Le Domaine des Andéols is a cinematic journey where nature and contemporary art play the leading roles. Vincenzo Regine, the new chef, treats us to cuisine full of surprises, in perfect harmony with the soul of this unique place in Provence. Our favorite.
A stone’s throw from the famous villages of Roussillon and Gordes, Le Domaine des Andéols seems straight out of a dream. Lavender fields, cypress trees, and olive groves stretch as far as the eye can see. There are no neighbors in sight. You are overcome by a wonderful feeling of solitude in this infinite space where nature and light intertwine. Yes, it is still possible to stay in a prestigious hotel and feel at home. The Domaine des Andéols, which stretches majestically over 32 hectares with only 19 keys, is undeniably a unique place in Provence. This is luxury!
Olivier Massart, scenographer of “this astonishing hotel of desire”
Behind this vision is Olivier Massart, owner of this exceptional retreat, an extraordinary personality and a master of scenography in the fashion world.
A little history. Because you can’t understand “this astonishing hotel of desire” without delving into the origins of its creation.
Originally a photographer, Olivier Massart had the idea of taking fashion shows out of their confined salons and staging them with a story, lighting, and music. It was a huge success. He revolutionized the catwalks of Paco Rabanne, Kenzo, Guy Laroche, and others. All the great couturiers wanted their own scenography. He had invented a new profession. His agency, La Mode en Images, founded in 1981, quickly became the go-to place for designing grandiose events around the world. The “dream maker” (as he describes himself) opened offices in New York, Shanghai and Dubai. For 44 years, the agency has designed more than 8,000 fashion shows and major events.
Who could forget the breathtaking celebration of the Eiffel Tower’s centenary in 1989, the opening of the 1998 World Cup final, or the appeal of June 18, 1940, with a giant radio set from the period on the Place de la Concorde?
A native of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, Olivier Massart inherited the Domaine des Andéols when his grandfather died. Very attached to his region, he came here to recharge his batteries and turned it into an artists’ residence, a place for reunions and parties with his friends from the world of fashion and cinema. But this period of carefree generosity could not last forever in the shade of the centuries-old plane tree, a gathering place for showbiz personalities. Gradually, this former hamlet was transformed into a charming sanctuary, a sublime design hotel. A secret address loved by dreamers and aesthetes alike.
What makes this hotel so magical? Olivier Massart created his most beautiful show here. At the Domaine des Andéols, he imagined, designed, and sculpted an open-air museum displaying the works of art he has collected over the years. His wife, Patrizia Pilotti, participated in this adventure, bringing her elegance and Italian joie de vivre to the project. Each house has a personality that surprises and exceeds all standards of luxury. Guests from all over the world enjoy a unique artistic and bucolic experience unlike any other. Alain Chabat, Vanessa Demouy, Michel Field, and many other celebrities are regulars.
In 2023, the owner embarked on a new chapter, entrusting the management of his estate to the Phoenix Hotel Collection group. Enter Nathalie Pilot, all smiles (her trademark!). After ten years as director of the Domaine de La Coquillade, she was hoping to take a break from her career. But she couldn’t resist the offer from Olivier and Patrizia Massart, “a charismatic couple who are the heart and soul of this place,” she tells us. Since her arrival, she has reorganized the teams, opened the establishment to international guests—with an affiliation with Design Hotels—and revised the pricing policy. “It’s the ideal place for yoga and meditation retreats,“ she emphasizes. ‘We offer a ’Sensory Awakening’ program that appeals to guests.” A new chef, Vincenzo Regine, has been at the helm of the gourmet restaurant since March 2024. “But we’re not chasing stars!” Nathalie Pilot points out.
The heated mirror pool, with its pop art design, invites you to relax. But the dip will have to wait! After sipping a refreshing drink in the garden, we can’t wait to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
The Domaine des Andéols produces its own wine and olive oil
Here we are, immersed in this Provençal landscape, which, with its perfectly shaped cypress trees, reminds us of Tuscany. There is no landscape architect or designer here, just four full-time gardeners. Olivier Massart designed the layout of each area, the perspectives, and the alignment of the trees. He knows it intimately, having spent the best moments of his childhood here. More than 2,000 olive trees (which is, of course, our host’s first name!) are scattered throughout the estate and produce homemade olive oil. The estate has its own vineyards and sells its own wine, “Déjeuner sur l’herbe” (Lunch on the Grass), a nod to Claude Monet.
From mid-June onwards, the lavender fields are fragrant. A little further on, toads croak in a pond covered with water lilies. The orchard is full of cherry, apricot and fig trees. The laurels are in bloom and the cicadas are singing. At the bend in the path, the chef’s vegetable garden appears, with goats in a field. It’s abundance, paradise on earth!
We discover the Sculpture Basin, a fitness room in the middle of nature, a small amphitheater set on the water, a venue for shows and ceremonies. A rounded plant sculpture represents “Patrizia’s breast”, we are told. In front of our hosts’ private house, a gigantic sculpture reminds us of the 21st-century version of “the origin of the world.” It’s all a little crazy, terribly generous.
