Review: Capenlogue
Capenlogue review - in a sentence:
An achingly chic, luxe re-imagination of the Provençal country retreat.
Design: 5/5
The Beaumier group took over the previous iteration of the Capenlongue hotel a few years ago, and set about lovingly restoring it. If - like me - you’ve drooled over any of their other properties (including one of the absolute stand-out hotels in the Riviera, Les Roches Rouges) you’ll know that this means good things will come!
The design scheme at Capenlongue is SO distinctive and cohesive. Ochre and terracotta tones dominate throughout the hotel, in an apt nod to the history of the region.
Given muted brown tones are the order of the day, it would be easy for the feel to be too earthy, but the design scheme expertly blends rustic with modern elements. Pops of colour, modern artwork and design-forward lighting and furniture are peppered throughout, and finishes are to a HIGH standard.
The overall effect is very, very polished but there’s a really homely and unpretentious quality, too. I absolutely adored it!
Rooms are superbly appointed and come with every little knick knack you could think of on top of the usuals - a fancy Bang & Olufsen speaker, your own hairbrush, and even an umbrella!
Outside is just as good as inside. There are several outdoor eating areas to make the most of the sun-drenched geography, and the grounds and gardens are immaculately kept, winding you down to the star of the show - the gorgeous pool area.
But one of the best, BEST features of this gorgeous property is its sweeping views of the Luberon valley. Check out this snap of the view from the dining room…
Food & drink: 5/5
Gastronomy is at the heart of the experience of Capenlongue. Everything we had - from the boujiest club sandwich ever with icy-cold, dry rosé on arrival, to classic and life-giving French cuisine - was 10/10.
But it’s breakfast, here, which needs a MAJOR shout-out! Up there with the best hotel brekkies I’ve ever had, it’s a luxurious, multi-course affair where as many components are handmade and hyper-local (i.e. from the estate) as possible. It was the little touches that I particularly appreciated, such as the hand-strained yoghurt (SO thick and creamy) and the seasonal fruit, which our v cheery (…you may know that can be a rarity in France!) waitress announced was hand-picked that morning.
The setting makes your dining experience extra-special, too. The main dining room is a stunning, Provence-meets-Bali inspired space - all ochre linens, reeded cabinetry and rattan lampshades. The outside terraces are equally elegant; we loved nursing a glass of something cold on the sun-dappled terrace, or - even better - dining in a quiet corner of the garden, surrounded by the hum of bees among the lavender. Absolute HEAVEN!
While the food is excellent, I won’t pretend it is cheap - but then, as I later found out, Le Bastide (the fancier restaurant on-site) was actually awarded a Michelin star, so, go figure.
Location: 4/5
Couldn’t be better! You’re deep in the heart of Provence, here. In fact I chose to stay at Capenlongue because some of the prettiest Provençal villages are particularly close by, including Roussillon, Gordes and Lourmarin.
Capenlongue is around a 10 minute walk to Bonnieux village, itself, where there are a smattering of eateries and bars in case you want to venture out for dinner - but be warned that it’s a very hilly route, so keep the heels at home!
To-do: 3/5
Capenlongue is an ideal base for exploring the picture-perfect perched villages of the Luberon valley. You’ve got some of the prettiest villages in Provence, right on your doorstep.
Should you find it hard to tear yourself away from the hotel (I wouldn’t blame you!) the pool area is made for lounging elegantly, complete with outdoor bar area.
There is even a cute on-site library. Anywhere I can poke my nose in a book will always get my vote!
Reasons to book:
Up there for me as one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at in terms of sense of place
Super luxurious - loads of lovely little touches
Gorgeous, very cohesive design scheme
PERFECT location for exploring the Luberon valley
Any negatives?
Honestly struggling to think of any!
The final word:
The best hotel I stayed in throughout my south of France trip, hands-down. I LOVED it and I would race back! I also found it was pretty good value for money compared to some of the other swanky Provence hotels.