{"id":31032,"date":"2025-05-10T10:00:34","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T08:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.luxus-plus.com\/?p=31032"},"modified":"2026-03-08T16:55:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T15:55:18","slug":"le-domaine-des-andeols-an-artistic-and-sensory-escape-in-the-unspoilt-luberon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.luxus-plus.com\/en\/le-domaine-des-andeols-an-artistic-and-sensory-escape-in-the-unspoilt-luberon\/","title":{"rendered":"Le Domaine des And\u00e9ols: an artistic and sensory escape in the unspoilt Lub\u00e9ron"},"content":{"rendered":"

Le Domaine des And\u00e9ols 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.<\/p>\n

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A stone’s throw from the famous villages of Roussillon and Gordes, Le Domaine des And\u00e9ols 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 <\/b>Domaine des And\u00e9ols<\/b><\/a>, which stretches majestically over 32 hectares with only 19 keys<\/b>, is undeniably a unique place in Provence. This is luxury!<\/p>\n

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A couple on a weekend getaway at the Domaine des And\u00e9ols DR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Olivier Massart, scenographer of \u201cthis astonishing hotel of desire\u201d<\/h3>\n

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Behind this vision is Olivier Massart<\/b>, owner of this exceptional retreat, an extraordinary personality and a master of scenography in the fashion world.<\/p>\n

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A little history. Because you can’t understand \u201cthis astonishing hotel of desire\u201d <\/b>without delving into the origins of its creation.<\/p>\n

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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<\/b><\/a>, founded in 1981, quickly became the go-to place for designing grandiose events around the world. The \u201cdream maker\u201d (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<\/b>.<\/p>\n

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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?<\/p>\n

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The arty refuge for fashion and film people, dreamers and aesthetes DR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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A native of Saint-Saturnin-l\u00e8s-Apt, Olivier Massart<\/b> inherited the Domaine des And\u00e9ols 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<\/b><\/a>. A secret address loved by dreamers and aesthetes alike.<\/p>\n

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What makes this hotel so magical? Olivier Massart created his most beautiful show here. At the Domaine des And\u00e9ols, 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<\/b>. 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.<\/p>\n

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Nathalie Pilot, director of the Domaine des And\u00e9ols, has reorganized the teams \u00a9Corine Moriou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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In 2023, the owner embarked on a new chapter, entrusting the management of his estate to the Phoenix Hotel Collection<\/a> 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, \u201ca charismatic couple who are the heart and soul of this place,\u201d she tells us. Since her arrival, she has reorganized the teams, opened the establishment to international guests\u2014with an affiliation with Design Hotels\u2014and revised the pricing policy. \u201cIt’s the ideal place for yoga and meditation retreats,\u201c she emphasizes. \u2018We offer a \u2019Sensory Awakening’ program that appeals to guests.\u201d A new chef, Vincenzo Regine, has been at the helm of the gourmet restaurant since March 2024. \u201cBut we’re not chasing stars!\u201d Nathalie Pilot points out.<\/p>\n

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The heated mirror pool, with its pop art design, reflects the deep blue sky when you swim in it \u00a9Corine Moriou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The heated mirror pool<\/b>, 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.<\/p>\n

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The Domaine des And\u00e9ols produces its own wine and olive oil<\/h3>\n

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A Proven\u00e7al landscape reminiscent of Tuscany DR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Here we are, immersed in this Proven\u00e7al 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, \u201cD\u00e9jeuner sur l’herbe\u201d (Lunch on the Grass), a nod to Claude Monet.<\/p>\n

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Lavender fields stretching as far as the eye can see at Domaine des And\u00e9ols DR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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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!<\/p>\n

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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 \u201cPatrizia’s breast\u201d, we are told. In front of our hosts’ private house, a gigantic sculpture reminds us of the 21st-century version of \u201cthe origin of the world.\u201d It’s all a little crazy, terribly generous.<\/p>\n

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The lively and festive bistronomic restaurant revolves around the charismatic 400-year-old plane tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The four-hundred-year-old plane tree is the pride of the Domaine des And\u00e9ols. 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.<\/p>\n

