you can stay at La Datcha - built in the middle of the park with a private sauna and jacuzzi on an outdoor deck. This is perfect for an experience closest to nature yet with options to explore the Chateau. 

WHY WANDER

Discover Normandy - one of the most beautiful regions of France, with many castles and gardens to see and rolling hills and coastline to hike. 

Explore the area on foot, bicycle, or horseback. Go canoeing in the Alpes Mancelles. History lovers will want to visit Le Château de Vendeuvre  – 45 minutes away from Saint Paterne and Mansonnière garden in Saint Ceneri.

If you are staying for at least 6 days, you have to try the Cooking Class package the Chateau offers. Discover local markets and vineyards, and learn to cook French favourites like Tourte de carottes, Souris d’agneau confite and Tarte Tatin with Calvados.

INDULGE IN

Camembert. (Normandy specialty). White asparagus hot mousse. Duck breast with balsamic and honey sauce. Apricot tart with a rosemary sorbet.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Paris and rent a car for a scenic and historic drive.

*Images property of Chateau de Saint Paterne