When the light softens and the air warms up, spring invites us to set off. A season of renewal, it offers those precious moments when we slow down, when terraces fill up again and when travel regains an almost instinctive gentleness. From Mediterranean shores to cities of art bathed in light, these getaways embody the spirit of renewal: breathe, contemplate, savor the first rays of sunshine, and reconnect with a sense of lightness.
Camargue, nature rediscovered
In the heart of the wild Camargue, where the sky and marshes merge under a clear light, the Mas de Peint celebrates 30 years of excellence. This 5-star hotel, a 550-hectare family estate, is much more than a luxurious stopover: it is a total immersion in the soul of a land of traditions.
The experience here is inseparable from horses. Visitors live to the rhythm of the Manade Jacques Bon, where white horses and purebred bulls gallop. Saddle up to ride across the salt flats, escorted by the gardians, for a visceral connection with nature. For a more rustic immersion, “La Cabano dis Ego” unveils its stables and private arenas, witnesses to equestrian expertise passed down through three generations.
The spring renewal of 2026 also marks a gastronomic turning point with the arrival of Chef Dan Rodrigues. Winner of the World Trophy for Best French Dish, this Brazilian-born chef creates contemporary regional cuisine that is both sophisticated and accessible. His dishes reflect the salt marsh biotope: bulls from the ranch, rice from the estate, local vegetables, and citrus fruits. Between fire-cooked dishes and the freshness of wild herbs, each meal becomes a Camargue story.
Staying at Mas de Peint means choosing a peaceful retreat, sincere hospitality, and a break where luxury nestles in the authenticity of a preserved region.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Atlantic air
In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, spring unfolds with salty vigor, offering changing light that magnifies the Basque coast. Perched on the cliff, the La Réserve hotel awakens in perfect harmony with this unique natural environment. This refuge, a member of Floirat Signatures, invites you to slow down and live to the rhythm of the ocean in an atmosphere of intimate and personal luxury.
The experience here is an ode to serenity. The morning begins in a three-hectare park where the infinity pool, the signature feature of the place, seems to merge with the Atlantic. To soak up the natural elegance of the region, immediate access to the coastal path offers an invigorating walk between wild cliffs and endless horizons. The more active guests can enjoy the tennis court nestled in this green setting before savoring a breakfast rich in local flavors.
In the evening, gastronomy takes over at the Ilura restaurant. Chef Bastien Soumoulou offers sincere cuisine, highlighting the products of the sea and the Basque region, to be enjoyed while watching the sunset on the terrace.
Between tradition and modernity, La Réserve offers a rejuvenating break where every moment celebrates freedom and the oceanic art of living.
The chef invites us on a journey to the heart of the Basque region with a visit to his local producers (fishermen, butchers, farmers, bakers, winegrowers, etc.). Artisanal honey, farmhouse cheeses, seasonal vegetables, line-caught hake, and Espelette pepper make up a cuisine deeply rooted in the gourmet identity of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Saint-Tropez, tranquility before the hustle and bustle
Before the summer fervor, Saint-Tropez regains its intimate elegance. Colorful alleyways, still-quiet ports, and sun-drenched terraces create a luminous backdrop. The legendary Byblos reopens its doors on April 22 (followed by its beach on April 30), establishing itself as the ideal retreat to savor the sweetness of spring.
For the 2026 season, the hotel is unveiling some major new features. Architect Laura Gonzalez has reinterpreted eight suites, including five duplexes, in a gradient of deep blues inspired by the changing shades of the Mediterranean. This new contemporary style, with mineral accents and natural materials, dialogues with four rooms designed by Wanda Jelmini, creating a chic and sunny family home atmosphere. Well-being is also upgraded with a new 1,000-square-foot gym equipped with the latest Technogym technology and personalized coaching.
The Byblos experience extends far beyond the walls of the palace with an immersion in the heart of the Var region. From Saint-Tropez, guests can set off to discover the Gulf’s iconic vineyards, including private estates and historic properties. The tour begins with a visit to Domaine Ott and its Château de Selle, where a plot of vines is exclusively dedicated to the creation of the special Byblos cuvée.
The getaway continues through the sun-drenched landscapes of the peninsula, encountering other signature Tropezian rosés, such as Château Minuty, Château Saint-Maur, and Domaine de la Croix. Through tastings and encounters with winemakers, the art of Provençal living is revealed, combining expertise, nature, and gastronomy.
