Capelongue

Character and identity

Set on five hilly acres above Bonnieux in the Lubéron, Capelongue presents itself as a resurrected Provencal hamlet of weathered stone, cypresses, sheepfold and dovecote, though the buildings were actually constructed a decade ago and recently reimagined by French architects Jaune under the Beaumier group. Across 57 rooms and 19 suites, the design language runs to whitewashed walls, terra-cotta tiles, rattan, ceramic jugs and earth tones. Two restaurants anchor the food: the Michelin-starred La Bastide and the rustic garden bistro La Bergerie. Two stone pools edged with lavender, a spa using Kalmar products, a generous library and an all-day café fill the rest. Service is friendly and unbuttoned rather than starched.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The pull here is a coherent, locally-rooted Provencal experience: two strong restaurants, a calm spa, and architecture that feels older than it is, at rates gentler than the region's grand dames. Book the circular pigeonnier tower suite if you can stretch, otherwise a junior suite with valley views. Late summer catches the sunset dessert service at La Bergerie at its best.