Provence has a reputation. Call it the "A Year in Provence" effect, brought about by Peter Mayle's 1989 best-selling book that put this scenic region in southeastern France on the radar of mainstream America. Or maybe it began much earlier, with Van Gogh's colorful portrayals of the sun-drenched Provencal countryside.
Either way, visitors to Domaine de Manville, a five-star resort in Les Baux-de-Provence, will likely have some idea of what to expect: olive trees, vineyards, rose wine and an atmosphere fit for a romantic getaway.
What they may not be expecting is a resort that caters to children with as much attention to detail as it does its honeymoon, golf and spa guests.
In fact, Domaine de Manville, a Virtuoso member, is that rare breed of luxury European property that not only tolerates children but welcomes them, with a Kids Club, activities families can do together and dedicated excursions for small fries.
The hotel, which opened in March 2015, is situated on 250 acres of prime Provencal real estate near Avignon and is within walking distance of the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux.
Formerly a sheep farm, the property's transformation into a luxury hotel included the creation of 30 guestrooms and suites and nine private villas, a golf course designed by Thierry Sprecher and a full-service spa.
The hotel’s central courtyard includes seating for the Bistrot restaurant. Photo Credit: Felicity Long
At first glance, the resort looks like the typical setting for a French movie. Ancient-looking stone buildings are organized around a central courtyard with an outdoor pool, fountains and cafe seating juxtaposed with several modern glass structures that house the bar and the spa and, most notably, the winter garden restaurant, one of three eateries on the property.
Cuisine is a key ingredient in the Domaine de Manville experience, and it's clear after sampling the tasting menu at the gastronomic La Table restaurant that executive chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal is looking for his first Michelin star. The menu showcases his talent with inventive takes on blue lobster from France's Brittany region, rabbit paired with foie gras and artichokes with Champagne and caviar.
A sommelier is on hand to offer wine pairings, and he notices which wines guests respond to and applies that to his suggestions the next day.
Families looking for a more relaxed dining experience can have lunch or dinner at the indoor/outdoor casual Bistrot, which has its own bar. Breakfast and brunch are served either alfresco in the courtyard or in the glassed-in winter garden, complete with sparkly lights, huge mirrors and quixotic art pieces.
A Domaine de Manville junior suite.
The guestrooms and suites overlook the courtyard and come equipped with Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi and, in most cases, balconies or terraces.
The three-bedroom villas (one has a fourth bedroom on the ground floor) feature gourmet kitchens, multiple sitting rooms and washers and dryers. Not surprisingly, they are very popular with families as well as with couples traveling together, according to general manager Andrew Spearman.
Of course, being family-friendly doesn't mean that children are underfoot year-round. The typical guests are couples looking for a romantic getaway, Spearman said, but that shifts toward families and multigenerational groups during the Christmas and August holiday seasons.
Golfers are also an important market, he said, but stressed that the property is not a golf course with a hotel but rather the reverse.
"In a normal year, about 20% to 25% of our guests are from the U.S., and most of them come in June through September," Spearman said, adding that guests from the U.S. typically come for the culture rather than for golf.
Breakfast and brunch can be served in the enclosed winter garden.
As to what children can do on property, the Kids Club activities include making preserves from fruit they pick themselves, learning songs in different languages, dancing, rock painting, playing sports and watching movies in the private theater off the main bar.
Kids can also take golf lessons, go cycling or join Mom and Dad at the indoor pool at the spa, which also offers a hammam, sauna and a menu of treatments using locally produced products.
Off-property excursions include visits to the village and castle at Les Baux and to Carrieres de Lumieres, an annual sound-and-light show dramatically projected onto the face of a nearby quarry.
Unlike most other resorts in Provence, Domaine de Manville is open year-round, and guests can golf all year, thanks to the region's mild climate. The Kids Club is open every day from June 1 to Sept. 30 and during holidays.
Family packages are available that include transfers from Avignon; access to the Kids Club and the cinema; and breakfasts. Rates for two adults and two children start at about $545 per night in a family suite duplex; $885 per night in a villa.
See www.domainedemanville.fr/en.