Who would love it
Those seeking a refined escape where luxury and culture intertwine, especially lovers of art and wine.
Overview of the Hotel
Perched on a hill in the heart of Provence, Villa La Coste is a haven for those who appreciate art, architecture and the finer things in life. This modern luxury retreat is located on the sprawling Château La Coste estate, with its contemporary art installations, vineyards and panoramic views of the Provencal landscape. The hotel blends cutting-edge design with Provençal charm. There is art on every wall of the hotel, including beautiful butterfly works by Damien Hirst when we stayed. We also loved the beach balls that look real but are actually cast in iron!
Number and type of rooms
The hotel offers 28 contemporary Villas and Suites, each designed with sleek, minimalist interiors and an emphasis on natural light. Our suite had a private terrace with stunning views of the vineyard and beyond. Each room is decorated with a neutral palette, focusing on creating a serene space that complements the art and natural surroundings. You walk along leafy internal avenues to get to your suite.
Do
Art trail
We spent a full day exploring over 40 contemporary artworks and installations by world-renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois and Damien Hirst. The estate’s gallery buildings are themselves works of art, designed by some of the world’s most renowned architects including Tadao Ando, Richard Rogers and Jean Nouvel.
You can choose to explore the trail at their own pace via a self-guided tour, as we did. Or, for deeper insight, you can opt for a guided tour to learn the stories behind each piece and the architectural marvels nestled among the Provencal vineyards and olive groves. Our highlights included Prune Nourry’s sculpture Mater Earth, inspired by a bathing pregnant woman (below left) and several huge sculptures by Damien Hirst (below right).
To note, you can do an art tour even if you are not splashing out on a stay at Villa La Coste, with more info here.
Wine tasting
We also enjoyed a wine tasting at the estate’s winery, where we sampled Château La Coste’s rosé, red and white wines, all crafted using organic techniques. The tasting experience allows guests to learn about the vineyard’s unique terroir and winemaking philosophy while enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
Dining
Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste
This Michelin-starred restaurant at the hotel offers a gastronomic journey, set against the stunning backdrop of Provence. The dining room features a refined yet intimate atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to stream in. We were able to dine on the pretty, candle-lit terrace. Darroze’s cuisine is a celebration of local Provencal ingredients, prepared with a modern and creative touch. To note, we enjoyed our dinner but were not wowed, missing some creative flair and more exciting flavours given the big-ticket price.
Tadao Ando Restaurant
Located within the art-filled Château La Coste estate, the Tadao Ando Restaurant is as much about the setting as it is the food. Set in a striking pavilion designed by the famed architect, this restaurant offers a light, contemporary menu featuring Mediterranean flavours.
Vanina
We enjoyed this more casual Italian dining option, sitting on a pretty terrace down in the busier part of the estate which has the feel of a Provencal village. Wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and seasonal Italian dishes use locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding region.
Terrace restaurant
The Terrace restaurant near reception is where we started our days in style, enjoying breakfast while soaking in panoramic views of the estate’s vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields. The extensive breakfast menu included fresh pastries, local cheeses, seasonal fruits and house-made jams.
Grounds
The sprawling grounds of Villa La Coste are a celebration of art and nature. You can stroll through the vineyard, dotted with contemporary sculptures by renowned artists such as Richard Serra and Louise Bourgeois as explained earlier. You really do feel fully immersed in the beauty of the Provençal countryside.
Spa
The Villa La Coste Spa offers a serene, holistic wellness experience that mirrors the hotel’s minimalist elegance. On our last visit, we were treated to a deeply restorative massage by Candy, one of the spa’s most skilled therapists and worth checking if she is still there when you visit!
Price
The average room rate at Villa La Coste starts at c.€975 per night* for the entry-level suites during low season, with rates almost doubling during peak season. So, very pricey but for a special occasion like the one we were celebrating, this was a place that delivered a bang for the many bucks, with the high-end accommodations, stunning views, world-class dining and a unique, immersive art experience.
*Prices accurate when we last checked, but do confirm directly with the hotel when booking
