As a house, the Domaine de Fontenille, in Provence’s Luberon Valley, dates back to the eighteenth century, and the estate goes back to 1638. But in its current incarnation as a luxury hotel, it’s more or less brand new, so that guests soak in an abundance of historical atmosphere even as they benefit from a thoroughly modern approach to hospitality.

The experience is still, delightfully, reminiscent of the Provençal farmhouse fantasies we’ve all had. There’s a contemporary sheen to the décor, and all the necessary technology in the rooms, but the effect never breaks the spell — the essential character of the place remains undisturbed. The spa, the pool, the gardens, and the paths that crisscross the estate's vineyards and grounds provide ample opportunity for physical restoration. And the focus is the dinner table, where chef Jérôme Faure presides over a pair of restaurants. It’s an instant classic.