Villa Namaste

About this property

Marvel at the beauty of the Mediterranean as you step out on to the grand terrace, surrounded by the mesmerising landscapes of the Calanques. In one of the most stunning settings in southern France, this prestigious villa is wonderful in every way with its elegant interiors, private swimming pool and vast domaine, only a short walk to the beach and charming fishing village of Cassis.

Once an admired French Riviera hotel, follow the footsteps of famous names across Villa Namaste which has undergone a complete renovation in recent years. Yet it’s not all about the glitz and glamour here, instead there’s a sense of understated luxury with beautifully designed living spaces, high-end features, valuable works of art alongside an overall feeling of great comfort. All three reception rooms and the kitchen face the sea with doors opening up to the huge terrace or escape the summer sun in the cinema room with its projector, large screen and popcorn machine.

Inviting bedrooms can be found on all three floors of the main villa, as well as a separate annexe, most with en suite bath or shower rooms and many with juliet balconies looking out towards the sea. The spacious top-floor master double is the most impressive with its sea-facing bath, double walk-in shower and private terrace enjoying the very best vistas of the Côte d'Azur.

The 150-acre domaine, within the Calanques National Park, is home to picture-perfect terraces, idyllic spots for al-fresco dining and landscaped gardens with olive and fruit trees, lavender and other aromas of the Mediterranean. By the courtyard garden, the Orangerie is a tranquil place for yoga and games or walk up to the traditional Pétanque court so typical of the south of France. Not to mention the incredible swimming pool and teakwood terrace in an idyllic position amongst the towering pines.

The most adventurous can follow the steep private path and steps down towards a rocky bay with turquoise-coloured water, reached in about five minutes, or stroll to Cassis about a 20-minute walk away. It’s a small coastal town full of charm with gorgeous pastel-coloured houses, café terraces and characterful restaurants.

Explore the Calanques National Park on foot with the most breathtaking hiking trails or set out to sea on kayak, canoe or boat to discover the spectacular scenery of this dramatic coastline. Laze on postcard worthy beaches, sample wines from the vineyards surrounding Cassis or head out by car to visit La Ciotat, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer and even the vibrant cities of Toulon and Marseille. 

Villa Namaste is set within a 150-acre domaine, part of the Calanques National Park on the French Riviera, almost equidistant between Marseille and Toulon and just a short stroll from the charming port of Cassis.

It’s around a 20-minute walk (at times without pavement) into the small town of Cassis. It’s a delightful place for a coffee on one of its café terraces or a leisurely lunch in a characterful restaurant. As you explore the narrow lanes of inviting shops, there’s almost an ambience of Provence yet surrounded by French Riviera bays and the pretty port. Look out for night markets in the height of the summer and all year round you can visit the twice-weekly market for locally produced fruit, vegetables, cheeses and of course fish. You will also find the catch of the day being sold on Quai des Baux each morning.

Beach-lovers can seek out many idyllic spots along this part of the coastline – the nearest bay is around a 5-minute walk away (via a steep private path with steps), a rocky shore with crystal-clear water just perfect for swimming and snorkelling (pack aqua shoes). Further along, the town of Cassis is home to Plage de la Grande Mer, a scenic beach offering kayak hire and wind-surfing, or you may prefer to seek out number of beautiful coves and bays nearby often only reached by foot or boat.

The Calanques National Park offers incredible walks, many starting off or passing through Cassis, with hikes for a range of abilities across its 300km of marked trails, all with the most spectacular scenery of sea and mountains. Hiring a boat or kayak is another great way to explore this coastline, reaching secluded coves, whilst there are also many excellent climbing and cycling opportunities.

Wine-tasting is another wonderful experience in this part of the French Riviera, with vineyards around Cassis where you can meet the wine-growers, learn all about this region’s wine-producing history and eco-system as well as sample or purchase some of Cassis’ unique wines.

Further along the coast, follow the famous Route des Crêtes through the Calanques to La Ciotat, a pretty coastal town around 10km away where you will find atmospheric markets, a number of shops and restaurants, lovely beaches and boat trips across to the stunning natural island, île Verte.

Continue further to places such as Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer or the exciting towns of Toulon and Hyères. Alternatively, head west and spend the day in the culturally vibrant city of Marseille, around 30km away, with its handsome buildings, characterful places to dine as well as bustling markets.

