France has always been the land of indulgence—but when you slow the pace and plan with intention, it transforms into a wellness sanctuary for the soul.
We designed a recent 10-night itinerary for a couple seeking quiet, comfort, and connection—with each day centered around relaxation, sensory joy, and scenic simplicity. The destinations? Provence, Aix-en-Provence, and the French Riviera. Each location served a purpose in their wellness reset.
Provence: Lavender Fields & Stillness
The journey began in Les Baux-de-Provence, where guests checked into Domaine de Manville, a five-star eco-resort surrounded by olive trees, vineyards, and lavender. This was all about grounding. Think: forest walks, slow breakfasts on the terrace, and a spa experience rooted in Provençal botanicals. One evening included a candlelit yoga class in a restored barn. Another was spent tasting local rosé with a sommelier—because yes, that counts as wellness too.
We built in free time for local markets, art galleries, and long naps. No one had to check a schedule. Transfers were private. Dinner reservations were pre-arranged. It was seamless.
Aix-en-Provence: Culture & Calm
Next stop: Aix, one of France’s most charming university towns. Guests stayed at Villa Saint-Ange, a boutique property just outside the city center with a garden pool and refined, quiet elegance.
Here, the itinerary combined light cultural immersion with serious relaxation. A private walking tour of Cézanne’s studio. A spa afternoon with a clay wrap and lymphatic massage. A cheese and wine pairing led by a local expert in a 17th-century wine cellar. We capped it with a cooking class in the countryside where they learned to make ratatouille and lavender crème brûlée.
The Riviera: Sunshine & the Sea
The final days were spent in Èze, a hilltop village overlooking the Mediterranean, where they stayed at the Château de la Chèvre d’Or—a Relais & Châteaux property with panoramic views, cliffside dining, and an aromatic garden that smelled like rosemary, citrus, and sea air.
The pace here was intentionally lazy. Slow breakfasts. Light reading. A private boat day off the coast of Cap Ferrat. Their final evening was spent enjoying an oceanview massage, followed by dinner under the stars. Not a single rushed moment.
Why It Worked
When we plan luxury wellness travel, we don’t just plug in hotel names. We design intentional movement through regions, giving each destination a role in the traveler’s emotional and physical reset. And it’s proven to work.
According to a 2023 study in Travel + Leisure, 83% of travelers reported feeling more emotionally balanced after a trip that combined nature, cultural immersion, and downtime (T+L, 2023). The European Travel Commission also reports a growing preference for “slow travel”—fewer stops, longer stays, and deeper experiences—especially among affluent travelers seeking meaning, not just luxury (ETC, 2022).
What made this trip stress-free?
- Every transfer was private and pre-booked
- Spa services were scheduled in advance based on flight times
- Each day had one experience + one optional enhancement
- Concierge-level support was available throughout
- No rental cars, no guesswork, no overwhelm
Luxury isn’t just about where you go. It’s how you move through it.
If you’re ready to slow down and start soaking in the relaxation you deserve, click here to start the planning process with us.
