Paul Morinaud
Domaine du Mas de Pierre, an exclusive retreat in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Two Michelin stars, Clef verte, Clefs d'or... The Domaine du Mas de Pierre, a 5-star Relais & Châteaux nestled in the hills of Saint-Paul, has been awarded many distinctions. With its top-flight spa, tempting restaurants and lush green surroundings, it rewards its guests handsomely in return. Plume takes you on an intoxicating tour of the property.
A controlled space that lets you breathe
Just a few kilometers from the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Domaine du Mas de Pierre extends over four hectares. Even in the height of summer, you'll find a sense of tranquillity. The layout of the various facilities on site and the generous spaces ensure a feeling of plenitude, with no risk of "stepping on each other". The topography of the site, which slopes gently down to the foot of the hills, maintains privacy, as do the perfectly managed levels of vegetation. As for the mildness of the climate and the staff, it plunges guests into a state of serenity that nothing seems able to disturb... For even greater privacy, the historic Bastide des fleurs is reserved for adults, as is its swimming pool - a dedicated butler looks after its occupants in high season. As the establishment is open all year round, the "propositions" are adapted to the guests, and the services that go with them.
An enchanting and rejuvenating setting
On the estate, vegetation takes the lion's share. The paths wind their way through Mediterranean gardens, where you'll be surprised to come across sculptures of all styles: Jean-Michel Folon, Théo Tobiasse, Zigor, Sacha Sosno... Or the art of combining culture and nature in an astonishing stroll. Umbrella pines, avocado trees, fig trees, kumquats and, of course, olive trees punctuate the groves. As you stroll along, bamboos invite themselves between two flower beds, cypresses soar not far from rose gardens. And since beauty never comes alone, this benevolent, soothing environment offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, including Saint-Paul-de-Vence, perched atop its spur. The charm is definitely contagious in these parts...
In the kingdom of bathing
No less than four swimming areas are available for guests to choose from. At the main 25m pool, with its bar and in-house snacking/ice cream service, the atmosphere is a blend of sport (for those who love laps) and idleness (the area is perfectly exposed to the sun). At La Bastide des Fleurs, it's the calm and exclusive side that reigns: a little secluded, it's reserved for adults. The lagoon takes you on a tropical voyage. The edges and bottom of this pool (a few centimetres deep to around 1.50m) are made of fine sand, bringing the sea to the hills. With a "beach" bar/resto, straw huts, "chill" music and an abundance of rattan, you'd think you were there. Last but not least, the spa pool and its wellness trail guarantee pure moments of zenitude... or occupy the (rare) less clement days in terms of climate. It's a tough choice, but after all, it's not: just try them all.
The spa, the centerpiece
The 2,200m2 spa is the result of a major renovation project to be completed in 2021. Domaine du Mas de Pierre has invested heavily in this "novelty", and rightly so. The proposal is sublime, with a perfectly executed wellness trail. The two saunas (salt or herbal), the hammam, the Scandinavian shower and the "snow cave" (where you can rub yourself with snow after a high-temperature activity) are remarkably effective. In fact, the wet zone was named the best in the world at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2022. The twelve treatment cabins on the second floor are also of the same high standard. CellCosmet (Swiss top-of-the-range) and Paoma (French bioethics) products, as well as Volupté (found in the rooms) - a range created exclusively by Sonia Godet, from the eponymous perfumery house in Saint-Paul-de-Vence - ensure the refined VIP feel, as do the practitioners. At the end of the treatment, the relaxation area, with views over the region, and the large outdoor Jacuzzi on the first floor, bring the relaxation session to a sumptuous close.
Mouth-watering delights
Catering is also in the same league! Whether you're looking for a snack at any time of the day, or a meal, the offer is succulent. At breakfast, the "local" corner is an attractive idea, as is the well-supplied "healthy" corner. For lunch, head for La Paillote, by the lagoon (fresh, light but beautifully crafted) or the Lis Orto bistro, in the shade of the willow tree, with its specialized Provence menu (gazpacho, octopus, small stuffed dishes...). For some dishes, cooking in the Josper, a natural charcoal oven, is synonymous with great taste. The wines are 100% Provencal, with some fine discoveries to be made. For dinner, it's a tricky choice between the same Lis Orto ("Gardens", in Nissart) and La Table de Pierre, the gastronomic showcase of executive chef Maxime Leconte. A soon-to-be Michelin-starred chef, he takes us on a culinary journey in which he blends regional flavors with wonders inspired by his travels. Cocktails at the bar are also a must, thanks to bold yet masterful creations.
Service that makes all the difference
The beautiful symphony played by Domaine du Mas de Pierre could not be so subtly tuned without its staff. Particularly well-trained, in all positions, they know how to adapt to any type of interlocutor without losing their conviviality; constant attention, and a certain closeness, if desired. It's a bit of southern warmth that you'll find in all of them, along with professionalism at all times. It's not easy to have an answer for everything, let alone the right answer... in a charming way. Sharing pleasant, impromptu moments with all the employees you meet on the estate is a guarantee of high quality and a surprise you'll never tire of. And even when it comes to off-site excursions, the head concierge was awarded the prestigious Clefs d'or in 2024, for the excellence of his service. An obvious choice...
Domaine du Mas de Pierre
Rooms from €203.
2320, route des Serres 06570 Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Photo credits: @Gentlemen_Travellers
