Lovers of architecture and design will appreciate this petite hotel-house in the south of France. In a pretty noble (features go as far back as the 14th-century) building with just six suites, you get the best of Provençal village life (Maison Salix is in Vallabrègues, known for its history of basketry history, plus it’s surrounded by vineyards) but with culture and buzz not too far away in Arles or Nimes. Three friends from Belgium run the show, with two – Kurt and Hugues – there to sit with you at breakfast or take you through a high-sweat workout class (it makes sense one of the hosts is an ex-sports coach). But it’s friendly and homely, and subtly grand (giant hearths, intricate halls) and a pool so good it’s hard to peel yourself away.