Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa
2490 Ave. des Templiers, Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, 06140
Carved into a hillside on the French Riviera, the Château Saint-Martin & Spa’s first life was as a 12th-century Knights Templar fortress. Now a five-star hotel, this spectacular 34-acre property revels in offering its guests high-class serenity, from its chateau guestrooms and Provencal-style villas to caviar massages and honey-lavender spa treatments to the surrounding olive groves and landscaped terraces built for wandering.
The basics
Some visitors book a stay at the Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa to wander amongst Aubusson and Gobelins tapestries and sleep in medieval towers; others come for the Michelin-restaurant experience and to sip rosé on their private, French-doored terraces; still, others come for the spa, time poolside in a private cabana, or simply to take in the views across the Cote d’Azur, slowly and over days. This historic property manages to strike a balance between comfort and country and sophistication and serenity.
Things to know before you go
With only 46 rooms and four hillside villas, the hotel can book up; make your reservation well in advance.
Don’t close your wallet immediately—this spot routinely runs less expensive than its five-star siblings.
Kids will be kept busy between the pool and the highly explorable grounds.
Breakfast and Wi-Fi come complimentary.
How to get there
If you have no use for the hotel’s helipad, Nice, Cannes, and Antibes are about 40 minutes by car. Unfortunately, the closest train station to St. Paul de Vence is Cagnes Sur Mer, about a 15-minute drive away. Of course, you could always hail a taxi or book a private driver from any of the cities mentioned above.
When to get there
Like anywhere on the French Riviera, summer will mean sunny, warm weather—with higher prices and bigger crowds. If you’re not a fan of one or both of those, consider booking your chateau stay in spring or fall, when temperatures are still mild, local businesses are open, and you can easily enjoy the surrounding naturescapes.
Nowhere and everywhere to explore
With so much to do, the chateau almost doubles as an all-inclusive. You could spend your time playing tennis, floating in the infinity pool, gawking at 18th-century artwork, sipping southern French wines, hunting for Crusader ruins, and more. That being said, the arty village of St. Paul is only 10 minutes away by car, and “authentic” Vence is even closer. This property makes a great base to explore the off-beaten path.
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