Airelles Gordes, La Bastide

A stately Provençal home revived for people wanting to live out their lavender-scented, south-of-France fantasies, La Bastide de Gordes is the ultimate honey-coloured retreat in the Luberon. The competition for prettiest hilltop around here is certainly stiff, but La Bastide, in the village of Gordes, wins out for its cypress-studded views and spacious terraces for soaking up the surroundings. Extra points for the patisserie-loaded Sunday brunch, 18th-century decor, outdoor cinema, Sisley spa and ingenious liaison with a neighbouring château, which opens its doors to hotel guests for rosé-enhanced day trips.