Book the Domaine de Manville with VIP Benefits

Domaine de Manville is a bijou luxury hotel in the heart of Provence, France. Formerly a working country farm, the property has been converted with a fine "sense of place" into a beautiful hotel retreat amid glorious Provencal scenery.

Location

This gorgeous hotel nestles in its estate in a valley below the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence in the Alpilles Regional Park. The region became famous because of artist Vincent Van Gogh. As a result, it is under the protection of Natura 2000, an environmental scheme of the EU.

There are many walks and trails through the woodlands of oaks and pines. There are also areas with almond and olive trees - Moreover, rare birds of prey nest in the upper reaches of the mountain range.

The hotel estate has plenty of walks, too, in beautiful, peaceful herb-scented surroundings. Besides, electric bikes are available for touring around at a quicker pace. The nearest airport to the hotel is Marseille (MRS).

Style and Hospitality

The long low ochre-colored buildings have been skillfully converted by architect Mireille Pellen and interior designer Annie Zeau. The feel is of an elegant traditional country chateau basking in the sunshine of Provence but with great contemporary styling that somehow blends perfectly.

Modern art colors the sunny walls in drystone architecture. Everything here is top-class, including the attentive and helpful staff in all areas of the hotel. Weddings and events are dreams here in beautiful surroundings with highly competent hotel planners.

Features

A large swimming pool is surrounded by a pretty courtyard shaded by many trees and an eco-conscious, specially designed 18-hole golf course. A serene spa enjoys a vast space on the grounds with many treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, luxurious therapies, and a gym and fitness room.

A permaculture farm underpins the green policies of Domaine de Manville with fresh produce for the on-site gastronomic restaurant and upscale bistro. Additionally, the bar features the local rose wine, famed throughout Provence. Moreover, a kid's pool, cinema, concierge services, Wi-Fi, and free parking add to the fine amenities here.

Rooms

This boutique hotel has just 30 single/double rooms, suites, and family-sized luxury villas. Moreover, all are spacious, airy, well-appointed, chic, and comfortable. Bathrooms are large, lavish black and white spaces with deep tubs and rain showers. They also include beautiful double vanities and the hotel's range of gorgeously scented toiletries.

Bedding has soft quality fine linen with leather padded headboards. Deluxe rooms feature private balconies and views over the courtyard with a cascading fountain and outdoor pool. Of the 30 rooms, most have attractive views, walk-in wardrobes, and modern amenities, including air-conditioning. There are also Nespresso coffee machines, Bose entertainment systems, TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Suites

These add more living space and amenities with the finest views over the pretty inner courtyard shaded by ancient plane trees. In addition, some Junior Suites have terraces opening directly into the interior courtyard and a quiet scented space among potted Mediterranean plants and greenery.

The Manville suite is plush with leather and wood, mingling with soft linens and delicate fabrics. Spacious loft suites cater to families with views over the swimming pool. Additionally, the prestige suite offers seclusion and privacy with a private terrace and dining.

Villas

These accommodations feature off-the-scale luxury and have beautiful settings and views of the countryside, mountains, and golf course. Décor is contemporary and ultra-plush with soothing dove gray and off-white color schemes with occasional pops of warm tones on deeply comfortable seating. Every modern amenity is available. Flexible check-in and check-out times also apply here.

Wining and Dining

Michelin-starred Restaurant l'Aupiho (Little Alps) is the hotel's gourmet diner under the direction of star chef Lieven Van Aken. Re-invented regional cuisine is available in the loveliest of settings. Moreover, lunch or after-dark meals are available on the terrace or interior courtyard, shaded by the plane trees by day or lit by candlelight by night.

The produce from the permaculture farm features in the menus here and in The Le Bistrot, Chef Van Aken's interpretation of Provencal classics in a more casual atmosphere. Additionally, the olive oil famed in this region is incorporated into menus and a dip for the artisanal bread cooked on-site.

The Brunch serves a notable gourmet Sunday lunch in The Winter Garden throughout the year, popular with local diners and hotel guests. Breakfasts and teas in The Glass House feature fresh eggs and other produce from the hotel's eco-farm.

Lastly, The Bar is in one of the original buildings with brick walls, a zinc counter, a fireplace, and loads of atmosphere.

Spa and Fitness

The vast and gorgeous full-service spa and fitness rooms showcase places of rejuvenation and rebalancing of mind, body, and spirit. Bespoke facials are by Esthederm French cosmetics, and signature body treatments use the hotel's range of luxury products.

The 'sensory area' is open to adults and children at various times daily. The facility includes a steam bath, heated indoor pool, and Turkish bath. In addition, there is a Jacuzzi, ice fountain, and access to the fitness room and spa boutique. Moreover, the fitness center offers high-tech exercise equipment plus Pilates, yoga, and other workshops with pro instructors.

Children

The kids are well taken care of at Domaine de Manville. Kid's Club is in a gypsy-style caravan with fun educational things to do daily. Snacks and supervision are also provided. Birthdays are celebrated, and souvenirs/toys are given to take home. Kids can also enjoy films or have fun in the pools.

Activities

The Thierry Sprecher golf course holds a rare ECOCERT 'sustainable development' certification in line with the eco-policies of the hotel. Parts of the course have fragrant shrubs and oak, olive, and pine trees. The links are highly recommended, and instruction is available for improvers.

Additionally, walkers, hikers, and bikers may wish to explore the lovely medieval village of Les Baux de Provence and return with goodies such as local honey, calissons, and traditional Provencal candied fruits.

Takeaway

Domaine de Manville offers a retreat from the stresses of life in a beautiful part of the French countryside. Tranquil and restful but suitable for families, couples, and solo guests.