Château Saint-Martin Hotel

Vence, France

A chic hilltop haven nestled within 14ha of cypress-clad gardens that towers above the rose-gold coastline of the French Riviera – this historic 12th-century château is an escape everyone can get on board with. The sister property of the iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has a sleepier air, though its service and design finesse are equally polished. While the space is hushed, it’s also convivial, with a cabana-flanked pool, slick bar and two-Michelin-star dining room with breezy terrace. Here, chef Jean-Luc Lefrançois brings a sensitive approach to local produce such as white asparagus and wild strawberries. All 34 rooms feature spring-like hues of early harvest green and soft blossom pink, and offer views over the rippling landscape that has inspired everyone from Matisse to Renoir. Naturally, the hotel’s own collection is superb, and it regularly hosts exhibitions by big names. A year in Vence never looked so good. Doubles from £408. oetkercollection.com

Words by Blossom Green.

This review was taken from the May 2020 issue of Food and Travel.

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