Location 
Cotignac, France

Set beneath a limestone cliff in the Provencal village of Cotignac, this 7-acre terraced estate is tucked among lavender and olive trees. The three-story main building overlooks the village square, featuring clay tile roofs, painted shutters and winding garden paths; the multistory atrium lobby is also a bookstore, where books and curios line the walls beneath multicolored glass globe lights. Musicians including David Bowie, Pink Floyd and Joe Dassin have used this hotel as a recording studio.

Rooms have exposed ceiling beams, a seating area and a private terrace overlooking the mountains. They offer king beds, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, while en suite bathrooms provide toiletries made with olive oil and olive leaf extract. The hotel’s two restaurants use estate-grown ingredients, including honey, organic olive oil, lavender and grapes. A casual bistro is set in a glass conservatory opening onto a garden terrace, while the formal restaurant, in a freestanding house, serves five-course menus that change daily. The estate features three outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, an art gallery and two bars.

Restored historic irrigation channels circulate water through the grounds. Geothermal systems heat and cool most of the property, while photovoltaic glass generates electricity. Single-use plastics are banned, and toiletries come in refillable containers.