Domaine du Mas De Pierre, France

Over the years we visit quite soms hotels and resorts. All of them unique in their own kind, but sometimes we come across a destination with just a little extra. For our trip to the South of France we nominate our stay at the Domaine du Mas de Pierre near the city of Nice as one of the highlights for this year so far. Indeed, it is luxurious and offers all the amenities you aspect from a five-star resort, but what really strikes us was its innovative approach to hospitality. What to think of a swimming lagoon with real beach, tailormade escape-room and a dedicated sport field to indulge active kids.

But let us start at the beginning. Just a 20-minute drive from Nice airport we find the Domaine du Mas de Pierre. The hotel is gated and secure, we need to ring the reception to enter the property. After following the short driveway, a valet parks our car and takes care of the luggage thereafter while we are being welcomed in the most gracious way.

The lush property spends over eight hectares and is part of the renowned Relais & Châteaux portfolio. Its seventy-six rooms and suites all have a private outdoor area and are distributed among nine authentic Provençal bastides. The complete property was totally overhauled, renovated, and extended less than one year ago and the result is stunning. All buildings are surrounded by an exceptionally beautiful fragrant garden with many exuberant flowers. There are people working here who clearly have a passion for gardening. If you request the head gardener will take you for a tour along centenary olive trees, an orchid greenhouse, vegetable garden and a magnificent scent garden. Overall, they have created small seating areas where you can quietly sit down with a book or simply take a nap. Free roaming white pigeons add to the romantic feel.

Our family suite consists of two tastefully decorated bedrooms, two bathrooms and an entry hall. Both rooms are spacious and have a balcony with a formidable view of the hotel's vegetable garden and the surrounding mountains and villages. Waiting for us in the room are some welcome amenities and a handwritten welcomes note.

As mentioned, one of the highlights of the Domaine du Mas de Pierre is the Lagoon pool. Unique in its sort it is a genuine oasis, hidden under the palm trees, with its adjoining beach, waterfalls, and slides. All together it creates a fantastic island atmosphere. After the big waterfall, children have a dedicated play area with a 10-meter-long slide. At the edge of the Lagoon, a straw hut bar serves its selection of (non-alcoholic) cocktails and lights snacks. Also, the place where we enjoy an incredibly fun cocktail mixing workshop.

The semi-personalised activities are also something that really sets this resort apart. Activity manager Pascal is a real hero when it comes to creating experiences that really add something to our stay. For example, he designed four different escape rooms to be planned in one of the hotel rooms. With the four of us we have an hour of great fun while trying to solve several puzzles to ‘escape’ from the room. The whole game is out together very cleverly and brings together different level of challenges, so all ages can participate. The very first time in many stays that we encounter this innovative idea.

Apart from the organised activities the Domaine du Mas de Pierre is a real paradise for children. Besides the Lagoon Pool, there is another large pool in the centre of the property. As it is heated it is usable every day, even when is rains which really adds to the fun. For the really chilly days there is also an indoor pool at the 2000 m² spa, which we suggest you check out as it also offers a hammam, saunas and an ice room. To top it all out of sight there is even a third pool reserved for adults. Making this resort the ideal destination for both singles, couples and families.

Younger kids can enrol in the dedicated kids club. Three authentic caravans equipped with kitchen, bathroom and rest area create a private getaway surrounded by a 150m2 playground. Everything is themed around Alice in Wonderland. For older kids there is the very well-equipped sports field offering archery, basketball, table tennis, badminton, soccer and all other activities. Adults can blow steam off at the 180 m² fitness centre with Technogym and Kinesis equipment to exercises at your own page. Or join in at one of the weekly training sessions such as: Yoga, Pilates, stretching, aqua biking, aqua boxing, aqua training, etc., etc. Or just take it easy at the pentaquin field with a glass of wine at hand.

The resort is close to the beautiful local town Saint Paul De Vence. Medieval walls encircle narrow streets and capture the heritage of more than a thousand years. Count Raymond Berengarius V of Provence granted the pre-existing small settlement of Saint Paul several privileges in 1227, including the right to hold a market. After World War II, Saint Paul was discovered by the film world. Yves Montand and Simone Signoret celebrated their wedding anniversary at La Colombe d'Or. In 1970, James Baldwin settled in Saint Paul in a house at the foot of the ramparts. His house became a meeting place for friends who came to the Côte d'Azur for musical events. American painter Beauford Delaney considered Baldwin's home his second home. Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier were regular guests.

The village of Saint-Paul de Vence today harbours countless treasures within its ramparts. Take the time to seek them out around a corner, behind a fountain, at the foot of a bastion. Explore the pedestrian streets of Saint-Paul de Vence and immerse yourself the village's history and heritage. A free shuttle will take you there. Or if money is not an object you can choose to be chauffeured in the Hotels cabriolet Rolls Royce to wherever you like to go. As little more tuned down option is hiring one of the Fiat 500’s or electric bikes. You can also book a two-hour guided family tour to town. For this treasure hunt, children will receive a game booklet that will allow them to discover Saint-Paul-de-Vence in a fun way. At the end of the game, the guide will take you to the top of the defensive wall. There, you will enjoy the wonderful view over the countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

Other private and guided tours can also be arranged. For example, a half-day trip to the charming village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup where you will experience the essence of the France aperitive. Combined with a visit to a museum dedicated to a delicious edible flower, an introduction to goat cheese making and a tasting of locally brewed beers and lemonade. Or discover the highlights of Monaco. A guide will tell you all about the exciting history of the Principality. Explore the inside of the Cathedral, with its peculiar architecture the final resting place of the American actress-turned-Princess Grace Kelly. And of course, do visit the highly recommended Oceanographic Museum. Sailing fans can opt for an outing on a small luxury yacht discovering the Bay of Angels and the Lérins Island. While on route you and the children can enjoy a variety of different water activities and toys.

Beside all this the Domaine du Mas de Pierre has an excellent choice of restaurants. The restaurant La Table de Pierre is a more formal place with an open kitchen and a fantastic cuisine, executed by a talented team of cooks, worthy of a Michelin star. The restaurant Lis Orto, besides the main pool is more down to earth and a great option for families. We enjoy our grilled squid with Milanese risotto and parsley, homemade ice creams and delicious lemon cakes. For a night cap we settle on the main terrace besides Le Bar. The perfect place for a glass of wine, cocktail, or fresh coffee in the morning.

For a few days we live as kings in France!

WOW

# Domaine du Mas de Pierre offers luxury comfort in a relaxed atmosphere and a sense of ‘being at home.’

# It is very family friendly but has areas which are adult only to suit everyone’s wishes. The love the innovative activities here.

# The eight hectares of enchanting gardens are something very specially and adds to the overall feeling of tranquillity.