Hostellerie le Phébus

Le Phébus is nestled high on a hill in the Luberon, warmed by the brilliant sunshine of Provence. It is a charming, honey-colored stone building made to appear as if each stone were selected and hand-placed without mortar. The original building dates from the time of the Templar Knights and shelters beautifully decorated rooms of understated elegance, with one room flowing into the next. There is a gracious dining room with fresh flowers, beamed ceiling, high-backed, tapestry-upholstered chairs, and oil paintings. On balmy days, most guests prefer to eat outside on the stunning terrace, which captures sweeping views of the valley, vineyards, and quaint towns nestled in the hills. To add yet another ingredient of perfection, the chef, Xavier Mathieu, is noted for his innovative cuisine and his talent has earned him the recognition of a Michelin one star. Guests enjoy the tennis court and the swimming pool romantically snuggled on a level just below the dining terrace. The bedrooms, brightly furnished with Provençal-fabric bedspreads and drapes, are decorator-perfect. Most have balconies and some even have a private pool.