Domaine de Manville

Rooms

The 30 rooms and suites are luxurious and spacious, with dark wood floors and walk-in wardrobes. Some are in the original farmhouse, with a view over the leafy inner fountain courtyard. Others are in two low-storey extensions to the side: one in pale stone, one in dark wood (in sympathy with the barn that once stood here). Each is decorated individually, all are outstanding.

We stayed in a split-level Family Suite, and loved our claw-foot tub in the very ample bathroom with its large walk-in shower. However, our favourite rooms were the Suites Terrace, which were brighter and have private terraces overlooking the pool. Classics are much smaller, but not small, and come with shower bathrooms.

The 9 self-catering villas – named for the owners' grandchildren in keeping with the family vibe of the estate – are more modern, and more private. They’re ideal for families or groups, and boast plush ensuite bedrooms, sleek kitchens and living rooms with fireplaces, plus innumerable extras such as private golf carts, 24/7 security and a shared lap pool.

Wherever you are, you'll get a complimentary minibar, Bluetooth speakers, a Nespresso machine, and refillable signature jasmine, citrus and verveine-scented products courtesy of the spa.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Bluetooth sound system
• Central heating
• Fireplace
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Radio
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

Michelin-starred restaurant l'Aupiho headed up by Belgian chef Lieven van Aken serves Flemish-inspired menus, full of Alpilles- and Provençal-seasonal treasures. 70% of the fruit and vegetables come from their own orchards and gardens including traditional artichokes a la barigoule, slow-roasted tomatoes and apricots paired with rosemary honey. Other ingredients are sourced nearby or from the delightful market in Cavaillon; all meat is locally-raised. The chef forages in the hills and mountains – from the Alpilles to Mont Ventoux – for mint, citronella, flowering thyme and wild sun-gorged strawberries.

Breakfast is served in the Winter Garden, a spectacularly grand glass atrium that boasts rustic chandeliers and French antique crockery. What an array of fresh pastries and breads, cereals and yoghurts; we filled up on fresh eggs, local cheeses, Domaine de Manville’s own honey, smoked salmon and fresh fruits. In warmer months, sit in the courtyard and enjoy your coffee overlooking the fountain. A set menu brunch is served here every Sunday.

The Bistrot serves seasonal French classics daily for lunch and dinner. We enjoyed our heirloom tomatoes with pine nuts, basil and buckwheat, followed by squid with fennel and gnocchi in bouillabaisse sauce. For light lunches and snacks year round, The Cabin at the golf course has sandwiches and wraps, burgers and fries; in the summer it's open for dinner too.

The bar, with its grand fireplace and expansive terrace, serves some of the region’s best cocktails, as well as other drinks and light snacks throughout the day. For dining out, there are numerous choices in Les Baux.

Features include:

• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• The big green attraction is the eco-responsible 18-hole golf course, its angular bunkers and straight lines designed to resemble Provençal fields. Ask about the golf academy if you're keen to improve your game
  
• Rent e-bikes to discover the historic village of Les Baux-de-Provence (just up the road), and the delights of the Alpilles Regional Park itself
  
• Enjoy age-defying treatments in the large light-filled spa (it’s child-free in the afternoon) or bask in the indoor pool. The heated outdoor pool is gorgeous, too
  
• There are regular yoga and detox packages
  
• Order a deluxe picnic lunch and head for the olive-studded hillsides
  
• Spend a day in beautiful St Remy de Provence (check out its authentic market), and explore Saint-Paul de Mausole, the asylum Van Gogh admitted himself to, and where he painted some of his most famous pieces
  
• Hike along some of Domaine de Manville’s private walking trails
  
• Potter around the Roman-amphitheatre town of Arles (30 mins); explore private art collections in the grand houses of Avignon (35 mins); or visit the impressive Pont du Gard

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Mountain biking
• Museums / galleries
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

Child-friendly luxury comes at a price, but Domaine de Manville’s facilities are flawless. Note, however, that children (and their parents) are expected to be mindful of other guests, and keep noise to a minimum.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

All rooms can take a baby cot; Junior Suites and Suites have space for a rollaway bed; the Family Suite Loft has 2 bedrooms; the Villas sleep up to 9 guests.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 45 minutes' drive
• Shop: 10 minutes' drive
• Hospital: 30 minutes' drive

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Domaine de Manville is in Les Baux de Provence, in southern France.

By Air:
Avignon, Nimes and Marseille airports are all within a 60-minute drive. The hotel can arrange a transfer or you can jump in a taxi, but the rural location means you'll probably want to hire a car.

By Train:
Avignon is served by TGV and seasonal Eurostar services. The journey time from London is about 6 hours, which makes it barely any longer than flying. Car hire is available at Avignon station.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.