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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.<\/p>\n

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The Chef du Platane, Vincenzo Regine, offers delicious cuisine that is both Italian and Proven\u00e7al, 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 \u201cthe place to be\u201d in the Luberon.<\/p>\n

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Needless to say, this rural and romantic setting is the ideal place to organize celebrations. During the summer season, four weddings are already scheduled.<\/p>\n

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The eight \u201cNature\u201d suites and eleven luxury homes are like something out of a movie<\/h3>\n

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The Red House with its designer furniture and swimming pool DR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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They are the stars of the Domaine des And\u00e9ols. Each one has its own unique character. Each dry stone house tells a story. Rare.<\/p>\n

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A large plant maze leads to the \u201cNature\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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And why not book a luxury house, some of which have the privilege of a private pool? The Maison Rouge<\/b> electrifies the senses with a flashy blue sofa by Ron Arad and red chairs by Harry Bertoia, while the Maison des Amis<\/b>, with its canopy bed, encourages all kinds of fantasies. La Maison des Amoureux offers views of the village of Saint-Saturnin-l\u00e8s-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.<\/p>\n

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Jean-Charles Castelbajac’s fresco adorns La Loggia, the gourmet restaurant, with virtuosity \u00a9Corine Moriou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Books are displayed like works of art in La Loggia, the gourmet restaurant DR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The superb fresco by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac<\/b>, 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.<\/p>\n

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We love this contemporary decor\u2014unique in its kind\u2014where books are treated like works of art<\/b>. This is Olivier Massart’s personal collection. Feel free to browse through an album on Peter Lindbergh, The Rolling Stones, Brancusi or Fernand L\u00e9ger during the day. How wonderful it is to learn something new in the shade of the Luberon sun!<\/p>\n

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Chef Vincenzo Regine at Domaine des And\u00e9ols \u00a9Corine Moriou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The glass-walled kitchen overlooks the dining room. At the helm, you can see Executive Chef Vincenzo Regine busy with his team.<\/p>\n

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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 Ch\u00e8vre d’Or in Eze and at the Domaine de Verchant in Castelnau-le-Lez near Montpellier. Now he is at the Domaine des And\u00e9ols, ready to take on a new challenge.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI immersed myself in this place, which is so similar to Tuscany. I talked with Olivier Massart and read his books, Faiseur de r\u00eave and Une vie de r\u00eave. I wanted my cuisine to reflect my own journey, but also the incredible life story of Mr. Massart,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

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So it was only natural that the seven-course menu was named \u201cA la crois\u00e9e des chemins\u201d (At the crossroads), representing the life journeys of these two men.<\/p>\n

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Florian, the ma\u00eetre d’h\u00f4tel, orchestrates a dynamic, meticulous service with no downtime.<\/p>\n

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A good sign: guests reach for their forks rather than their cell phones.<\/p>\n

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We enjoyed the starters, \u201cPartage au c\u0153ur du village\u201d (Sharing in the heart of the village) and \u201cBleu soleil\u201d (Blue sun): they are creative, well thought out… and reveal some technical prowess in the kitchen.<\/p>\n

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The most spectacular dish is the \u201cSouvenir du Volcan\u201d (Memories of the Volcano), \u201cin memory of Olivier Massart’s ascent of Mount Etna in 1976,\u201d explains Vincenzo. The texture of the mullet, served with a variety of fennel and vegetable charcoal, is a delicious and gradual explosion of flavors.<\/p>\n

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In homage to the Domaine des And\u00e9ols, \u201cLe Mistral d’Eole\u201d (God of the Wind) treats us to a shoulder of lamb enhanced by a full-bodied sauce.<\/p>\n

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And what can we say about the dessert, \u201cP\u00e8re et Fille\u201d (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.<\/p>\n

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Undeniably, this dinner is the mark of refined cuisine with a strong identity. Vincenzo Regine now rivals the great restaurants of the Luberon.<\/p>\n

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What we liked<\/strong>:<\/p>\n