Le Phébus & Spa is located in the heart of the Luberon, in Provence, in the village of Joucas, between the picturesque villages of Gordes and Roussillon.
The hotel began life as a dry-stone farmhouse built on ruins dating back to the time of the Knights of the Order of Malta. It later incorporated other farmhouses and buildings to become the current 5-star establishment, spanning five hectares.
Le Phébus, "goddess of light," is a bright and serene place, surrounded by green spaces, offering luxurious, spacious, and refined accommodation. It has been run since 1986 by chef Xavier Mathieu and his son Anthony, who work in a friendly, family atmosphere.
Hosting
The Phébus & Spa offers thirty rooms and suites in the farmhouses scattered throughout the estate, elegantly decorated in a Provençal farmhouse style. Some offer views of the Luberon Valley, the Ochre Mountains of Roussillon (a must-see), the private pool, or the grounds planted with pine, olive, and cypress trees. Some suites also feature a terrace with a large jacuzzi, for romantic swims with panoramic views.
Gastronomy
At Xavier Mathieu’s Table:
The hotel's gourmet restaurant is run by the chef-owner Xavier Mathieu, rewarded with one star in the Michelin Guide. Located upstairs, with a terrace with drapes reminiscent of Roman stands, you can enjoy cuisine inspired by traditional Provençal recipes, local products enhanced with creativity and passion. To the jazzy sound and the sound of water from a fountain in the background, you can savor crispy, creamy dishes, sweet and savory flavors, such as lightly seared skate with its creamy black garlic sauce, lamb's foot ravioli, ratatouille whose shape has been revisited by the chef, mead soufflé with honey from the estate...
A second, more informal restaurant is called "Le Café de la Fontaine." Located around a fountain and near the pool, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere: bistro-style dishes with a spicy, Indian influence.
Wellness and leisure
The hotel also features a wellness area with treatment rooms, a hammam, a fitness room, and a heated swimming pool. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, and body treatments using essential oils and natural products.
An art enthusiast, chef Xavier Mathieu regularly organizes art exhibitions in the spaces of the immense park, where many modern sculptures have already taken their place.
Thus, the Phébus & Spa perfectly combines the charm and authenticity of a family home with premium services, offering an ideal haven for visitors looking for relaxation, gourmet restaurants andlifestyle Provencal.
Thanks to DS for making the DS7 E-TENSE 4X4 300 for our reports in Provence: Good road holding, comfort and elegance.
Ema Lynnx
Photos: Patrick Koune
