La Bastide de Gordes

The hotel was thoroughly renovated in 2015, but instead of modernizing, the aim was to keep all the original antiques and many architectural details to heighten La Bastide de Gordes' period setting. Some of the foundations that make up this magical chateau date all the way to the 12th century, but (apart from recent renovations) the newest building was added in the 18th century. It's the latter period which sets the stage, and most of the furnishings date to the 1900s. The lobby and its adjoining parlors are a little dark, despite arched, leaded-glass windows. But there are red velvet couches, antique oil paintings in gilded frames, ornate wood-beamed ceilings, plus a fireplace. Outside, the grounds are full of Provencal charm with quiet nooks and breezy terraces to enjoy the view over the valley below. The hotel's romantic setting is a magnet for couples seeking an upscale getaway. 

The hotel is built on fortifications that date to the 12th century in central Gordes, a picturesque hilltop village overlooking the Alpilles valley and Luberon mountains. Everything in town is close by and there are many restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance along narrow, winding medieval streets (charming, but they can be challenging to navigate). The village is one of the most popular destinations in Provence, with sights that include Château de Gordes and Saint-Firmin church, both within a three-minute walk from the hotel. The open-air museum of Village des Bories is nine-minutes away by car, and Avignon is about a 50-minute drive away. Expect about a 55-minute drive to Marseille Provence Airport. 

Guest rooms and suites are individually decorated with authentic antiques and period pieces, mostly from the 18th century, such as ornate wallpaper, tapestries, and oil paintings. Room categories are Classic, Superior, and Deluxe, and all have views of the village or the mountain valley. Some of the smaller Classic rooms have have parquet wood floors, while upgraded rooms add plush carpeting and are heavier on interior design elements, like wainscoting and decorative moldings. They also have space for small seating areas with desks, and chairs or a couch. Standard amenities include AC, flat-screen TVs hidden behind mirrors, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no minibars or coffeemakers. Suites are even more lavish and unique, some with wood-beamed ceilings, fireplaces, and/or private terraces. Bathrooms in all units are equally ornate, with floor tiles in rich hues and gilded mirrors, and they contain bidets and walk-in rainfall showers. Some add dual vanities and separate soaking tubs.

Features at this luxury property are top-drawer. The intimate Pèir restaurant has only eight tables (with more on a little outdoor terrace), but its Michelin-star chef has put it on the map, serving up haut Provencal cuisine. Highlights include roasted whole grouse cooked in white lard, with black Sarawak pepper and lemon thyme, and crayfish with watercress and lime. L'Orangerie restaurant serves typical Provencal dishes in a casual bistro setting, and there's an expansive outdoor terrace. La Citadelle, open for dinner only, serves formal Mediterranean cuisine. Through a parlor off the lobby, there's also a lounge and a wood-paneled bar for cocktails or espresso drinks. 

For leisure, the hotel has two outdoor pools set in picturesque courtyards, with loungers and umbrellas on grassy lawns overlooking the valley and mountains. Sisley spa, which was under renovation during our visit, has its own heated indoor pool and a hot tub, and a relaxation lounge, steam room, and sauna. There's also a fitness room with modern cardio equipment. Five upscale meeting rooms for business or private events can accommodate between up to 200 people. On-site parking is available for a fee, but Wi-Fi is free throughout.