Luxury hotel holiday Le Phebus Provence

The five-star boutique Le Phébus & Spa is a Relais & Châteaux property situated just outside Joucas. Immersed in the verdant landscape of the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, Le Phébus & Spa is an idyllic, secluded getaway that carries all the golden-stone charm of Provence and France. The old farmhouse buildings, with terracotta roofs and dry-stone walls, curve around the main pool terrace and its surrounding lawn. Here, the views may be at their finest. The original foundations of the building date back to the Knights of the Order of Malta. From the front of the hotel, however, the property might be mistaken for a large family home. An unassuming white porch leads you into the lobby, with beautiful white flowers on either side of the door. With just 29 rooms, this boutique hotel channels the intimacy and personable feel of a family home, to make guests feel especially welcome. The crowning glory of this hotel may well be Xavier Mathieu's restaurant, which sits at the heart of the hotel's luxury, quality ethos. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star, and serves dishes inspired by Provence and executed with seasonal ingredients, which can be enjoyed on the large terrace. You can also enjoy cookery classes with Xavier Mathieu himself during your stay. For something lighter and more casual, dine at the Bistrot Le Café de la Fontaine, named after the fountain around which the tables are gathered. The atmosphere aims to capture that of a small Provençal village, though the food is contemporary. The Carita Spa has a more distinctly modern feel, with large windows looking out onto a narrow terrace. Beauty treatments here incorporate the produce of the region, particularly the lavender. Guests can also enjoy the Hammam, acqua area, gym, and fitness trail. The guestrooms, beginning with the aptly-named 'Garrigue' room, are all elegantly furnished. A classical beauty is evident in the wooden furnishings, the ornate mirror frames and lampstands, and the cool terracotta floor tiles. Higher category rooms afford you more space, and some even have private terraces and pools. A stay at Le Phébus & Spa would not be complete without a cheese or wine-tasting experience at the hotel, to really get you acquainted with the rustic culture of the region.