Villa La Coste Review, Photos, Video

Our Villa La Coste review, photos, and video are from our summer visit to this luxury wine estate near Aix-en-Provence. But while Chateau La Coste dates back to 1682 and its vineyards and winemaking date back to Roman times, Villa La Coste, the luxury boutique resort on the estate, opened in 2017, with only 28 suites (there are now 31 accommodations, with the 3 new Residence Suites unveiled in 2025). The entire estate is owned by Irish developer Patrick McKillen, who also owns London’s Maybourne hotel group (The Emory, The Berkeley, The Connaught, and Claridge’s).

Getting to Villa La Coste

Villa La Coste is a ~25 minute drive from the center of Aix-en-Provence, but most guests will arrive Marseille Airport (MRS), about a 45 minute drive, or from the Aix-en-Provence TGV train station, a 35-40 minute drive. Paris is only a ~3 hour TGV train ride away, making Villa La Coste the perfect long weekend getaway for Parisians and international visitors alike.

The estate is nearly 500 acres, so driving in takes you past the vineyards, Tadao Ando Art Centre, and Chateau La Coste wine boutique and restaurants until you come to the Villa La Coste entrance.

A stone path leads to the Reception.

Villa La Coste is higher up, such that the Galerie Restaurant just off of the Reception gives it magnificent views over the Luberon Valley and the estate's vineyards.

Residence Suite

We'd been generously upgraded to one of the new Residence Suites, created by Hong Kong-based designer André Fu Studio (Capella Tapei, Waldorf Astoria Osaka, The Emory, among others). These spacious duplex suites are 1600 square feet, including a 430 sq. ft. private terrace. The 16 feet-high ceilings lend a wonderful airiness, bathing the living area in natural light.

Welcome amenities were lovely: a bottle of the estate's red wine, a delectable fresh raspberry tart, and some of the ripest, juiciest apricots I've ever tasted.

Welcome Amenities, Residence Suite, Villa La Coste

The master bedroom is on the main floor has a sliding door that closes it off from the living area, with heavy blackout curtains for a restful night's sleep. Of all the hotels we slept in this time, Villa La Coste had the most comfortable bed.

Residence Suite Master Bedroom, Villa La Coste

The master bathroom has double sinks, a separate toilet chamber with a Japanese toilet, and a wet room with rain shower and large soaking tub.

Residence Suite Master Bathroom, Villa La Coste

A curving staircase leads upstairs to the second bedroom, with an equally comfortable bed and its own full bathroom (note that it has a rain shower, but no soaking tub).

Residence Suite Sitting Area, Villa La Coste

Residence Suite Staircase to Upper Level, Villa La Coste

Residence Suite Upstairs Bedroom, Villa La Coste

Here's the private terrace:

Residence Suite Private Terrace, Villa La Coste

Here's our Villa La Coste video review:

Villa La Coste Dining

Breakfast and all-day dining is available at La Galerie par Hélène Darroze; we highly recommend nabbing a table on the balcony for the panoramic views.

Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste is the signature restaurant with one Michelin star. Be sure to check opening times; usually in summer the restaurant is open Wednesdays-Saturdays for both lunch and dinner and on Sundays for lunch, but in winter it's typically open Thursdays-Saturdays for lunch/dinner and Sundays for lunch.

Saffron Rice with Blue Crab and Langoustines, Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste Review

Lamb at Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste Review

Dessert at Hélène Darroze at Villa La Coste

Villa La Coste Perks for TravelSort Clients

TravelSort Clients enjoy these benefits when reserving with us:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant and via in-room dining
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

The Verdict

To date, Villa La Coste is our favorite luxury resort in France. We particularly recommend the Residence Suite that we stayed in, which would be perfect for either two couples traveling together or a family. Dining was a highlight, from the superb quality of even simple breakfast items, such as the local cheeses and homemade jams and granola, to the refreshing prawn, avocado, and grapefruit salad at the Tadao Ando cafe and the indulgent lunch at Helene Darroze. Our art walk guide was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, as was our wine tour guide. And while we didn't care for all the wines we tasted, that speaks more to our particular wine taste (we prefer rounder, fruit forward wines). Service was excellent, even though we were there during the busy summer season. Highly recommended.