Hôtel Crillon le Brave - Provence

"Regulars at this rambling, extraordinary place at the foot of Mont Ventoux will know that the seven stone houses Crillon le Brave occupies once formed part of a prosperous hillside settlement, abandoned after World War II. Swiss and American second-homers snapped up the lovely buildings in the 1970s, and hotelier Peter Chittick and his now wife converted their first property in 1989. Robin and Judy Hutson (of Hotel du Vin and The Pig) joined as investors years ago, and Judy redesigned many of the rooms during a recent refurbishment, giving them a lighter, distinctly seaside-y feel. Bedroom, suites and houses are all connected by passageways and courtyards. La Tour, aka Room 33, is one of the most thrilling, with twin bathtubs, a tower-top terrace and an arched window looking out over the olive groves and vineyards. —Sophie Dening" - Lanie Goodman, Sarah James

"A charming hotel located in Crillon-le-Brave offering a picturesque stay in the Provence countryside." - Monica Mendal

"How did it strike you on arrival?The property occupies virtually all of a 17th-century village perched in the foothills of the Mont Ventoux. Eight wonkily interlinked yet grand houses ramble around a terrace and pool with astonishing views—all Old World charmm from their stone foundations to their tiled rooftops. Sounds lovely. What’s the crowd like?European and American families and empty nesters, blue-chip cycling enthusiasts, and Crillon regulars who’ve observed the hotel’s gradual metamorphosis from cult eyrie to celebrated classic. How was check-in, getting to your room, and all that? Check-in is eased by superb home-made snacks in the unusually enjoyable hotel boutique. Check-out can be busy, so pre-arrange with staff. Tech is unobtrusive. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I was in a suite in Maison Roche, decorated in soft blues and greys, with traditional tommette tiles on the floors—which are cool in summer, authentic to the region, and the most rustic feature of rooms that are otherwise contemporary classic. The bathrooms are huge, with walk-in showers and covetable fittings. Extremely fine bed linens, and total peace and privacy. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The paintings in my suite were still-lifes and landscapes by celebrated local artist Julian Merrow-Smith. A bowl of delectable fresh fruit was a nice touch. Room service and food: Worth it?High-end dining, deploying local and seasonal produce, such as Cavaillon melon, Carpentras strawberries, and Caromb figs, in the restaurant; regional classics in the cozy bistrot; breakfast and drinks in the café-bar. All al fresco in balmy weather. Do jump at the chance of a wine tasting with the sommelier, and drink local as much as you can. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The spa is a fairly recent addition, now deservedly renowned, and I had an excellent, sensitive massage when heavily pregnant. The pool is often fairly busy with younger guests, so it’s great to be shown a child-free sunbathing nook off to one side. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Worth it for the elevated location, the views, and the sense of secrecy. Also, this is a hotel that is always evolving, so there’s usually something new to come back to." - Sophie Hargan

"This hideaway in the foothills of the Mont Ventoux in Provence is more than an idyllic getaway. It aims to connect travelers to the heart of the picturesque 17th-century village it’s named after, Crillon-le-Brave. The hotel is made up of nine interlocking stone houses enveloped in fragrant climbing plants, and they’re connected by intimate squares and cobblestone alleyways. The 17 rooms, 17 suites, and private house were designed by Tunisian architect Charles Zana with a Provençal flavor and a residential feel: terra-cotta tiles, exposed wooden beams, antique furnishings, embroidered throw pillows and curtains, and a soft color palette. There isn’t a mediocre view from any guest room, restaurant (there are two on-site dining options), or pool lounger: The Vaucluse’s vineyards and olive groves below are omnipresent. When guests aren’t off strolling the footpaths beneath the village, cycling Mont Ventoux, or relaxing by the pool, they might enjoy the Tata Harper spa, which occupies the estate’s former 18th-century vaulted stables." - Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin

"Nestled in Provence is Hôtel Crillon Le Brave, a place so stunning that just one picture tells you exactly how it came to score a 96.84 on this year’s T+L reader survey. “The place is outstanding,” one fan gushed. “One of a kind.” That same voter praised the “delicious food with a talented chef” — meaning Adrien Brunet, a Loire Valley–bred chef who earlier in his career graced the kitchen of the Saint James Paris. The restaurants, La Madeleine and La Table du Ventoux, both serve inventive Provençal food, such as sumptuous grilled fish, foie gras, and other examples of French country cooking that seems simple but is somehow impossible to replicate at home. The latter restaurant will, this year, open for leisurely lunches overlooking the lavender-flooded rolling hills. “Best view ever,” another guest promised. Don’t miss the bar, housed in the oldest maison on the property, where you can enjoy a fragrant, fresh fruit-garnished cocktail before dinner or a cigar after." - Travel + Leisure Editors