Review of Jardins Secrets, by Catherine Cooper

A stunning and highly individual boutique hotel, Jardins Secrets is within easy walking distance of the historic centre of Nimes. The 18th-century coaching inn lies in a beautiful courtyard garden, all hidden behind a blue iron gate in the wall, giving it a riad-like feel.

The facilities

The hotel has several downstairs sitting rooms and a large kitchen, crammed with antiques, cages of tiny singing birds, pots of fresh flowers, pictures and artifacts collected by the owners (magazine stylist Annabelle Valentin and her photographer husband Christophe). Breakfast of home-made croissants and exquisite jams (such as violet and rose) is served at individual tables dotted through the house and garden and one of the living rooms also serves as a relaxed and informal bar.

The immaculate and tranquil garden is scattered loungers and piles of apples under glass cloches - the garden is really something special in a hotel so close to a city centre and the perfect place to relax. Jardins Secrets has its own spa with hammam, plunge pool, massage tables and a stained glass window. Small but perfectly formed, La Source des Secrets is only available for use on a room-by-room basis by prior arrangement for scrubs, massages, facials, wraps for up to three hours at a time.

The rooms

The 7 suites and 7 rooms at Jardins Secrets are all individually named and styled, decorated with huge drapes and in rich colours. Just like the rest of the hotel each room has its own curios - we stayed in Suite de Jeanette which had a 19th-century marble bust and Pierre Frey curtains while Suite de Lolita is decorated with little white frills and Suite de Scolastique features a huge religious painting and feels almost cloister-like.

Beds are large and comfortable and fresh roses and a selection of glossy magazines in various languages make the rooms feel particularly welcoming. Bathrooms are loaded with fluffy white towels and robes and the suites have enormous baths as well as separate showers. There is great attention to detail throughout Jardins Secrets - it manages to feel sumptuous, individual and luxurious at the same time as being relaxing and welcoming. A real haven.