Mas Valentine came about in 2010 after the owners discovered this 18th-century farmhouse and envisioned renovating it to house a restaurant and several guest rooms. Handsome, rusted iron gates open into the property's courtyard and quiet outdoor terrace. Gravel paths wind through flower bushes, lavender, and olive trees to secluded spots with benches and shade trees. Most of the architectural details of the original stone building remain, and the decor throughout is classic Provence. Reception closes early (typically 7 p.m.) and we found that common areas were locked with the lights off, with no staff around to help with guests' needs or requests. It's geared toward couples looking for the ambiance of a four-pearl property, but don't mind the lack of services typical for hotels in this range.

The hotel is right on one of the main roads that runs through the region, but feels isolated, surrounded by vineyards and greenhouses. There's nothing within walking distance and a car or bike is required to get anywhere. It's a six-minute drive into downtown St-Remy-de-Provence, where cafes and restaurants can be found near the main Boulevard Victor Hugo, amidst medieval alleys with old fountains. The Alpilles Museum and Van Gogh's Asylum, or the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole, are both under a 10-minute drive away. Glanum's Roman ruins are also about a nine-minute drive. Allow 20-minute drives for Avignon Airport and closer to 50 minutes for Marseille Airport. 

The hotel's 12 guest rooms and suites are all individually decorated with antique-style furnishings, hardwood floors, and exposed stone walls. There are seven Comfort Rooms with garden views, double beds, wardrobe closets, and seating areas with two chairs and a table. The five suites contain twin or queen beds and add small desks, along with lovely private garden patios. Some suites have king beds and living areas with sofa beds. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but there are no kettles, coffeemakers, or mini-fridges. Marble bathrooms have classic accents but they're modern, with double vanities, gilded mirrors, walk-in rainfall showers with removable showerheads, and separate deep soaking tubs. All come equipped with heated towel racks, terrycloth bathrobes, hairdryers, and upmarket toiletries. 

The hotel's best feature is its inviting outdoor saltwater pool, with a sundeck that has black wicker loungers and striped shade umbrellas, surrounded by lovely gardens. Dining is another highlight -- La Table de Valentin serves upscale traditional Provencal cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. It offers a free hot breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs, and it has a bar and an adjacent outdoor terrace, but limited hours (and it's not open every day). For wellness, there's an outdoor tennis court that looks a bit run down, and in-room massages can be arranged for a fee, but there's no spa or fitness center. Bikes are available to rent, and on-site parking is included. Wi-Fi is free throughout