Accommodation

Villa Interiors (600m2)

Ground Floor (some internal steps)

-    Living room with sea-views
-    Lounge with fireplace. Doors lead to al-fresco lounge and pergola
-    Dining area with large table for up to 18 guests and Sonos sound system. Doors lead to al-fresco dining terrace and pergola
-    Cinema room with large screen, projector and DVD player 
-    Kitchen (opening up to dining area), fully-equipped including stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, large fridge and freezer with water and ice-dispenser, temperature controlled wine cabinet, coffee machines (including Nespresso and filter), kettles, juicer, food processor, mixer and filtered water fountain for still & sparkling water
-    Laundry room
-    Bedroom (21m2) with air-conditioning, twin beds (90cm each, can be joined as a king-size double), space for extra bed (mattress), garden/pool view and en suite bathroom with shower
-    Separate WC

First Floor

-    Bedroom (15m2) with air-conditioning, twin beds (80cm, can be joined as a queen-size double), desk, sea/pool view and separate wardrobe in hallway
-    Bedroom (17m2) with air-conditioning, twin beds (80cm, can be joined as a queen-size double), child’s desk, bookcase with children’s books and garden view
-    Bathroom with shower, WC and sink (directly accessed and shared by above two bedrooms)
-    Bedroom (17m2) with air-conditioning, twin beds (80cm, can be joined as a queen-size double), juliet-style balcony with sea-view and private bathroom with shower, WC and sink
-    Large bedroom (27m2) with air-conditioning, king-size double bed (180cm, can be split into twins), Smart TV, two juliet-style balconies with sea-view and sitting area. Private bathroom (across from entrance) with shower, WC and sink
-    Bedroom (21m2) with air-conditioning, double bed (180cm, can be split into twins), desk, juliet-style balcony with sea-view and private bathroom with shower, WC and sink
-    Bedroom (17m2) with air-conditioning, single bed (80cm, can be extended to a 160cm double bed with trundle bed) and garden view
-    Bathroom with bath, two sinks and WC (bathroom accessed via above bedroom or via hallway)
-    Bedroom (13m2) with air-conditioning, twin beds (80cm, can be joined as a queen-size double) and juliet-style balcony with sea-view
-    Open mezzanine-style lounge (67m2) with high ceiling, mezzanine railings (above kitchen), sea-view, doors leading to terrace (80m2) and sofas which can be converted into beds using the cushions (2-3 guests, on request only). Stairs down to kitchen
-    Bathroom with shower, WC and sink (accessed off the mezzanine-style lounge)

Second Floor

-    Master bedroom (30m2) with air-conditioning double bed (180cm), sitting area, TV with Netflix and doors leading to private terraces (18m2) with sea-view. Bathroom with bath, double shower, two sinks, separate WC and doors leading to two terraces
-    Office space with long desk and sea-view terrace (space for one additional bed on request)

Separate Annexe House

Ground Floor

-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (can be split into 90cm twins) and bathroom with shower
-    Bedroom with king-size double bed (can be split into 90cm twins) and bathroom with shower

There is also a bedroom/shower room with a small kitchenette and air-conditioning on the annexe's first floor, on request only and subject to a supplement of 490€ per night – please enquire

Outside Grounds

-    Heated salt-water swimming pool (13x4.5m) with electric safety cover. Open all year round, heated approximately April to September (subject to extra cost at other times of year)
-    Sea-facing hot tub heated all year round
-    Pool house with fridge
-    South-facing terrace (500m2)
-    2 x al-fresco dining tables for up to 16 guests each (can be joined)
-    Pergola and al-fresco lounge
-    Weber barbecue
-    North-facing terrace with lounge furnishings and hammock
-    Orangery with table-tennis, table football, gym equipment and yoga mats
-    Pétanque court
-    Various terraced grounds (some with low walls/horizontal railings) and many steps
-    58-hectare estate (enclosed by electric fencing)

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi (fibre-optic)
-    Air-conditioning (nine bedrooms in the main villa, plus the additional upper floor suite (available on request) in the annexe)
-    Fans (annexe bedrooms)
-    Heating (in some bedrooms reversible a/c and heating)
-    Smart TV
-    Sonos sound system
-    Cinema room with projector and large screen
-    DVD player and library
-    Netflix and YouTube
-    Playstation
-    Popcorn machine
-    Table tennis
-    Table football
-    Bikes
-    Badminton and short tennis
-    Pétanque court and balls
-    Board games
-    Children’s books
-    Toiletries
-    Hairdryers