Fodor's Expert Review Senteur Vanille

Of the many hotels and resorts dotting the coast around St.-Gilles-les-Bains, few can rival this Eden-like collection of cottages, lodges, and villas set among eight verdant acres of blossoming orchids, Jasmine, mango and vanilla trees. Senteur Vanille divides its accommodations into two distinct areas: the lodge side and the Creole side. The lodge side has two-story, rustic looking cabins, each with large balconies overlooking the sea. The more exotic Creole side makes excellent use of the garden—foliage provides the studio to six-person villas a fair amount of privacy. Interiors are high-ceilinged, light, and tastefully decorated in Creole colonial-style furniture. All units are self-catering, with fully-equipped kitchens and supermarkets nearby. The beach is a stone's throw away as well.