Villa La Coste

While Provence often conjures up images of olive groves, lavender fields and hilltop medieval villages, Villa La Coste is an artwork of minimal contemporary cool. The hotel offers those visiting the Château La Coste wine and art estate, the option to stay onsite. Taking a decade to design and build with the help of many of the world’s finest architects and artists, including Frank Gehry and Renzo Piano, the hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling towering glass panes, clean straight lines, and every shade of white. 

Inside, contemporary art sits fashionably alongside mid-century modern furnishings. There is a Zen fluidity to the space so you can lounge, dine, or enjoy a drink in the gallery, library, garden, or your own private terrace. Book an entry level suite, where you can enjoy views of both the Tracy Emin etchings and the Luberon from your private terrace, soak in a huge marble bathtub and experience a hi-tech Japanese toilet. Upgrade for a private pool. Children and pets are welcome, despite the sophisticated vibe. 

The restaurant is housed in a glass-walled building suspended over a moated pool, where three Michelin-starred chef, Hélène Darroze, serves regional dishes with fine dining verve. Guests can also wander down to Château La Coste to dine at the Restaurant Argentin Francis Mallmann, to sample the chef’s signature smoky flavours. The Château also serves Italian cuisine at Vanina, or for lunch and seasonal plates, try La Terrasse or the Tadao Ando Café Restaurant, designed by the Japanese architect in the sleek and spacious Arts Centre. 

On the edge of the vineyards surrounded by aromatic cypress trees, is Villa La Coste’s outdoor heated pool, where you can spend the day cocooned in a cool white cabana. The spa includes a Japanese-style onsen bath, a hammam and several treatment rooms. Also on offer are a gym with personal trainer, Pilates, and yoga. 

This is a destination for art lovers and a walk through the estate’s art trail will take you past works by Alexander Calder, Ai Weiwei, Paul Matisse, and a spectacular Louise Bourgeois spider sitting over the water at the entrance to the Tadao Ando Art Centre. Wine lovers will also appreciate the chance to learn more about the estate and its organic Provençal wines.