Hotel Coquillade Provence, a 104-acre 5-star Relais & Châteaux estate, vineyard, and spa near Marseille and Nice, is named for the coquillade, a crested lark that migrates and returns to the Luberon Valley each year. Like the bird, 60 percent of the guests to Hotel Coquillade return year after year, often coming mid-June to mid-July when the lavender fields are in bloom or in September when the vineyards turn bright red and the Vendange (grape harvest) takes place.
Food at Coquillade, delicious and healthy, is based on what's growing in the garden and ripe in the orchard. Most guests choose to dine outside in the sun or shade overlooking the vineyards which stretch as far as the eye can see. There are no houses or buildings in the distance, only vineyards, olive groves, and lavender fields. As the estate makes its own wines, guests can not only drink them at meals but also do a tasting in the wine cellar. Coquillade also makes its own olive oil (a bottle is on every table) and serves honey from the beehives on property. Though not allowed in the restaurants, pets are very welcome here with their own lawn, swimming pool, and special programs. And the most beautiful pet gets a free night.
Guests come to Coquillade to get back in touch with nature and their own bodies' rhythm. There are only fields in the distance, no sounds of traffic or construction, no responsibilities other than to yourself and the earth beneath your feet. Meander through the vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields, but be sure to enjoy the tranquil spa, which is not just an indulgence, but a necessary restorative for peace of mind and faith in the body.
Courtesy of Coquillade Provence
Lavender wafts through the air inside the flower-filled reception area of the 21,500 square-foot spa. Expert Provençal therapists offer a menu of treatments that use the resort's brand, Coquillade Provence, and for facials, the high-end French skincare brand, myBlend, and Tata Harper, developed in a Vermont laboratory. One of the most popular treatments is the Haute Couture, a unique creation for each guest based on a 2-page questionnaire of the guest's preferences.
The physical environment contributes to treatments, too. Vinotherapy harnesses the antioxidant-rich properties of local grapes and vines to release toxins and hydrate skin. Phytotherapy employs the calming and therapeutic properties of local lavender to soothe the mind and body. Before and after treatments, guests can soak in three outdoor Jacuzzis overlooking the vineyards and distant sun-kissed hills. They can float in the indoor swimming pool (there are two additional Olympic-sized swimming pools outside), try the steam room, hammam (Turkish bath), sauna, side by side hot and cold plunges, Kneipp basins, Ice Wall, Sensory Shower, Technogym or lounge in the sun in a private garden. The outdoor relaxation area overlooks iceberg rose bushes and olive trees whose branches sway gently in the breeze.
Coquillade is so relaxing that both time and space disappear. Guests are cosseted in a cocoon of serenity from which they emerge with wings to carry them through whatever is ahead.