Scott Dunn: ANYTHING ELSE IS JUST A HOLIDAY

Description

Located in the stunning countryside of the Haute Provence region, le Couvent des Minimes is a beautifully renovated monastery which opened in 2008 and was originally founded in the early 17th Century. The hotel is set in magnificent gardens in the heart of rolling Provencal countryside.

This Relaix & Chateaux boutique hotel consists of 46 luxury rooms and suites. The hotel has kept many of its original architectural features which blends the historic charm of the building with a contemporary interior. The rooms are dominated by white stone with a touch of pastel colours on the walls. The soft furnishings inject a bit of colour and the parquet heated flooring extends from the bedroom into the natural stone bathroom.

There are two restaurants and two bars as well as a wine tasting cellar enabling guests to discover local wines in an authentic cavernous setting. The main 'Le Cloitre' (meaning 'the cloister' in french) restaurant is over seen by head chef Philippe Guerin who enjoys infusing his menus with true Provencal scents and flavours. In the summer the restaurant is extended outside onto the patio. Also in the summer lunch can be taken next to the pool at the 'Bancaou' bar-restaurant.

There is also a fantastic spa, which houses the Provencal L’Occitane products, with 6 treatment rooms, an outdoor heated swimming pool, fitness room and floodlit tennis court. Why not lend a hand to the authentic Provencal game of petanque on the hotel’s own court. For those wanting to enjoy some time practicing golf, the 18-hole Golf de Luberon course is nearby.

Guests can explore nearby ancient rustic villages with buildings and churches dating back to the 16th Century. As well as the delights of Aix-en-Provence with its fascinating architectural and cultural heritage, designer chic boutiques and pretty squares lined with cafes.

Guide price £1,130 per person

£1,130 This price is based on 2 people sharing a "Les Matines" room for 7 nights in mid season on a B&B basis. Including return BA flights from London Gatwick to Marseille and car hire.

Accommodation

Combining historical charm with the modern day comfort of an exclusive venue, the 40 rooms and 6 suites in Couvent des Minimes are simply decorated with pastel shades and solid oak furniture. Each room offers the same high standard of luxury and comfort and opens out onto the interior courtyard of the Cloister, the gardens or the swimming pool. Each of the spacious 6 suites contains a bedroom and separate lounge, suites range from 35sq meters to 62sq meters.

Childcare

Children are welcome and babysitting is available. There are children's TV channels and a DVD selection on request.

Facilities

Couvent des Minimes has 2 restaurants, one serving delicious meals reflecting the flavours of Provence and the Mediterranean, the other serves light dishes by the poolside. There are also 2 stylish bars and a wine cellar allowing you to taste the harmony between Provencal wines and cheeses. The L’Occitane Spa has 6 natural treatment rooms, there is an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, tennis court, Petanque court and a helipad.

Activities

At Le Couvent des Minimes there is a beautiful aromatic garden to explore at your own leisure. The library is packed with books, CDs and DVDs to enjoy during your stay, and there is also a pool table. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a floodlit tennis court, touring bicycles and a boules court. The 'Golf du Luberon' 18 hole course is in the proximity of Le Couvent.

When to travel

Location and directions

Provence, France

Located in Mane, Provence. 1hr drive from Marseille Airport – 50 minutes from the TGV station at Aix en Provence.

How to get there

1hr 50 mins British Airways flight, 1hr private taxi transfer.