Luxury Hotel · France
Château Saint-Martin & Spa (Vence)
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At a glance
Château Saint-Martin & Spa occupies a hilltop estate above Vence in the hills behind the French Riviera, a Palace-designated property on the land that once drew Matisse and Chagall to this corner of Provence.
Château Saint-Martin & Spa sits on a hilltop above Vence, in the hills behind Nice and the French Riviera. The estate carries a cultural weight that few hotels can claim: Matisse and Chagall both lived and worked in Vence, drawn by the quality of light that still defines this corner of Provence.
The property holds Palace distinction within the Oetker collection. Rooms and suites are set within the château itself, each individually designed, with some looking out over the Mediterranean. Six Provençal villas on the hillside, framed by olive trees, offer complete privacy with full access to hotel services.
Dining divides between two distinct settings: the panoramic terrace of Le Saint-Martin for formal gastronomy, and L’Oliveraie for Mediterranean cooking in a garden of ancient olive trees. Spa Saint-Martin by La Prairie has been voted best luxury spa destination in Europe.
Highlights
- Palace-designated château above Vence, the hilltop estate once favored by Matisse and Chagall
- Six Provençal villas on the hillside with olive trees and full access to hotel services
- Spa Saint-Martin by La Prairie voted best luxury spa destination in Europe
Accommodation
Deluxe Room
The entry-level room at Château Saint-Martin, set in the château building with natural wood flooring, heritage furnishings by English and French brands, and a marble bathroom stocked with Bamford products. Views look out over cypress trees and ancient olive groves. Rooms were fully reimagined in 2019 with a brighter, more contemporary palette in soft Provençal tones. Connecting rooms are available on request.
Deluxe Junior Suite
A step up in space and outlook, Deluxe Junior Suites include a sitting area that can accommodate a third guest and a furnished terrace with sunbeds facing the sea and gardens. Classic French interiors carry a contemporary Provençal twist throughout, with a marble bathroom stocked with Bamford products. An accessible room is available within this category.
L'Atelier Junior Suite
The only room of its kind at the château, added in 2024 and set apart by an outdoor stone shower with Mediterranean views. The marble bathroom also includes a steam shower and bathtub. A tiled loggia with iron balustrades and terracotta pots serves as a private breakfast spot, while inside a spacious dressing room and sitting area add genuine room to move.
Duplex Suite
Set within the château’s ancient castle tower and spread across two floors, the Duplex Suite has a secret bedroom on the upper level and a private balcony adjoining the living room with views across the French Riviera. The tower setting gives it a character that no other room in the property can match, and it works particularly well for couples.
Further information
Dining
Executive Chef Romain Antoine leads two distinct restaurants on the estate. Le Saint-Martin occupies the panoramic terrace, where seasonal and local ingredients are handled with gastronomic precision and the Côte d’Azur stretches out below. L’Oliveraie sits in the shade of centuries-old olive trees for a more relaxed, Mediterranean-led lunch experience. The wine cellar, carved into the rock beneath the château, holds over 8,000 bottles and is available for private dinners.
Spa
Spa Saint-Martin by La Prairie has been named best luxury spa destination in Europe by the World Luxury Spa Awards. Four treatment rooms, including a duo cabin, sit alongside a beauty and grooming salon, sauna, hammam, outdoor hot tub, and a heated infinity pool. Treatments use La Prairie and 100% organic Bamford products, and can also be taken outdoors in a flower-strewn cabana in the gardens. A spa membership program is available.
France
France operates on Central European Time, one hour ahead of the UK and six hours ahead of the East Coast of the US. The TGV high-speed rail network is one of the best in the world and should be the default for inter-city travel: Paris to Lyon in two hours, Paris to Marseille in three, Paris to Bordeaux in just over two.
Our Experts
It doesn't get more romantic than a trip to France. Whether you're dreaming of a Parisian escape or a French Riviera retreat, you're guaranteed a truly memorable adventure in stunning France.
Look no further than France for a European getaway that ticks all the boxes. Stunning cities, stretches of pristine coast, and some of the world's most mouthwatering wineries - France has it all.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Out Of Office do?
Out Of Office is a luxury LGBTQ+ travel company specialising in tailor-made holidays and extraordinary journeys around the world. We create bespoke luxury holidays, LGBTQ+ honeymoons, safaris, cruises, beach escapes, private tours and group trips, with every itinerary designed around you. Our travel specialists combine global expertise, first-hand destination knowledge and trusted local partners to create seamless, highly personalised experiences.
Is Out Of Office a gay travel agency?
Out Of Office is an LGBTQ+ owned and run luxury travel specialist, with particular expertise in gay and LGBTQ+ travel. We understand the additional considerations that can come with travelling as an LGBTQ+ person or couple, from local laws and customs to finding genuinely welcoming hotels and experiences.
We welcome every traveller, including friends, families and allies. Many of our clients are not members of the LGBTQ+ community, but choose Out Of Office for our luxury travel expertise, personalised service and discretion.
Do you create tailor-made LGBTQ+ holidays?
Yes. Every tailor-made trip with Out Of Office is designed from scratch around your interests, travel style, budget and the way you want to experience a destination. We can arrange luxury hotels, private transfers, flights, guides, excursions, cruises and special experiences as part of one personalised itinerary. The journeys shown on our website are there to inspire you rather than restrict you; only clearly identified group departures operate as fixed itineraries.
How do you choose LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and destinations?
We combine first-hand destination knowledge with trusted local expertise to recommend luxury hotels, resorts and experiences where LGBTQ+ travellers can feel informed and welcome. We also consider the laws, customs and attitudes of each destination, because LGBTQ+ rights and experiences differ around the world. Our team regularly visit many of the properties we work with and where a destination requires greater awareness, we give you clear and considered advice so that you can make an informed decision about where and how you travel.
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