A completely redesigned 5-star resort in the heart of the Côte d’ Azur, but away from the crowds, with a fully-developed wellness offering and a brand-new spa. That was all it took for Pascal Languillon, Director of Luxe Wellness Club, to go and investigate. Here’s an account of his stay at the Domaine du Mas de Pierre in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
After 18 months of renovation work, Domaine du Mas de Pierre reopened its doors in April 2021 with a number of improvements and extensions. This 5-star resort is a member of Relais & Châteaux and belongs to the Style Feeling Hotels group, which also owns the Grand Hôtel de Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
However, with a bright new 2,000 m² spa, the group has decided to make a big splash, and is proudly displaying its ambition to haveone of the best spas on the Côte d’Azur. I must say, I couldn’t wait to discover it, and fortunately I found it lived up to and even exceeded my expectations.
Set in a beautiful green landscape typical of southeastern France, the estate is made up of 9 bastides scattered over 8 hectares of land, with 2 outdoor swimming pools, and a rarity: a sand-bottomed lagoon surrounded by palm trees, which I found very successful. This artificial lagoon doesn’t have the Disneyland feel I might have feared at first sight, and I could well imagine myself returning to splash around in it with my children in fine weather.
In fact, it’s important to point out that of all the different stays I’ve made in recent years, I’ve found the Domaine du Mas de Pierre to be one of the best hotels that impresses me most for their family-friendliness.. Featuring a playground for young children, as well as soccer pitches, table tennis and 3 trailers with games, the resort boasts one the best Kid’s Clubs in France. A myriad of activities are planned for the little ones, while parents relax by the pool or at the spa. All the more reason to come back with the family…
The hotel cleverly blends the old and the new: the decor pays homage to Provence’s cultural heritage, while rooms are equipped with Ipads for ordering room service or a massage, for example…
I was there at the beginning of December, and it was clear to me that while the Domaine has to look its best in summer, it’s still a very cosy establishment in winter. The warmth of the hotel is reinforced by the friendliness of the staff in all departments. A special mention to Emmanuel, the concierge, who really takes care of everything.
Renovated in 2021, all seventy-six rooms have a terrace or balcony. I was staying in a beautiful deluxe prestige room, in a bastide newly created in 2021, the Bastide Prestige. First pleasant observation: the room was bathed in light, with very large bay windows and a terrace. A glass window in the bathroom also lets in this natural light.
Prestige Deluxe rooms feature a bathroom with double basins, a walk-in shower and a bathtub. Bathroom products are by local brand Fragonard, the famous Grasse perfumer. I found the room to be really comfortable, with quality amenities and a traditional feel to the decor that gives it a certain charm.
A magnificent spa flooded with light
My first obsession when staying in hotels, as a wellness expert, is of course to test out all the spa facilities, and if you’re like me, I suggest you plan a good half-day at the spa .
I started with a deep tissue massage as soon as I arrived, which really helped me relax after an intense week at work. The treatment rooms are really beautiful, equipped with heated massage tables, and the therapist let me choose between different oils specially designed for the Domaine du Mas de Pierre.
Then it’s time to take advantage of all the wet space. The first thing that stands out for me here is the brightness. The spa is flooded with sunlight, from the indoor pool to the relaxation rooms, and that’s something pleasant, and ultimately uncommon in spas.
While the large indoor pool is ideal for swimming, it is primarily designed for relaxation, with multiple hydromassage jets arranged around a central coil. An outdoor Jacuzzi lets you finish loosening your muscles in the fresh morning air.
The hammam/sauna area is also a great success. A window provides a view of the garden from the herbal sauna, removing the claustrophobia of most saunas, and even allowing you to stay a little longer. Another sauna with a salt wall and a Snow Cave make the spa experience fun.
I also loved the multiple relaxation areas, on the first floor and also on the second floor, with deckchairs and waterbeds. Herbal teas and detox teas, an assortment of nuts, apples… everything has been thought out to prolong the healthy parenthesis for as long as possible.
The hotel also boasts a large, well-equipped fitness room , as well as indoor and outdoor yoga studios. A whole team of professionals is available on request: sports coaches, masseurs, relaxation therapists, osteopaths, beauticians, dietician-nutritionists…
The spa offers a range of wellness formulas, accompanied by Provençal dietetic cuisine with lots of vegetables. It also adapts to all special requests to build tailor-made programs .
Contemporary Provencal cuisine
The resort features two restaurants: La Table de Pierre, the gourmet restaurant, and the poolside bistro Lis Orto. The latter is more summery, and was closed during my stay. So I dined at La Table de Pierre, enjoying a delicious food and wine pairing.
After the amuse bouche, as a starter: just-stiffened langoustine, vegetable ravioli and head jus. Main course: Scallops, chard green curry. For dessert: 65% organic chocolate, spiced crumble and hazelnut praline. Finally, herbal teas from the garden served on a cart. A great idea for a presentation!
Suffice it to say that I was delighted with this fresh, tasty cuisine, worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant… and it’s probably only a matter of time before the Guide Michelin comes to reward this establishment.
Those of you who have read my latest reviews will know that I’m a big fan of hotel breakfasts, and once again, the one at Domaine du Mas de Pierre didn’t disappoint. Plenty of healthy options for those who want them, like me, but also all the pastries you could hope for (I even allowed myself a little exception for the occasion).
Our feeling
We won’t beat about the bush: the Domaine du Mas de Pierre now boasts one of the finest spas on the Côte d’Azur, with well-thought-out wellness programs. The hotel also stands out for its excellent catering, its Provencal garden dotted with multiple pools, and its kid-friendly approach. But above all, it’s the energy of the team that makes it one of our favorite addresses in south-east France.
Luxe Wellness Club
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Take advantage of our expertise in wellness breaks and contact us for a personalized quote for Le Domaine du Mas de Pierre Relais & Château.
Rates : From 195 euros per night in low season, excluding breakfast. 3-day wellness packages from 875 euros excluding accommodation, and 5-day packages from 1310 euros excluding accommodation. Upgrade to Luxe Wellness Club (subject to availability on arrival).
Call us for France on +33 1 85 73 22 14, for the USA on +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK on +44 20 4577 3258
