CHÂTEAU LOU CASTEOU

Set on the edge of a pine-tree filled national park near Fréjus, just inland from France’s Cote d’Azur, an hour’s drive from Nice airport, Lou Caste is owned and run by tennis-loving Morag and Chris, this is the dream trip for tennis players who love the sport’s accompanying socials as much as they get off on a sweetly-struck cross-court forehand, and for those who want luxurious, homely accommodation (en-suite bedrooms, pool, terraces, lounges, sea and mountain views) rather than pack-em-all-in-inclusives. For the five-day stay, around 20 players descend on the chateau for morning and afternoon sessions, lunches on the poolside terrace, dressed-up aperitif hour and family-style dinners set in the various vast rooms. If you’re lucky to book in on the April session (there are only a few of these holidays a year here, and spaces sell out fast), it also includes a day trip to the Monte-Carlo tennis masters, one of the ATP Tour’s most spectacular tournaments where the sport’s elite battle it out on the red clay with the Mediterranean shimmering in the background. We were lucky enough to see Djokovic, Sinner and Medvedev — all three in this year’s Wimbledon semi-finals — in one impressive sitting. Back at the hard courts at the charming Golf and Tennis club of Valescure near the chateau (they’re hoping to add some clay courts by next summer, for lovers of the red stuff), the tennis might not be of the same level, but the group’s enthusiasm is equal. Coaching is headed up by James Rose, former director of tennis at La Manga Tennis Academy, and David Tropes, head coach at Valescure. The five hours of tennis a day might sound daunting to anyone who plays irregularly, but it flies by in a flurry of drills, games and mini competitions. The schedule is loose too, allowing people to skip some sessions for guided coastal walks, trips to St Tropez, Fréjus or Saint Raphael, or even an afternoon lazing by the sleek pool. With everyone else at tennis, including owners Morag and Chris, you’ll largely be lounging in total peace. There are a variety of levels, from post-beginner to strong club players learning all aspects of the game: from taking the ball early on the approach shot to knifing slice backhands and gaining extra power on the serve with wrist snap to moving more effectively as a doubles pair. The biggest take-away was that the most crucial thing in tennis is choosing the right shot at the right time. Universally, we left feeling more confident with our shots and tactics and more comfortable lasting out on a sun-beaten court for longer than a five-set Wimbledon final. The tennis is only a part of this dreamy experience though: the breakfast, lunches and dinners put on by the visiting Italian chef couple Matteo and Silvia were the perfect mix of gourmet and homemade. French pastries, fruit, omelettes and strong coffee fuelled you in the morning, lunches of poached salmon, salads and pastas sustained you through the day (a glass or two of Provençal rose helped rather than hindered some people’s games) and big evening feasts with fine wines were a boisterous release, often ending up with a midnight pool competition in the games room downstairs.

A snippet of the review - "Have you ever marvelled at the swan-like performances magically served up by celebrity dancers on Strictly Come Dancing only two or three weeks after having initially dribbled about like headless chickens? Practice makes perfect and dance is no different. I know we’ve all wanted to trip the light fantastic and impress our partners, family, onlookers or even just our own selves but above hubristic recognition is the universally accepted fact that dance is a joyous and uplifting activity. One hour of salsa dancing is guaranteed to release all the right endorphins to combat stress most effectively and boost your mood and senses. Now what if you could learn to salsa or improve your skills at a gorgeous luxurious holiday retreat in Cote d’Azur with lessons from top professionals, complementary fitness classes to keep you in good shape and the experience further embellished by the most exquisite food and drink in the South of France and an extra dollop of a bunch of lovely people who share the passion for dance but also know how to have a lot of fun. The heady mix of sun, fun, food and dance is the Salsa retreat at Château Lou Casteou, an hour’s drive away from Nice and forty-five minutes from Cannes. It is an immaculately luxurious home-away-from-home run by the lovely couple of Morag and Chris. They offer innovatively packaged experiences variously also focused on tennis and fitness along. Dances covered during the salsa retreat include Cross body salsa, Cuban salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Chacha, Semba, Merengue, Regaetton, and Funaná! Once bitten, most visitors can’t wait to get back, year on year, to the sheer pleasure of the communal experience at Lou Casteou. It is a destination accommodation with a lovely swimming pool, ensuite bedrooms, wondrous terraces, cosy lounges, and glorious surroundings that boast both sea and mountain views. The charm and grandeur of the property coupled with the owners’ hands-on approach has transformed it into a multi-purpose building which is even available for ‘Shoot & Stay’ rentals with Simon Cowell having used it as the X-Factor ‘Judges’ home in one of the earlier series as well as weddings and special events."

Lou Casteou's charm and character made it the perfect location for filming France TV's stunning period drama 'Romance'.

Lou Casteou are delighted to announce dates for October's Let's Salsa luxury dance retreat. Join our award-winning team in this fabulous château set in the south of France from the 8th to the 11th October 2020.

Indulge in some fabulous R&R at this stunning property just 35 minutes from Cannes. An exquisite turn-of-the-century château that has been tastefully and luxuriously restored to blend traditional design with contemporary touches. Coming up in 2017 you could be ne-tuning your backhand at the Tennis Academy, getting into the groove at the Let’s Salsa retreats, or just indulging in some pampering Côte d’Azur-style with the Body Tonic break.