Here’s an hotel that takes you away from the buzz at the heart of St-Rémy and entices you down a quiet side street to a handsome 19th century mas. The extensive gardens are an oasis of tranquillity. Calming fountains play in the bassin above the splendid, discreetly-hidden pool.
Unwind gently on the well-tended lawns or on the terrace of your ground floor room, kept semi-private by a tall laurel hedge. They share the same Provencal décor as the first floor accommodations and original touches abound, just as they do in the co-owned Mas des Romarins in Gordes (qv).
Given the location (about 15 minutes’ rather dull walk out of town), the restaurant at the Carassins is inevitably a ‘residents only’ affair; hence you are offered a decent, four-course menu served either al fresco or, on cooler evenings, in the dining room which can get a tad claustrophobic.
For those who prefer more choice, St-Rémy has a myriad of restaurants. Most guests, however, opt to stay put and savour a pre-dinner aperitif on the terrace, inhaling the beguiling fragrance of lavender, thyme and citrus when in flower. The welcome is informal - viz reception is a table adorned with the essentials: a computer and a glass of chilled rosé. But don’t be deceived. This bonhomie hides an accomplished professionalism – and the two together make a winning combination.