France

Le Couvent des Minimes, Provence

Could there be a more enchantingly tranquil setting for a restorative boutique stay than a converted former convent in Provence?  A property that delights in its simplicity, Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and L’Occitane Spa has a history that is steeped in botanical tradition, with the 19th-century Franciscan Nuns famed for studying and using the produce from their surroundings. Thankfully this is a practice that has not been lost over the centuries as Le Couvent des Minimes still use the harvest of their 15-acre aromatic garden to equip their chic in-house spa and gourmet restaurant.

Location

A rural paradise in the heart of peaceful Provence, Le Couvent des Minimes is nestled within the vineyard and orchard filled Luberon region, just beyond the pastel-painted houses of the charming village of Mane-en-Provence. Peeking above the rows of olive trees and verdant rolling fields, you can see the bell-towered main building which protectively guards over the rest of the cream stone convent and brings an overwhelming sense of calm to the area.

Your room

Not to mistake simple for basic; Le Couvent des Minimes is at once ultra-luxurious and sophisticated whilst also managing to retain the simplicity and classic style that was so evident in its previous life as a convent. In keeping with the exterior stone walls, the interior spaces feature cooling neutral tones and limed-oak floors which are punctuated by wrought iron fittings and accent fabric colours. Greeted with luxurious L’OCCITANE products upon entering your elegant bathroom, you will feel completely captured by the calming spirit that permeates the building.

Why we like it

The understated elegance and overwhelming feeling of tranquillity that comes from the old convent is reason enough to fall in love with this place, but Le Couvent des Minimes holds within its walls two secrets. The sophisticated restaurant (Le Cloître) serves up gastronomic creations using fresh, organic vegetables and herbs taken from the convent’s expansive gardens and would certainly keep us coming back here for quite a while…but, our favourite aspect of this retreat has to be the exclusive L’Occitane Spa that fulfils our every relaxation fantasy. We suggest indulging in the L’Occitane Immortelle Secret to Youth firming and lifting facial – if anywhere can restore vitality to our skin then it will be here.

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