Wellness - the french way – Lily of the Valley Resort

Enjoy with all your senses: a wellness morning in the south of France

The shrill cries of seagulls pierce the morning silence. I slide open the French doors of my cozy suite and step barefoot onto the still-wet grass. I arrived last night in the pouring rain and received a warm welcome at the wellness hotel. Outside, darkness had fallen, and a fire was crackling in the tiled stove. Since the kitchen was already closed, they brought a subtly flavored broccoli soup to my room, delicately garnished with hazelnuts and red beet. Now, I’m curious to explore my new surroundings.

The Mediterranean coast stretches out before me beneath a polished blue sky, the French Riviera unfurling in front of my eyes like a sleeping crocodile. I gaze out over the dense pine forests that ripple along the shoreline like green waves – this is all a protected nature reserve. It’s hard to believe that lively Saint-Tropez is just a 20-minute drive away.

It’s just before 7 a.m., and the day is slowly awakening at the Lily of the Valley, one of the most elegant destinations for those seeking wellness for body and soul.

Luxury, health and design on the Côte d’Azur

Even before the hotel officially opened, it became a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World.

“Detox” is naturally on my program – but so is “Sport.” The two other available programs are “Better Aging” and “Weight Loss.” The latter is the main reason so many enthusiastic guests from around Europe and across the U.S. come here – and often return.

A little while later, I’m sitting in the semi-shade on the spacious wooden deck by the pool. Next to me, a young couple is ­studying the breakfast menu. A bit further off, I spot a lady with a small dog – ­four-legged friends are very welcome at the Lily.

I, too, turn my attention to the menu and find myself eyeing the protein banana omelet. “A fantastic choice!” says my charming waitress approvingly as she serves me my organic breakfast tea. “It sounds unusual but tastes delicious.” All dishes here are created by celebrated chef Vincent Maillard.

My gaze drifts past the yellow-and-white-striped loungers to the coastline still wrapped in morning mist, islands dotting the view out to sea. To the left lies a military base, and to the right, a nudist community, as my fitness coach Yoann later explains when we head off for a hike along the rocky coast.

For about two hours, we walk and climb along the wild, rugged trails leading to secret coves, our eyes returning again and again to the thundering Mediterranean below us, its sandy beaches tinted blue by the tiny blue squid that wash ashore at this time of the year.

Ice baths, Pilates and glow: rediscover wellness at the boutique hotel

After 13,000 steps, I’m working up a sweat. “Time for the cryo chamber,” Yoann says firmly. I slip into a swimsuit and am handed socks, slippers, gloves and a headband with built-in headphones. I’m supposed to spend four minutes in an ice chamber at minus 100 degrees Celsius. I choose Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to distract myself, hoping the classical melodies will calm my impatience.

I keep track of time by the changing colors of the door – four minutes can feel like a lifetime! When I finally step out of the icy ­chamber and open the door, a few snowflakes drift down on me. My legs are numb, but I feel strangely electrified and full of energy.

The heart of the hotel – the 2,000-square-meter spa and fitness area called the Shape Club – is located next to the 25-meter semi-Olympic pool, heated to 20 degrees Celsius. All around, you can choose how to train and strengthen your body: TRX bands, yoga, stretching, or the newest addition – four Pilates reformers.

After a restful night, I’m treated the next morning to a special HydraFacial using the in-house Biologique Recherche product line. A detailed skin analysis helps select the right products. Afterwards, I’m asked to lie under LED light for 20 minutes. This gives me such a radiant glow that back in my room, I immediately order an LED face mask online.

Private villas and beach enjoyment: Lily of the Valley expands with a new luxury concept

For guests who value privacy, the Weill family has also restored a Provençal-style villa on the hotel grounds, called “W.” It features three bedrooms, a Mondrian-inspired pool and 1950s retro furnishings by Philippe Starck. Since May of this year, two more private villas have been added, each accommodating up to 10 guests.

Given the success of this luxurious yet relaxed wellness concept, Lucie Weill reveals that, six years after opening the Lily of the Valley, a second location is now in the works: “We’re currently building our next hotel in Courchevel. It will be the highest-elevated hotel in the area, and we want to welcome guests there all year round as well.”

Just before I leave, I make one final stop at the beach, at the hotel’s own beach club. At the Brigantine restaurant – like the Vista restaurant up at the hotel – you are welcome to dine even if you’re not a guest of the hotel.

I sit at a table by the sea, order mezzi paccheri alla pescatora and a glass of rosé. The menu promises excellent Italian fare, and for once, I ignore my program and indulge in what the Lily of the Valley is ultimately all about: l’art de vivre!