Words by Anjana Gosai
For those seeking excitement, France’s Côte d’Azur has plenty to offer, from the bustle of Nice, to the glamour of Cannes, to the opulence of Monte Carlo. But if you’re yearning for a more tranquil experience or a family-friendly escape away from the crowds in this idyllic region, make a bee-line to the charming village of Tourrettes, lying just 14 kilometres from the coast.
It’s here, amid the scenic Provençal hills, that you will find the five-star Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort, which combines the pleasures of golf, relaxation and wine tasting with plenty of family-friendly pursuits.
Hotel
Once owned by 007 himself, Sean Connery, this sprawling 300-hectare property now belongs to German tech billionaire Dietmar Hopp. Set in the heart of the countryside, the swish property is designed to show off and integrate perfectly with its lush and dramatic natural setting.
Environmentally conscious travellers will be pleased to hear that great care has been taken to create not only a beautiful luxury resort, but one that is eco-friendly too. Beds feature Coco-Mat mattresses; produced by a Greek company with a near neutral carbon footprint. Staff manage on-site honey-producing beehives to help preserve local bee populations. The hotel’s imaginative approach to conservation is perhaps best summed up by how undergrowth is cleared. Instead of using disruptive machinery, they utilise a team of five resident donkeys who cause less damage to the local fauna and biotope.
Inside, the colour palette is clean, focusing on space and serenity, with pops of vibrancy added by Hopp’s eclectic art collection and striking sculptures from artists such as Lynn Chadwick and Bernar Venet.
Staff are super-friendly, good humoured and attentive – most notably the hotel’s knowledgeable chief concierge Gregory, who took great care to provide us with local recommendations for dining and exploration.
Room
The collection of 115 suites and villas are spacious and serene – think elegant Provencal décor with terracotta tiles mixed with oak furniture. You can expect comfy beds with organic linen; walk-in wardrobes with ample storage space; generously-sized marble bathrooms stocked with amenities from French perfumer Fragonard, plus complimentary high-speed internet, smart TVs and coffee machines.
Our family of four stayed in a premier suite, which was the perfect haven for relaxation and unwinding after a day of activities. Suites and villas have a separate living rooms and secluded private terraces, which are ideal for soaking in the views of the distant medieval villages. Top end villas also come with private pools and Jacuzzis.
Food and drink
Gastronomy is at the centre of life at Terre Blanche and foodies will be spoilt for choice with four on-site restaurants headed by executive chef Christophe Schmitt.
Each eatery showcases the finest Provençal cuisine beautifully presented and prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. From casual al fresco dining to elegant gourmet experiences, guests can savour a variety of flavours and culinary delights.
Remarkable care goes into each dish as the Michelin-starred Le Faventia where you can pick from set menus with several courses. Families will like Le Gaudina – a casual, brasserie-style dining space providing delicious Mediterranean options. It’s also where the epic breakfast buffet featuring local cheeses, fresh baguettes and crepes is served.
Perched by the infinity pool, Le Tousco is a great lunch spot offering light bites like tapas and salads in a laid-back terrace setting.
Do check out the wine cellar which houses over 3,000 bottles including some vintage options and others from local vineyards. You can also book tastings with the in-house sommelier, who will happily guide you through the options and pairings on offer.
Spa
Relaxation awaits at the vast spa, which is a destination in its own right. At the heart is a grand 20-metre indoor pool enveloped by floor-to-ceiling arched windows which allow natural light to flood through. Take a dip in the bubbling outdoor vitality pool where the waft of the surrounding cypress trees fills the air.
If pampering is on the agenda, the spa offers an extensive range of rejuvenating treatments including massages and facials using Swiss brand Valmont and organic line KOS Paris.
For the health conscious – the new personalised detox program provides three days of nutrition, treatments and mental coaching. I went for the Massage Signature De La Ruche which utilises warm beeswax from Provence that melts into a nourishing oil – it was blissful, and one I won’t forget in a hurry.
To do
Guests can pick the pace of their holiday. Ardent golfers will adore Terre Blanche with its two championship golf courses, Le Chateau and Le Riou, designed by renowned Welch architect Dave Thomas. Golfers can test their skills on the immaculately manicured fairways while taking in the breath-taking views of the countryside.
Tennis courts, a fitness centre, and hiking trails, ensure ample opportunities for active pursuits, but those who prefer more relaxing pursuits can chill out by the stunning infinity pool, which is dotted with pretty, wisteria-lined cabanas and views of the soaring hills of Fayence – it’s the perfect spot for a siesta.
If you decide to venture out of the resort, do explore the charming hilltop villages in Pays de Fayence and be sure to have a wander around the local market, which runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. A quick drive from the hotel is the Château d’Esclans – the home of Whispering Angel rosé where you can enjoy a tour and wine tasting. Perfume connoisseurs can pick flowers before crafting their own scent at the nearby Le Clos de Callian.
If you’re looking to do something more lavish, book a helicopter to St Tropez for a spot of lunch or a shopping trip to Cannes.
Family friendly
Terre Blanche ticks all the family friendly boxes. The complimentary kids’ club for three to 12-year-olds, with its own playground offers a range of enriching activities like building bird houses and spending time with the beekeepers.
Aquatic games and treetop adventures are some of the options on the teens programme (for nine to 15-year-olds), which runs during July and August. Aspiring golfers aged five to 17 can learn with the pros at the Albatross Golf Performance Centre and there are two dedicated family pools with swimming lessons on offer.
Fussy eaters are catered for with varied menus and plenty of options including pastas, pizzas, burgers and vegetables, while everything from highchairs to colouring sets are readily available. The expertly thought-out games room is conveniently-located close to most of the restaurants, allowing grown-ups to enjoy leisurely dinners while kids keep themselves entertained with PlayStations, Air Hockey and board games. Trusted babysitters are also at hand if needed.
You’ll have plenty of opportunities for family time, be it golf lessons on the fairway, pedalling around the grounds or horse riding.
In a nutshell
Despite its size, Terre Blanche manages to create a laid-back country club vibe with informal luxury and smooth service. The resort’s facilities and activities offer an unrivalled blend of indulgence, relaxation and wholesome fun that will appeal to everyone from couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers.
Factbox
A deluxe suite, including breakfast, can be booked from £430.
Getting there: Terre Blanche is a 45-minute drive from Nice International Airport and the hotel can arrange transfers to and from the airport. The resort also has a private helipad for helicopter transfers.
Address: 3100 Route de Bagnols-en-Foret, 83440 Tourrettes, Provence-Cote-d-Azur
Phone: +33 (0)4 94 39 90 00
Website: terre-blanche.com
