I first learned about the new spa at La Coquillade,  a superb five star luxury hotel in Provence,  while having a massage there. Usually, when you have a massage, it’s all done in silence but my masseuse (who was very good by the way) was in the mood for a chat.

She told me that there would be 35 more bedrooms in addition to the 26 that were there in the summer of 2013, date of our stay.

The review below is therefore based on our experience before the brand new spa or the additional rooms. I hope that the hotel managed to retain what Mr Big and I really liked about La Coquillade: that you could have all the luxury of bigger estates (3 restaurants including a Michelin star one, a big pool, room service, bike rentals…) with the smaller touches of a normal size hotel.  With 63 rooms, the atmosphere may be different.

Talking about atmosphere, what makes La Coquillade special is it’s wonderful setting (an old hamlet which has been restored and sits on top of a hill overlooking the Lubéron park) and its staff. They are all utterly professional but more importantly very friendly and down to earth.

Details

• 63 rooms
• 4 family suites sleeping up to 2 adults and 3 children.
• From 300 Euros

Website

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My tips for your family holidays

• If you can afford it, try to book room 603.  It is away from the main buildings with a garden and amazing views as well as a private jacuzzi. Children can sleep in a separate lounge.
• We had room 604, also separate from the main building but without as nice a view. The little corner in the lounge for Mademoiselle to sleep in was nice. Overall, though, the decor of the room is not up to the standard of the rest of the hotel (room photos at the end of this post).
• Families with younger ones should get to the pool early to secure the cabana with toddler pool, your own private place to relax while keeping an eye on the kids playing in water.
• The “Bistro dans les vignes” is superb and you should ask for one of the corner tables that has the best views. The italian restaurant is perfect for kids with its choice of pizza and pasta.
• Book a babysitter to enjoy a romantic gastronomic diner in the Michelin star restaurant. The food was delicious and it’s so nice to walk back to your room in the balmy evenings.
• Mademoiselle didn’t find many friends to play with. Mid summer probably sees more families with children (we were there at the end of August).
• Mademoiselle though loved the small tube of smarties that came with the bed turn service ! [/themify_box]