The bijoux La Reserve group opened this property in in the South of France in 2008. The hotel's USP - apart from space and relentless luxury - is a serious spa, the only one in France to offer treatments using the fabulous but punishingly expensive Crème de la Mer products.

The hotel has been designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte to exploit its spectacular location in a secluded bay.

A stone platform, traversing the entrance and lobby forms an observation deck that overlooks the sea, and at the same time creates the illusion that the hotel is hovering above the Mediterranean.

The décor is hip, with cream and beige walls giving a gently rustic feel, emphasised by the lush greenery surrounding the hotel, and gentle fountains scattered throughout.

There are just 23 rooms and suites, each with a south facing terrace or private garden, and each with a huge bathroom featuring Jacuzzi bath tub and rainfall shower. There is also lots of storage space and a complimentary mini-bar.

The treatments on offer include hydrotherapy, fangotherapy (a mud treatment) and detoxifying and anti-ageing programmes.

There's an indoor pool with jet lanes, an outdoor pool, steam bath, fitness centre and a team of experts who tailor treatments and exercise to suit individual clients.

Dinner is served on a canopied terrace. A basket of fresh baked bread arrives while you choose from a menu featuring plenty of fish dishes, including sumptuous grilled sea bass with a side dish of carefully sculpted mounds of fresh vegetables. Breakfast is an impressive array of home-made breads, jams, yoghurts and cereals, as well as cooked dishes from an a la carte menu.

Rates: from 400€/£352
Tel: 0033 494 449444