Secret Med

Known as the secret Mediterranean, the Languedoc-Roussillon has that certain Je ne sais quoi that makes it that little bit special. It's one of those places where the 21st century has made its mark but hasn't even scraped the surface.

The beautiful Mediterranean climate warms 250 kilometres of golden beaches encasing vast stretches of beautiful green landscapes and individual unspoilt villages with a wealth of unique history and culture.

Hidden away in Hérépian, one of these lovely little villages, is a real treasure of a getaway - Le Couvent d'Hérépian - a 17th century convent transformed by Garrigae Investissements into a luxury boutique hotel and spa. If what you're looking for is a break away from the humdrum with a focus on relaxation with a capital R, Le Couvent is ideal.

Retaining its 17th century charm the design and atmosphere are focused on making the place homely but luxurious. The small, personal spa offers treatments from a deeply calming full body massage to reflexology and rejuvenating facials. The pool that doubles as a jacuzzi and looks out onto the landscaped gardens is also a wonderful ways to get crazy city life out of your head.

The hotel itself is made up of 13 suites of various sizes all with their own balance of neutral colours and natural touches alongside top of the range technology. Flatscreen TVs, DVD players and an iPod deck and player loaded with tunes are ideal for those who would prefer to watch a film tucked into their luxurious bed than to sit on the balcony that looks onto the courtyard, drenched in Mediterranean sun with a good book. Personally, I preferred the latter option and didn't turn on then the television once but of course tastes differ.

Hérépian is a sweet little village where you can stroll through the streets with locals who will smile and say 'bonjour' as you pass them. You could have a game of pétanque (boules) in town followed by tasting the fine wines of the region. The amusingly named 'Arrogant Frog' wines are local favourites that you can also buy in the UK to remind you of your holiday (although it funnily enough doesn't taste quite as good when you're sitting at home instead of looking out onto the Languedoc landscape nibbling local cheeses or home-made cakes.)