There are many reasons for a getaway the time before and around Christmas.
Most places are already festively decorated and a trip to Provence also has the advantage of stocking up on foie gras and other delicacies for your Christmas party at home.
Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa , a five-star hilltop resort and hotel in Gargas, surrounded by lavender fields and vineyards, seems like a perfect destination not only to get in the festive mood, but also to do some food shopping for Christmas in Provence, as well to relax in peace before the holidays.
Whether a chic and delicious culinary experience by head chef Thierry Enderlin in the gourmet restaurant Avelan, a tennis match at high noon in the winter sun, a spa treatment or a swim in the indoor pool. There are plenty of things to do at the resort and even more to explore outside.
Find our six reasons to visit Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa around Christmas and New Years.
LIGHT THERAPY
The Luberon region is known for the golden light that shines brightly even in November and late December. The landscape becomes a spectacular gamut of colours from purple, pink, bright blue to gold. Enjoy lunch in the sun, a long walk along the vineyards, or simply the privacy of your room terrace.
LES BASTIDES
The hotel is made up of two parts, the older one, La Bastide, and some new buildings around the spa. The older part has the typical charm of Provencal architecture, stone walls and country-style rooms with a large fireplace, fabrics by Pierre Frey and gives the impression of living in your own house.
GARDEN DELIGHT
If you miss the blooming garden in your house in Northern Europe, you will be happy to see the rose garden still full of flowers. The golden leaves are still hanging on the trees and plants create a beautiful garden side around every cottage.
DISCOVER
Make sure to discover the many picturesque villages around, like the Luberon Regional Nature Park, Roussillon with its dramatic ochre formations, chateau-crowned Lacoste, and pretty Gordes and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.
SPORTIVE GEAR
Aside from relaxing in the spa, you won’t be sitting still and there are many ways to be active. Either rent a technically perfect bike for a tracking tour around the hills, go hiking or make an excursion on a horse, which can be booked at the nearby stable. The indoor pool is also perfect to begin your morning.
LOCAL TREASURES
Most of the things you see and get in Coquillade Provence Resort & Spa are local. The works of art in the rooms and around the hotel come from artists from Provence, Portugal and Switzerland, the home of the owners. Cooking is done with products from the hotel garden and with salt from Camargue and of course the vineyards provide the hotels own wine, Aureto. They are about to produce their first bio dynamic rosé which will be launched in spring.
FOOD SHOPPING
We love the idea of taking delicacies home with us for Christmas, as the Luberon region not only has numerous vineyards but is also known for its truffles, olive oil, foie gras and of course cheese. The best thing to do is to bring an empty suitcase and select your Christmas menu while you are there.