La Provence D' Afrique- Out of Africa
The resort was strategically created by Marguerite Gotthard who has French blood running through her veins and could not escape her French roots. With the help of her talented architect husband Charles Gotthard she recreated a French paradise. The couples travels to the Provence allowed them to capture the essence of France and brought back with them antique pieces and ideas to craft their own little Parisian haven. Despite the La Provence experience, they surely added little drips and drabs of homely touches to make you feel at home in an unfamiliar place. Marguerite welcomes her guests with a smile and lots of stories to share. You can engage in endless hours of chit chat with her while her pup Gigi tickles your feet with his gentle paws. Marguerite is down to earth with much knowledge of travels, books and her little romance island.
Upon arrival on Sunday 24 June 2018, I was rather startlingly welcomed by three dogs who rushed to my car door. They were as thrilled by my arrival as I was afraid of their presence. I soon realized that the dogs meant no harm and were there for our protection and entertainment pleasure. The weekend I was chosen to arrive was a quieter weekend meaning that I had the entire resort to myself. (Imagine that!). Usually school holidays are a quieter time for the resort as La Provence D' Afrique is one resort specifically designed for romance (babies can be accommodated upon request of course).
Interestingly enough the resort forfeited a star because they do not make provisions for a television set in every room and they are a WI-FI free resort. Luckily enough the room we were given had a television along with an array of Provence related DVD'S and some Indian DVD's as well. The lack of WI-FI, however, had me a little concerned. Being part of the generation who cannot do with a potent WI-FI connection, I dreaded spending three days without WI-FI. I soon was to find out that the lack thereof of internet connection meant for a more meaningful holiday.
We were treated to a cup of coffee near the lake and enjoyed the way the little cottages resembled the cottages from Shrek. We were in a swamp and we loved it.
Thereafter we got directed to our room. Our room was an antique little French inspired heaven. The olden French window panes, stone dining table, old fashioned suitcase-like cupboard and the antique bathtub all made me feel as if I was lost in a little Parisian town in the olden days. The fireplace situated in an elevated portion of the room was my favourite part of the room. In these cold Icy South African Winters the fireplace is an ideal warm up solution. The fireplace also made me slightly nostalgic thinking back to the time when my grandmother would nestle me up in her arms near our fireplace that would kindly heat up the entire kitchen.
All the rooms are cosy and old fashioned but you cannot help but fall in love with them.
The quiet and serenity that La Provence offers is certainly needed if you are eager for a romantic weekend or week away from the usual routine. La Provence is ideal for couples who can no longer stand each other, those separated and on the verge of divorce as the resort forces pure human contact and interactions which has become very rare in today's times as everyone is engrossed in technology and barely pays attention to the person next to them. The simple things like cuddling up to watch "Moulin Rouge" and "Chocolat"provides time for pure uninterrupted bonding time. Naby and I chose to do something rather different to what we do at home and we played some board games. We learnt how to play dominoes (I won every time). We also played some card porridge and our own interpretation of Reverse Charades. There is no better bonding than the bonding that occurs when engaging in play, fun and frolic. For new couples especially engaging in some competitive board games is a sure way to access your partners competitive edge and their losing spirit.
At night our fire was made and extra wood and charcoal brought in to keep the flame burning all throughout the night. We enjoyed the warmth offered by the fireplace and the interesting conversations we ended up having around the blazing fire. The holiday at this resort is one that is stress free which makes it all the more enjoyable. Sleeping under a glass ceiling offers the most magnificent view of the stars. Romance is undeniable in this resort.
The next morning we were escorted to breakfast by the dogs. Breakfast overlooked the waters down by the river and we enjoyed some strong black coffee, fried bananas, scrambled eggs topped with cheese, some yogurt and oats. The day passed by slowly. Time seems to stand still at La Provence and you really enjoy every moment to the fullest. You realize the value of time and how crucial it is to spend time with the ones you love. We took it back to Paris for lunch and indulged in a decadent cheese board with a range of cheese including kiri cheese and gouda. The afternoon had us feeling that much more relaxed with a hot stone massage. The massage room had been moved for the winter to the main cottage. The bed was divinely heated with an electric blanket setting the scene for an ideal Winter massage. After the massage we made our way back to our room where our fire place was lit. The night passed by deliciously with some hot thick onion soup, a crumbly vegetable pie, brown rice and steamed vegetables.
I made my way up the stairs to the Beauty and the Beast like library and got lost in a good read during the evening . I couldn't help but love the fact that the resort was the perfect getaway for couples battling with marital problems and those on the verge of divorce. In today's time its of utmost importance to escape the technological hold and learn to open up and communicate with people right in front of us. I especially loved the recipe for a perfect marriage that hung on my room door at La Provence. A happy marriage does not need frills, fancies and thrills it just needs simple communication and good old fashioned bonding. This is exactly what La Provence offers its guests.
La Provence will as of next year be hosting art retreats and are ideally hoping to target teachers, employers and anyone in need of a retreat. Charles will be sharing his artistic flair with those who attend the retreat.
If you in search of a getaway with a difference this is the one for you. I certainly give La Provence all five of my stars as nothing beats being under the stars with the one you love.
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