Le Chateau des Alpilles

With green vistas stretched out in every direction, Le Chateau des Alpilles is the very picture of an aristocratic country getaway. There's an air of unhurried luxury, and guests can be found sprawled by the outdoor pool, playing tennis, and taking meals out on the front lawn shaded by plane trees. Often, guests are simply taking a turn around the ground, taking in the green hedges and little brook, as they've no doubt done for centuries. Annex buildings, like the small old chapel, enhance the property's enchantment.The house itself was constructed in the 1800s, and several original details point to its deep history, from the pale blue shutters on the exterior to the interior ceiling moldings, swirling with gilded embellishments. Often the decor reflects its surroundings, such as the Louis XV dresser or a Roman bust. But some contemporary touches -- 1970s-era Eames-style chairs or an '80s-era modular desk -- break the spell. Still, on the whole, this chateau is grand, and the family that runs the hotel provides excellent service earning rave reviews.

Le Chateau des Alpilles is outside St. Remy proper, but set inside its own park, with 700 acres of grounds to explore. It's a 22-minute walk into town, or a five-minute drive. The hotel can arrange rental cars for guests without vehicles who'd like to see the nearby Roman ruins of Glanum (an eight-minute drive), the town of Les Baux (a 16-minute drive), the markets of Isle Sur La Sorge (37 minutes away by car), or the wildlife preserve at Camargue (about an hour by car). Arles and Avignon are both just over a half hour away by car. The nearest airport is Marseille, which is a 57-minute drive.

There's a vast range of accommodations at this chateau, from Standard Rooms within the main house to standalone cottages with multiple bedrooms. Rooms in the main house are steeped in Old World charm with high ceilings, crown moldings, fireplaces, and period furnishings. But a few rooms suffer from some jarring modern additions such as a chunky, '80s-era red-and-yellow floor lamp. Still, beds and pillows are extremely comfortable, and plush robes add to the spaces' comfort. The adjacent buildings -- including a farmhouse full of Suites, an old chapel, and a stone wash house -- do a better job of flawlessly blending rustic touches like exposed beams with contemporary, clean-lined furnishings. These higher-category rooms also have a few upgraded perks like Nespresso machines and iPod docks. All rooms are spacious and come with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and safes. Bathrooms are modern and most have marble tile walls, bidets, and rainfall showerheads over wide soaking tubs. The amenities are generously portioned, and hairdryers are provided. Note, Suites can be adjoining accommodating groups and families of up to 12. In the main building, corner rooms have the most windows and the most natural light. 

Le Chateau des Alpilles' features make the most of its natural setting, on 700 verdant acres. One highlight is the heated outdoor pool. It's surrounded by a broad green lawn with loungers, and lunch can be served at the nearby tables. The hotel's fitness facilities -- rare for a historic property -- include a treadmill, reclining bike, and rowing machine. Personal trainers are available through the hotel for an additional fee. Other ways to stay active include using the walking paths, the on-site tennis courts, or the rental bikes (for a fee). But the star feature could be the hotel's restaurant. Its chef specializes in gourmet meals featuring Provencal cuisine, which can range from fresh steamed mussels to gluten-free entrees. Meals may be taken in guest rooms, in the main building's dining room, outside by the pool at lunchtime, or on the front lawn. Do note that the restaurant attracts guests from outside the hotel, so reservations are suggested. Given the setting, it's not a surprise that the chateau has banquet and meeting facilities for events and occasions. Though the hotel doesn't offer any business facilities, there is free Wi-Fi throughout. On-site parking is free as well.