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 More Than Meets the Eye: Terre Blanche in Provence is a haven of health and wellbeing. And with a world-class golf course, there really is something for everyone says Sadie MacLeod

I knew three things about Terre Blanche before I booked; It is where the French Golf Team practice (my husband was impressed by this); It is the place to play golf and improve your swing (the golf tuition they have there really is second to none); And the acres of land that the golf course now occupies where once owned by none other than Sean Connery – an avid golfer.

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I am not a golf fan. But I am a fan of the South of France (and a fan of Sean’s), I love the idea of a spa hotel, and I adore a mini-break. Who doesn’t. After a bit more research I soon found out that the hotel also offered two delicious looking pools (both with spectacular provincial views), an illustrious spa & fitness menu and even a hair salon. I was sold.

I had been rushed off my feet at work, and socialising late into the evenings. I had forgotten what life felt like when you weren’t burning the candle at both ends. I decided this was the break I needed. Plus, it was 23 degrees in Provence. It felt like minus that here.

It seems there isn’t a bad month to visit the South of France. It’s beautifully hot all summer, Spring and Autumn are full of delightfully warm days with slightly crisper mornings and evenings. And as for Winter – it’s still warm enough to wear a T-shirt in the sun. And we were lucky enough to experience a few clear blue sky days. Perfect.

A short hop over the channel and we soon arrived at our destination. I was immediately shown to a light, fresh yet sumptuously cosy room that had a beautiful view of the hills beyond each with their own distinctly french villages perched atop. The hotel is situated in Tourrettes, a small village around 14km from the coast, and I was delighted to find that it offers these “soak-em-up” views at every turn.

The room itself was kitted out with all the mod cons and I immediately popped on my iPod carefully selecting the “Chilled” playlist. The bathroom too was spacious and offered the ultimate luxury a separate bath and shower. I opted for the bath, which I could have quite easily spent the rest of the day sitting in.

After managing to tear myself away from the villa, I discovered that there was indeed, as promised, a world of hip and healthy fun to be had. I spent some time in the gym, went to a fitness class where it was just me and one other person. The class was a stretching class – and I can almost guarantee that it did more good than all the gym sessions I endured over the weekend altogether. Then for a completely decadent yet totally deserved spa treatment.

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I opted for a massage which lasted 60 heavenly minutes. The therapist worked with my energy and paid special attention to my shoulders and back as that was where I was tightest. After the treatment I was so relaxed that I could barely walk to the changing rooms let alone my villa so I decided to spend some time horizontal in the sauna.

It turns out that all that relaxing can actually cause quite the appetite! But I needn’t have worried as the hotel a collection of fantastic restaurants – each of which catered to my dairy-free diet! Which in France is certainly no mean feat.

The rest of my weekend continued with much of the same wonderfulness and I can honestly say that I felt truly restored afterwards, returning home a much calmer, happier version of myself.

For more information or to book visit http://en.terre-blanche.com

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