Life Above Par — The Rejuvenating Power Of Terre Blanche

Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, Terre Blanche is only improving with age. At its beating heart is an ongoing commitment to sustainability, which has been recognised with a prestigious Green Key certificate. Trees aren’t cut or pruned without first consulting a Mediterranean environment specialist. A brigade of four donkeys are used for foliage clearance, limiting the need for disruptive machinery, and food waste is recycled and used as fertiliser. There are more initiatives than possible to list, but the abundance of flora and fauna is a testament to the resort’s success in these endeavours.

It takes a day or two to get your bearings, but the sprawling grounds and individually housed suites guarantee complete privacy. You can call an electric golf buggy to collect you, but exploration on foot allows time to appreciate the various sculptures which are dotted around. I take a leisurely walk to the wellness centre for my afternoon massage appointment, relishing the sound of birdsong along the way.

The two-storey spa clearly means business, as double doors open into an expansive lobby, overlooking the indoor pool. I’m greeted by my friendly therapist, before being taken upstairs and discussing the various treatments . The signature honey massage piques my interest, as she explains it is unique to Terre Blanche.

Over 60 blissful minutes, I receive a full body massage using beeswax from the Highlands of Tanneron Country. When heated, the wax transforms into an oil, allowing the sweet aroma of honey to fill the room. My therapist makes light work of removing the tension knots from my body, working from the soles of my feet to the crown of my head in sweeping motions. The oil leaves my skin smooth for days afterwards, and also serves as a lovely reminder of the treatment.

Post-massage, I stay in the wellness area to continue my experience. The 20m indoor pool, which I’d glimpsed earlier, is a sight to behold up close. Sunshine streams in through the skylight, while bay windows and white pillars add to the overwhelming grandeur.

Once refreshed, I enter the laconium to acclimate my body to the heat, before visiting the steam room and sauna which are heated to 85 and 45 degrees respectively.

When dinnertime calls, I practically float back to my suite. That evening — full from a delicious meal

of fresh seafood and strawberry basil pavlova — I effortlessly slip into a restful slumber, so relaxed from the day’s pursuits. The next morning, as I walk onto my private balcony, already imagining the croissant I’ll have for breakfast, I take a moment to revel in the quiet.

Days here feel like a privilege. They can be as full or relaxed as you like, with the chance to bathe in nature at every turn. Whilst it may be hard to pull yourself away from the resort, offsite tours can be organised for those eager to explore Provence, along with activities like hiking and horse riding. It's also worth noting that the Whispering Angel winery is a mere 30 minute drive away, should a glass of their famous tipple prove enticing.

Terre Blanche has many draws , but the real selling point is the sense of serenity you feel from the minute you arrive. That being said, the Michelin star restaurant, warm staff, and enviable location certainly slide the scale from ‘exceptional’ to ‘beyond memorable.’

The pursuit of wellness is a big travel trend at present, but discerning the gimmicks from the genuine is a hard task. The team at Terre Blanche truly understands the holistic power of living well, which is evident in every last detail. In just a matter of days, I had achieved what some take weeks trying to feel: a true sense of inner peace.

Terre Blanche

Address: 3100 Route de Bagnols en Foret Tourrettes, France 83440

Phone: 0494 399 000

Bookings: https://www.terre-blanche.com/en/