Unwind in style

David Taylor travels to Terre Blanche in the south of France to sample its two fine courses, wonderful food and sumptuous spa offering...

- David Taylor

In my experience, it's extremely rare for a two-night trip to feel truly relaxing. Whether it's an early morning start back in the UK, trouble with transfers or settling in, it can feel like the minute you start to unwind it's time to check out.

This was most certainly not the case at Terre Blanche, the five-star hotel, golf and spa resort in Tourrettes, 45 minutes west of Nice. From the moment we drove through the impressive-looking gates, a feeling of calm descended and remained for the duration of the trip.

The 750-acre property has a stunningly tranquil setting among the hills of Provence. It opened in 2004, after German Dietmar Hopp purchased the woodland estate from Sean Connery and set about transforming it into the luxury resort we see today. He created 115 lavish suites and Villas, each with a very secluded, exclusive feel, and employed Welshman Dave Thomas to design two 18-hole golf courses, which have gone on to acquire a big reputation of their own.