The history of Jardins Secrets dates back to the 18th century, when it was originally built as a private villa for a local family. Over time, a lush garden grew alongside the residence—olive trees and flowering plants becoming as much a part of its identity as the architecture itself. Even throughout this time, the property remained private property meant for the family, with the structure being largely safe and standing even after both World Wars.

The villa was finally opened to the public as a luxury hotel in 2005, following years of restoration by its current owners, Christophe Valentin and his wife, Annabelle. To this day, both husband and wife remain active and engaged in the workings of the business, and their influence beyond the hotel’s hospitality remains apparent. With Christophe being a food and interior photographer and Annabelle being a stylist, the specific aesthetics and visual appeal of the hotel as a result of the renovations, as well as the carefully chosen various items and objects, are thoroughly palpable.

Design and Architecture

Nestled inside a lush garden complex, Jardins Secrets showcases classic Provençal architecture. Its Romanesque design is apparent in its extensive use of stylized pillars, even in a purely decorative fashion, and of semi-circular arches in windows and balconies. The exterior profile of the structure is also largely subdued and flat, accentuating its thick stone walls. The presence of a vibrant garden greatly lends a naturalist touch to the surroundings and shrouds the hotel’s exterior with a slight sense of mystery.

Internally, similar aesthetic influences are apparent, with furnishings largely featuring neoclassical designs interspersed with slight touches of Mid-Century Modern. Walls and pillars are ornately styled or engraved, whether with classical patterns or various paintings and sculptures of angels, historical figures, or elegant objects. Conversely, if surfaces are plain, they are usually lightly colored, keeping with the interiors of classical Roman structures.

Dining at Jardins Secrets is a mainly light experience where guests savor their meals most of the year in the garden, al fresco style, with alternative indoor settings such as salons, bars, and lounges provided to guests. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast spread, thoughtfully prepared with seasonal ingredients by the culinary team. Morning offerings often include freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat, crisp baguettes, and a selection of cereals. Eggs and fruit bowls are available upon request, complemented by a variety of jams for spreading. To drink, guests can choose from freshly squeezed juices, aromatic coffee, and a range of fine teas.

Throughout the rest of the day, visitors can make special arrangements to have lunch and dinner, depending on the meals offered at those times. Alternatively, guests may also choose from various snacks and light meals, such as crudites, French cheeses, a basket of bread, fresh fruits, and different bottles of wine. Visitors may have to pay extra depending on their choice of light meal or snacks.

The neoclassical and Romanesque features of the hotel provide guests with a sensation of experiencing life in the past through their stay in classically-styled buildings. This can be further stimulated by relaxing at the hotel’s spa, where guests can recline and take a dip in its Roman-bath style pool or hammam steam bath.

Alternatively, guests can take advantage of the opportunity to undergo various massage treatments, such as massages, scrubs, or plantar reflexology. Eastern treatments are also available here, such as Ayurveda or Chinese massages. The hotel also offers an entire range of Japanese kobido massage treatments, whether just on the face or on other parts of the body such as the arms, feet, and the rest of the head. Each of these treatments will cost visitors additional fees. 

Other Celebrations

The hotel also offers its experience and facilities for those who wish to hold group events at the property. The interior and exterior grounds allow for an intimate and close-knit environment while ensuring proper accommodations for participants. Specific price and assistance services can be directly communicated and discussed with the hotel staff. The hotel is prepared to directly provide various equipment and materials for corporate seminars or project meetings, such as video projectors, screens, paperboards, paper, pens, and even mineral water.

For accommodations, the hotel can allow single-person occupancy for each of its rooms for a total of 14 people, double-person occupancy for each room for 28 people, and 30 people for triple-person occupancy, with two rooms allowing for three people and the rest two.