The four-hundred-year-old plane tree is the pride of the Domaine des Andéols. Would you like to go upstairs? A huge staircase leads to a wooden terrace, securely anchored between the branches. There is room for a table for up to six people.
The lively and festive bistronomic restaurant revolves around the charismatic tree. It has seen many people come and go and heard many conversations, but this discreet, faithful, and humble companion will say nothing.
The Chef du Platane, Vincenzo Regine, offers delicious cuisine that is both Italian and Provençal, favoring local products or produce from the Domaine’s vegetable garden. In summer, it’s best to book in advance, as this unusual bistro is quickly fully booked. It’s “the place to be” in the Luberon.
Needless to say, this rural and romantic setting is the ideal place to organize celebrations. During the summer season, four weddings are already scheduled.
The eight “Nature” suites and eleven luxury homes are like something out of a movie
They are the stars of the Domaine des Andéols. Each one has its own unique character. Each dry stone house tells a story. Rare.
A large plant maze leads to the “Nature” suites or independent cottages. They are accessed through a pretty wrought-iron gate that opens onto a private garden and terrace. With their huge bay windows, they have been perfectly designed to invite their occupants to relax. Two of them have views of the spectacular lavender fields.
And why not book a luxury house, some of which have the privilege of a private pool? The Maison Rouge electrifies the senses with a flashy blue sofa by Ron Arad and red chairs by Harry Bertoia, while the Maison des Amis, with its canopy bed, encourages all kinds of fantasies. La Maison des Amoureux offers views of the village of Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt. Dreaming of escape? La Maison du Voyageur sets the scene for a distant African country. It’s hard to choose! We’d love to soak up the atmosphere of each of these houses… Just like a romantic encounter, it takes time to get to know them.
The superb fresco by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, dedicated to Olivier and Patrizia, gives a joyful atmosphere to La Loggia, the gourmet restaurant. On the library side, a large table welcomes a group of friends. And a small lounge with a round table offers an intimate dinner.
We love this contemporary decor—unique in its kind—where books are treated like works of art. This is Olivier Massart’s personal collection. Feel free to browse through an album on Peter Lindbergh, The Rolling Stones, Brancusi or Fernand Léger during the day. How wonderful it is to learn something new in the shade of the Luberon sun!
The glass-walled kitchen overlooks the dining room. At the helm, you can see Executive Chef Vincenzo Regine busy with his team.
A native of Ischia, an island in the Gulf of Naples, Vincenzo left his sunny shores for Belgium. He then showcased his talent at La Chèvre d’Or in Eze and at the Domaine de Verchant in Castelnau-le-Lez near Montpellier. Now he is at the Domaine des Andéols, ready to take on a new challenge.
“I immersed myself in this place, which is so similar to Tuscany. I talked with Olivier Massart and read his books, Faiseur de rêve and Une vie de rêve. I wanted my cuisine to reflect my own journey, but also the incredible life story of Mr. Massart,” he explains.
So it was only natural that the seven-course menu was named “A la croisée des chemins” (At the crossroads), representing the life journeys of these two men.
Florian, the maître d’hôtel, orchestrates a dynamic, meticulous service with no downtime.
A good sign: guests reach for their forks rather than their cell phones.
We enjoyed the starters, “Partage au cœur du village” (Sharing in the heart of the village) and “Bleu soleil” (Blue sun): they are creative, well thought out… and reveal some technical prowess in the kitchen.
The most spectacular dish is the “Souvenir du Volcan” (Memories of the Volcano), “in memory of Olivier Massart’s ascent of Mount Etna in 1976,” explains Vincenzo. The texture of the mullet, served with a variety of fennel and vegetable charcoal, is a delicious and gradual explosion of flavors.
In homage to the Domaine des Andéols, “Le Mistral d’Eole” (God of the Wind) treats us to a shoulder of lamb enhanced by a full-bodied sauce.
And what can we say about the dessert, “Père et Fille” (Father and Daughter)? Vincenzo has a four-year-old daughter who doesn’t like vegetables! So, our mischievous chef came up with a combination of chocolate and grated, glazed carrots. The marriage is very successful.
Undeniably, this dinner is the mark of refined cuisine with a strong identity. Vincenzo Regine now rivals the great restaurants of the Luberon.
What we liked:
- The feeling of being welcomed into a friend’s home with the service of a luxury hotel, without pretension or fuss.
- An artistic universe of more than 250 paintings, sculptures, photographs, albums, and designer furniture.
- The unique decoration of each house, full of fantasy and good taste.
- The generosity of a 32-hectare estate open to all, where you can enjoy nature to the fullest.
- The value for money of the gourmet meal (98 euros), a suite (from 320 euros) and a house (from 539 euros).
Shall we go?
Le Domaine des Andéols
84490 Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Apt
Tel: + 33 (0)4 83 88 33 77
Read also > Storm at the Domaine de Rochevilaine: a powerful experience in a voluptuous cocoon
Featured photo: Overview of the Domaine des Andéols, a former hamlet transformed into a sublime designer hotel DR
