Every spring thousands of people descend on the South of France for the Cannes International Film Festival. The renowned section of the Mediterranean coast called the Cote d’Azure is jammed with luxury cars inching by upscale hotels and tiny picturesque villages.
Up above the fray and in the lavender scented hills of Provence, France, the Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort in Tourrettes is fast becoming a refuge for the jet set and families alike. The former Four Seasons Hotel has recently repositioned itself with a new chef, spa and fitness facilities. Modern Mediterranean style villas include spacious living areas, terraces and two bathrooms, accommodating up to two adults and two children. Connecting suites are available as well.
The resort’s focus on families includes an onsite kids’ club that caters to children 2 to 12 years old, in addition to complimentary stays for up to two children traveling with adults. There are even golf carts, spa treatments, special meals and on-site picnics dedicated to children. But, Terre Blanche also offers many activities and options for the entire family, including two 18-hole golf courses, a pro-performance center and four restaurants.
It’s an easy and tranquil pursuit to walk the grounds and weave past the 115 villas and suites on your way to breakfast, a tennis lesson at one of the two courts or dip in the infinity pool. You will welcome the exercise after a few trips to the morning buffet loaded with freshly baked croissants and a staggering array of pastries that covers an entire table.
During the day, lighter fare can be found at the pool buffet, which focuses on salad selections and pizza from the wood-burning oven. The Terrace eatery is a popular perch for lunch or dinner. Showstopper meals are presented nightly by Chef Yannick Franques, the two-star Michelin chef who came to Terre Blanche in the summer to oversee the menu at the property’s four restaurants. Franques has created a buzz with his “mystery egg” dish, which is like a meringue baked in a water bath with brioche coating the egg. In a stark contrast, the light and airy cucumber melon ball salad, with a layer of burrata cheese drizzled in olive oil, is as light as a feather.
When you’re ready to work off a few calories, you can feel the burn in the fitness center using the Biomecasport equipment created by biomechanical engineer Jean-Jacques Rivet. The machine helps users draw up an assessment of their muscle potential so they can work on enhancing their strengths and counteracting their weaknesses.
Terre Blanche has become an alternative to staying in the more crowded area surrounding Nice and offers package deals for the whole family.
The Details
Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resorthttp://en.terre-blanche.com
