Vannes
Country Hotel: Luxury
15 Rooms, Starting at €128.00
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Villa Kerasy, one of those exceptional small properties in an out-of-the-way location, permits you to live a luxurious fantasy at a very attractive price (€92-320), surrounded by a splendour of remarkable attractions. It's the antithesis of EuroDisney, a haven of authenticity and living history well worth experiencing firsthand. The setting is Brittany, specifically the Gulf of Morbihan, where civilization dates from prehistoric times, where medieval Dukes built baronial castles, and where in the 17th and 18th centuries The East India Company launched fleets of galleons which brought back the riches of Asia to the capitals of Europe. It is the ports of call that those traders visited which inspire Villa Kerasy, a 4-star property unique in its class. The actual structure dates from only a century ago, originally a lingerie factory built in 1914. The innkeepers have overseen a renovation into a spacious 12-room auberge with each room reflecting a different trading post along the Spice Route. This means furnishings were collected all over the East, and assembled here into tasteful rooms where comfort and eclectic detail prevail. Every first class amenity is present: extra pillows, percale duvets, cordless telephone, room safe, elegant and modern marble baths, robes, thick towels, and even a thoughtful international electrical outlet by the desk with USA, UK and continental plugs. There are always fresh flowers, a full complement of Roger Gallet amenities, and a graceful turndown service with world class chocolates in an elegant mesh pouch placed on your pillow at sunset- wow! Your culinary odyssey begins daily with a marvellous breakfast served on palm-patterned Limoges, accompanied by home-made preserves (plum-coconut or apricot-ginger during my stay; it always changes according to chef's whim…) An afternoon tea features home-made scones and Mariage Freres infusions. Later, you may simply enjoy a cocktail and book in the warmth of the sitting room. The city of Vannes boasts a number of fine restaurants, all walking distance, and the hotel will recommend and reserve the best for whatever suits your taste. Or, there is always the supreme indulgence: book the hotel's Indian Suite, with its attached 4-seat private dining room, order the incredibly reasonable en-suite dinner (€14, fish or meat) and a bottle of local wine and dine overlooking the hotel's zen garden, home to a pond full of contented koi. Perhaps the greatest dilemma in Vannes is choosing what to do, since there is so much on your doorstep. The hotel has packages appealing to every possible interest from hot air ballooning to yachting to degustation to archaeological sites. If I had only two days I would make sure to explore the medieval quarter (10 minutes on foot from the hotel) and study the typical exposed timber architecture (some facades dating back to 1200), then wander the open air market which occurs on Thursday and Saturday mornings. I'd drive out to the megalithic site at Carnac (about 30 minutes away) and on the same itinerary allow a couple hours to visit the nearby castle at Suscinio. I'd also try and sandwich in between my opulent gastronomic meals the must-see Museum of the East India Company in the citadel of Port Louis. And if time permitted I would ask Villa Kerasy to create a custom muscadet and oyster lunch. This is primarily a tourist hotel, and those travelling by car will appreciate the secure parking at night behind a locked gate. Management appear to have anticipated every need. The area is mobbed in festival season from May through mid-October, so travel just before or after could mean a calmer holiday. Another plus is the TGV, which runs directly from Charles deGaulle Airport to Vannes. The hotel can be found literally across the street from the train station, thus a car is not really a necessity. In the warmer months breakfast can be taken on Villa Kerasy's terrace, facing the zen garden, under the watchful gaze of a placid Balinese Buddha.

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