Summer is a distant memory, and right about now, you need some you time — as in a place to chill out for a long weekend that gets you on a plane. But it has to be easy, like an all-in-one situation, as in top-notch accommodations, Michelin-starred cuisine, and a spa that’s off the charts. Oh, and it’s gotta be a stunner, like Cindy Crawford at the top of her modeling career. Well, we take your five-star hotel experience and raise you one of the best private art collections in the world. This is Villa La Coste, in the heart of Provence. And it’s where to be this November and December for a food, art, and wine weekend away.
Art in the Heart of Nature
Villa La Coste is situated near the town of Aix-en-Provence, surrounded by rolling hills and trees. The luxury hotel is part of the 600-acre Château La Coste, a wine estate and space for contemporary art and architecture. The art center is what makes this place different from many of the other old wineries and domaines in the area. Daily exhibitions feature 20th-century masters like Henri Matisse and contemporary artists like Bob Dylan. Villa La Coste’s “art in the heart of nature” experience is unlike any other; a prime destination if you’re looking not only to escape into the countryside, but to be surrounded by architecture, art, and, of course, wine.
The Villas
Villa La Coste offers 28 villas, each with their own spacious terrace that overlooks the vineyard and valley. Facing eastward, these villas allow in tons of light while being surrounded by lush gardens. The villas are very private and bring together contemporary design and the charm of old Provencal traditions. The bedrooms come with a king-size bed and walk-in closet. The bathrooms have a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and double vanities. There are four types of villas to choose from: The Pavilion Suite, the Villa Suite, the Pool Villa Suite, and the Two-Bedroom Pool Villa Suite. Some of the special complimentary services include wine tastings and art and architecture tours.
Dining
When it comes to dining, Villa La Coste really hits it out of the park. World-renowned chef Hélène Darroze, winner of three Michelin stars for her restaurant in London and two Michelin stars for her eatery in Paris, runs the food and dining operations. In addition, she has her own fine-dining restaurant on the property called Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste. There is also Mallmann at Château La Coste, an Argentinian restaurant led by Frances Mallmann, which has with stylish interiors that are the perfect setting for something chic. The café restaurant Tadao Ando is located by the spacious Center’d Art and pays homage to the famous Japanese architect. La Terrasse specializes in Provençal cuisine served on a sunny terrace. Finally, there’s Vanina, an Italian restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizzas.
Art and Architecture
The art and architecture begins with a curved pavilion designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It reflects the stunning landscape with a glass facade and shallow pool. The art-and-architecture walk features more than 40 artists who designed their pieces for specific sites along the property. Villa La Coste brings together star architects like Frank Gehry, Tadao Ando, and Oscar Niemeyer to create spaces that invite intrigue and curiosity to inspire a mood of exploration. This, paired with an amazing list of artists, including Tia-Thuỷ Nguyễn and Annie Morris, makes the collection a destination in its own right.
Wine
The vineyard spans close to 500 acres, with a tradition of winemaking that goes back hundreds of years. It prioritizes quality over quantity and employs biodynamic processes to complete the creation of its organic wines. Stop by the wine cellar or enroll in La Coste’s wine-making workshops to get a closer look at how innovative technology enhances the winemaking process. At the winery you can sample different wines and purchase bottles of the ones you love.
Spa and Wellness
In addition to all this, Villa La Coste also has a spa and wellness center. Here you can enjoy the sauna and hammam, the yoga classes and meditation sessions. There’s also a variety of therapeutic treatments. The fitness center is available to all guests and has state-of-the art equipment for any workout routine.
An Exclusive Booking
Let Galavante be your gateway to one of the most unique hotel experiences in the world. If you’re ready to reserve at Villa La Coste, drop us a line at [email protected]. We can help you book your stay.
