The previous owner's wife was an avid horse lover, and there was no shortage of space or resources to indulge that passion. An impressive complex of horse stables was built on the estate. The horses have since left, but the buildings still stand proudly. Nowadays, you will find the reception, the wine shop, and a tasting room there. In the reception, imposing stainless steel wine tanks particularly catch the eye. They are there primarily for show, as the actual wine production takes place elsewhere, and on a considerably larger scale.

So, besides being a hotel, Ultimate Provence is also a winery, although chances are you know the wine before the hotel. The bottles, inspired by old perfume bottles, are certainly impressive. They produce white, red, and rosé, but Ultimate Provence has made a name for itself primarily with the latter. We tasted all three, and although we enjoyed the white and red as well, our preference went to the rosé. Not an unfortunate choice, as it flows from the tap here, so to speak.

Anyone who thinks that a stay at a wine estate consists mainly of a bit of tasting, a bit of wandering around, and then an early night has underestimated Ultimate Provence. The estate is generously laid out, with the rooms and the swimming pool in a separate section.

And that swimming pool is impressive: large, surrounded by vines, and with sunbeds in such ample numbers that you don't need to put a towel down at the crack of dawn. A bar ensures that you don't have to leave your sunbed for long for a drink.

A completely different scene unfolds at the restaurant, where the terrace bears the name The Beach Club wears. And indeed, with the music, long lunches, and bottles of rosé flowing freely across the table here, you imagine yourself on the Côte d'Azur rather than somewhere in the Provençal hinterland.

Those who want to do something else between eating, drinking, and sunbathing can head to the padel courts, the gym, or the spa for a massage. Additionally, there is a wooden barrel sauna outside, with sunbeds nearby to warm up again afterwards.

And then there is the food. For no matter how much Ultimate Provence boasts about its swimming pool, spa, and rosé, the restaurant staff know their stuff at least as well. During our trip through Provence, we visited quite a few restaurants, but we found the finest dining experience here.

The menu is predominantly French, with the occasional foray across the border. We started with vitello tonnato and a Caesar salad, followed by an Angus beef fillet and roasted Bresse chicken. These are not dishes that require a culinary revolution, but that is precisely where the merit lies. Everything hinges on the preparation, and here it is excellent. The flavors are spot on and the portions anything but meager. The service, too, deserves nothing but praise. Extremely friendly and attentive. Here, the food is good, the drinks are good, and above all, the guests are well taken care of.

A well-known name is also behind the furnishing of the rooms. The French design duo Humbert & Poyet were responsible for the interior. Soft pastel tones, wooden cabinets, and a refined decor in which modern design and Provençal influences complement each other perfectly. Everything is finished to perfection.

Nothing but praise for the sleeping comfort: the beds are like clouds. There are various room types, from rooms without outdoor space to those with a balcony or a spacious private terrace. We had the latter and were particularly pleased with it.

The danger of a place like Ultimate Provence is that you soon want to stay an extra day. Another afternoon by the pool, another bottle of rosé on the table, and go ahead, dine in the restaurant one more time. Because as far as we are concerned, that last part is reason enough to return. And well, if you’re heading that way anyway, you might as well stick it out for a few nights.

Ultimate Provence Hotel & Spa