Château Saint-Martin & Spa

Vence

Vence, perched above the sea on a jagged limestone rock mountain, continues to charm its visitors. The city’s remarkable light, its ideal location, mild climate and majestic baou mountains have for centuries inspired religious artists, sculptors, painters including Chagall, Matisse, Dubuffet and Soutine and writers such as Mistral and Pagnol all of whom have immortalized this still intact region in their work.

Once the ancient Roman city of Vintium and the bishopric and Seigneurey of Villeneuve, Vence has a long and fascinating history. Surrounded by ramparts, it possesses an exceptional heritage as exemplified by the Peyra Fountain, the remarkable Matisse chapel and the cathedral of Notre-Dame of the Nativity. Strolling through the narrow winding streets, one discovers arched passageways and beautiful sculpted doors on the old stone houses.

In this medieval city, the air is perfumed with rosemary and lavender. From a distance, we can admire the countryside with hills of olive and citrus fruit trees, white and green oaks and Aleppo pines giving the region a wild, natural charm in all seasons, as well an incomparable panoramic view.

A chic, discreet and romantic retreat

Built on the ruins of a 12^th century Templar fortress, the Château Saint-Martin & Spa is nestled at the foot of the famous Baou des Blancs, standing on a 14 hectare property with uninterrupted views of the blue Mediterranean as well as spectacular panoramas of the Southern Alps.

This exceptional hotel, opened in 1958, has kept the immense door of the former commandery and the ruins of a few walls. The park surrounding the chateau was designed by the celebrated landscape artist, Jean Mus.

A swimming pool, lanes and restanque terraces were created around the centuries old olive trees. Perfectly integrated into its environment, the building was restored by the renowned contemporary architect, Luc Svetchine.

The interior décor, in the spirit of a chateau, is the work of the owner, Maja Oetker. Louis XV and Louis XVI style furniture, Aubusson and Gobelins tapestries, 18^th century clocks and Persian and Turkish rugs give each part of the chateau the impression of a journey through time.

We find the same 18th century inspired style in the 52 rooms and suites. They each possess refined fabrics, oakwood parquet floors or a thick carpet and a pink marble bathroom. Only the tones vary from one room to another. They are all elegant and refined with a warm and cozy atmosphere and a balcony or  terrace with a superb view of the Mediterranean.

In the park, we find 6 sumptuous private villas offering guests total privacy. They are decorated in the same style as the rooms in the chateau with Louis XV and XVI furniture and Pierre Frey fabrics inspired by classical styles. Nestled in the Baou, on a private and guarded property, the villas are the preferred refuge of the stars.

The Château Saint-Martin’s spa proposes prestigious Sisley treatments in cabins dug into the side of a cliff that opens onto the horizon. Children who want to accompany their parents are welcome and can share these moments of relaxation since the spa has developed a program especially designed for them.

Excellence is the key word once again in the hotel’s two restaurants directed by the talented chef, Jean-Luc Lefrançois. In summer, guests can have lunch at the Oliveraie, in the shadow of the park’s centuries old olive trees and in the midst of the delicious aroma of the roses. In the evening, dinner is served in the comfortable Saint-Martin where Jean-Luc Lefrançois readapts the great classics of French cuisine.

In this land of light and color, adventure seeking guests will leave to explore the region’s magnificent historical treasures. Of course, if one is more inclined to simply sit back and relax, it’s entirely possible to spend the day alongside the superb infinity swimming pool. Surrounded by centuries old olive trees, it possesses an elegant bar where guests have a choice of numerous original and refreshing cocktails.