Barcelona, solar energy
In spring, Barcelona reveals a perfect balance between urban effervescence and maritime gentleness, under a still-soft light that enhances its modernist facades. At the heart of this renewed vitality, on the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, stands the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. Recently voted “Best Luxury Hotel 2025” at the Beyond Luxury Awards, this legendary palace is hailed as a symbol of luxury with a soul and a history that has been inseparable from the Catalan city for over 100 years.
A veritable private museum, the 258-room establishment houses a unique collection of over 1,000 works of art. It also features the “Majestic Royal Penthouse,” the largest suite in the city, offering 467 m² of absolute luxury with panoramic terraces and a butler. The cuisine is a celebration of local produce: under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany, the SOLC restaurant offers “zero km” locavore cuisine, showcasing produce from nearby orchards and the sea.
For a total immersion, the hotel offers the exclusive “Made in Barcelona” experience. Designed as a guided stroll off the beaten track, this tour invites guests to discover the capital’s most secret and creative addresses. The itinerary takes guests to the workshop of Ze García, where haute couture meets local craftsmanship, and to Raima, Europe’s largest stationery store, nestled in a medieval building. You’ll also discover Ornamante, an unusual concept store filled with surreal animal sculptures.
Between historical anecdotes and confidential gastronomic stops, this program celebrates the spirit of craftsmanship and inventiveness in Barcelona. By promoting green transportation and shifting tourism to authentic neighborhoods, the Majestic offers a privileged stroll through the heart of living heritage, making each stay an intimate encounter with Catalan culture.
Florence, elegance in bloom
In the golden light of the Tuscan spring, Florence awakens with a new softness, inviting you to stroll among architectural perspectives and Renaissance gardens. For total immersion in this harmony, the Portrait Firenze is an exceptional refuge. Ideally located on the banks of the Arno, a few steps from the Ponte Vecchio, this five-star palace of the Lungarno Collection (owned by the Ferragamo family) embodies a lifestyle that combines discreet refinement and ultra-personalized service. Its 37 suites, designed by architect Michele Bönan, pay homage to the haute couture of the 1950s, offering a cocoon that is both intimate and resolutely contemporary.
Spring is the ideal season to enjoy one of the hotel’s most exclusive experiences: truffle hunting. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, guests set off at dawn to explore the surrounding hills alongside Massimo Cucchiara, heir to a line of famous trifolau. Accompanied by expert dogs, participants venture into the forest to hunt for nature’s diamonds. This sensory journey, guided by respect for the environment, continues at a Tuscan farm for a cooking class and a convivial lunch where the day’s harvest enhances every dish.
To round off this gastronomic getaway, a stop at the Borgo San Jacopo restaurant is a must. Awarded a Michelin star for a decade, this establishment offers a spectacular view of the Ponte Vecchio. In the kitchen, chef Claudio Mengoni offers sincere and rigorous cuisine, working with local products using sophisticated techniques. To accompany these memorable creations, sommelier Salvatore Biscotti draws from a masterful cellar of more than 900 wines, combining classic grands crus and hidden gems. A springtime stopover where every detail celebrates the beauty and terroir of Florence.
Tunisia, rediscovered warmth
To the south, Tunisia welcomes spring with luminous warmth, between turquoise seas and the scent of jasmine. In Hammamet, La Badira stands majestically like the prow of a ship cutting through the Mediterranean. The only member of the Leading Hotels of the World in the country, this 130-suite palace celebrates the golden age of travel in the 1930s, paying tribute to artists such as Paul Klee and Jean Cocteau, who were once seduced by its unique light.
This spring 2026, the hotel is offering a unique sensory experience with its “Journey Around the Orange Blossom” package. Between March and early May, guests are invited to the heart of Cap Bon to witness the morning harvest of bitter orange trees. This immersive experience allows guests to participate in the manual harvest alongside the villagers, before sharing a rustic lunch in the orchards. The tour continues with a visit to a local distillery to uncover the secrets of orange blossom water, Tunisia’s true “white gold.”
The culinary heritage is also in the spotlight with a dedicated package that includes a stop at Dar Jbel. At this elegant guest house in the hinterland, travelers take part in an authentic cooking workshop. They learn how to use seafood and local spices to make traditional recipes, which are then enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere surrounded by works of contemporary artists.
Back at the hotel, relaxation takes over at the Spa by Clarins with neroli-scented rituals, followed by a gourmet dinner at the Adra restaurant. La Badira does not just offer a luxury stay; it opens an intimate window onto centuries-old Tunisian culture, combining modern refinement with gourmet traditions. A sunny interlude where every detail invites you to let go.
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Featured photo: © Zach Rowlandson/Unsplash
