An Essex Wedding - September/Ocotber 2020 (Issue 94)

HONEYMOON 97 a restorative aperitif on arrival and wine tasting before dinner at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant. We had the chef’s own specially curated menu; a tantalising voyage of discovery, with each course a beautifully presented taste sensation. The service was impeccable, so much so, you’re hardly even aware of it, unhurried you can take your time, savour the creative cuisine and retire to the terrace for coffee and a nightcap before bed. With a free morning the next day to explore the hotel’s facilities, first stop was the glistening outdoor pool, picture-perfect, with pristine loungers, bar and contemporary La Plage restaurant set among the vines. I snatched a few moments to relax in the sun and soak up the atmosphere before heading off for my appointment at the sleek sophisticated spa. A temple of wellness and relaxation, I enjoyed a signature Biologique Recherche facial. I’d been lusting after these luxury French skincare products for a while, so it was a wonderfully indulgent treat and I left with my skin feeling totally revived and glowing. Complete with an indoor swimming pool, three saunas, a hammam steam room, chill-out area and more, you can linger here and emerge feeling thoroughly relaxed and restored. With a spring in my step, I made my way to La Plage for lunch to contemplate working it off afterwards in the fully-equipped, state-of-the-art gym, browsing the Medieval streets of Montpellier or having a snooze by the pool – decisions, decisions!! Book it: www.domainedeverchant.com MY HIGHLIGHTS ❤ Being chauffeured in a sleek shiny black Tesla electric car with Batmobile-style wing doors was a first for me. As we pulled up in the centre of Montpellier we felt like celebrities stepping out! ❤ Sampling some of Verchant’s own delicious wines under the expert eye of their head sommelier – don’t forget to bag a bottle for a Montpellier flashback moment at home! ❤ Exploring the amazing city; described as a mosaic of atmospheres, it has a unique charm, combining history with a bustling contemporary vibe. We had a guided tour of some of the major cultural and historical landmarks; a tempting teaser which made a return visit a must! The Montpellier tourism office is a mine of helpful information and you can book a tour guide to give you an expert view – well worth it to get a meaningful insight into the city, past and present. ❤ Dinner at Le Bivouak Café in the Marché du Lez, Montpellier, rustic and welcoming, the Bivouak burgers were amazing and the atmosphere was buzzing. Part of a thriving culinary hub of bistros, bars, food trucks and gourmet delights, it’s a magnet for locals and visitors alike. There’s a petanque court too if you fancy trying your hand at this popular rench pastime. Visit www.facebook.com/bivouakcafe ❤ Climbing the steep steps to the top of the Arc de Triomphe with our tour guide for 360-degree views of the city – breathtaking in more ways than one! MUST-DO ❤ Take a ride on the city’s multi-coloured tramways resplendent in eye-catching designs by renown French fashion designer Christian Lacroix; great for Insta-worthy photos. ❤ Chill out at one of the cool bars or bistros; sit outside and people-watch, glass of red in hand – bliss! ❤ Book in with the tourist office for a guided tour of the Medieval mikveh, an ancient ceremonial Jewish bath in the heart of what was once the Jewish quarter of Montpellier. It was discovered by chance during renovations of the house above and is one of the best-preserved of its kind in Europe. A major spiritual site, the bath is naturally fed with water and the atmosphere is haunting, you can almost feel the presence of the people who would have bathed there over the centuries as part of their religious rituals. For further information visit www.montpellier-france.com