If you want to treat yourself to a dose of sheer, undiluted five-star luxury, there are few places as well-equipped to administer it as Le Mas Candille. Sitting atop a hill in the ancient village of Mougins, so self-contained and private is the former farmhouse, that you’ll probably only see it as you drive in and out.
The rooms are spread across three different buildings, and range from the modest, but still pretty luxe-y, classic to the seriously extravagant suites. (Best of all, though, are those with mountain views.) All categories are broadly modern in style and classically decorated with deep carpets and deeper pillows, all neutral tones with splashes of colour. The bathrooms are equally understated yet polished.
The grounds of Le Mas Candille are huge - all perfectly manicured gardens and olive groves which the staff zoom through on golf buggies - and perfect for pottering around in on languorous southern French afternoons. There’s also a Shiseido Spa where you can treat yourself to everything from facials and manicures to back massages.
But in some ways all this is just a pleasant preamble to the main draw at Le Mas Candille: the hotel’s Le Candille restaurant. Pricey it may be, but being presented with the opportunity to try Serge Gouloumes’ Michelin-starred cooking while looking out over the pre-Alps in the distance is simply too good to pass up.
What’s hot?
- The view over the mountains and valley below
- Michelin-starred restaurant Le Candille
- The incredibly friendly and helpful staff
What’s not?
- The dining options are limited if you’re a vegetarian
Need to Know: Le Mas Candille
Number of rooms: 46
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 12noon
Room service: Yes. Available 24 hours
Swimming pool: Yes. There are two swimming pools
Spa: Yes. There’s a spa and wellness centre with a sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish/steam bath, hammam and solarium.
Dogs welcome: Yes. Pets are allowed on request but charges may be applicable
Eating and drinking: The in-house restaurant, Le Candille, has earned itself a Michelin star thanks to the stellar work of celebrity chef Serge Gouloumes. Don’t leave without giving it a try.
Near to? The village of Mougins (in which Picasso spent 15 years of his life) spirals up above the hotel – it’s worth making time to have a walk round its winding streets and checking out the impressive array of little galleries and artists’ studios. If you’re in need of something a bit more bustling and cosmopolitan, Cannes is only a 15 minute drive away.
Getting there: Nice airport is just 30 minutes or so away from Le Mas Candille, and there are always plenty of taxis and hire cars available on arrival.
COMMENTS
