If you’re after something a little more gourmet and have a penchant for seasonal tasting menus with exquisite wine pairings, Michelin-star La Faventina is second to none. Chef Christophe Schmitt whips up the most divine Mediterranean fare presented in a wonderfully artistic way courtesy of Touraine ceramist Magali Barraja who has imagined and created the Arts de la Table. We feasted on the freshest oysters served with seaweed crisp, Provencal ravioli complemented with slithers of fresh cucumber and kiwi, jumbo prawns cooked at the table by Chef Christophe Schmitt himself, fruity pigeon breast (so good I can still taste it) and the softest local Goat’s cheese with sensational local honeys. Our baby was treated to the best seabass of her life (we’re concluding this after she polished off the entire filet, which was skillfully deboned for her by a charming waiter). Ultimately, Terre Blanche proves that you don’t have to miss out on gourmet dining just because you have a little one in tow.
If you can catch a break from said little one, ditch them for a visit to the resort’s impeccable spa (which has won ‘World’s Luxury Golf Resort Spa and Western Europe’s Luxury Hideaway Spa for good reason). The view on arrival is nothing short of breathtaking. With its lavish white pillars, floor-to-ceiling bay windows opening onto the garden and sunshine streaming in through the skylight, the resort’s indoor pool is the very definition of opulence; and perfect Instagram fodder. The sprawling spa houses 12 treatment rooms, a 20 metre indoor pool and a relaxation room. I’d suggest spending a good half day here enjoying the KOS Paris and Valmont treatments, facilities and zen garden. Men can get their own back with a morning on one of the two golf courses (the resort has been voted for the third time “Best Golf Resort in Continental Europe 2021” by Golf World (UK)).
Whilst it may feel in the middle of nowhere, no excursion is too complicated to pull off for the concierge at Terre Blanche. Whether you want to explore the higgledy-piggledy hilltop villages in Pays de Fayence, meet the small local producers, go horse riding or take a helicopter to St Tropez for lunch, no request is too demanding. As a self-proclaimed unofficial Whispering Angel ambassador, I couldn’t leave without making a trip to Chateau d’Esclans – the home of Whispering Angel and the most magical property. We were lucky enough to be treated to a private visit and tasting with the imitable Director of Communications, Thomas Schreckinger, where you’ll learn about Domaines Sacha Lichine’s highly regarded viticulture and wine making practices while taking in the incredible estate, followed by the all-important and very comprehensive tasting of the world-famous pale pink wines. With his acquisition of the Château in 2006, Sacha Lichine’s vision was to create the greatest rosés in the world, igniting the “Rosé Renaissance” – I think it’s safe to say ‘job done’.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.