French Basque Country Hideaway

I must be honest, I often think about food, very often in fact, and this morning is no exception as I am looking out my window at the unusual sight of a snow covered Mt. Baldy (normally you can never see it from Beverly Hills or anywhere in Los Angeles for that matter), my mind harkens back to my stay in the Basque region of France to an incredible inn, situated at the rolling foothills (French side, but with a fabulous view of the Spanish side) of the Pyrenees, that overlooks the Nive Valley. Here on a remote 45 acre estate of meadows and forests is a hotel/inn called Ostape. It is located on a hillside in Bidarray, just a few kilometers from Biarritz. Cars ( on a very narrow road) entering Ostapé can only travel as far as the stables at the estate, so porters met you there take your luggage, and whisked you to your room in golf carts. The inn is made up of 5 villas, among which Chahatoa, a magnificent 18th-century house, is built in the traditional style of the Navarre region with white-washed facades, and crimson shutters. It is also home to a fabulous restaurant.
Interior designer Tonia Peyrot, who also decorated Alain Ducasse’s , La Bastide de Moustiers, in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the Alpes de Haute Provence, has given each of the 22 rooms its own expression, conveying the richness and rarity of the surrounding landscapes. My room had a stunning view of the lush hills dotted with white sheep. Everything was done in muted tones, which enhanced the feeling of relaxation and calm. A large living room, bedroom area and well-fitted bath made us feel as though I were in a lovely apartment rather than a hotel room.

 Wanting to eat right away (natch!), I tossed my clothes on the bed and made a dash for, a rustic, but elegant restaurant, Chahatoa. . Here head Chef Claude CALVET (watch out for that name,. as I predict he’ll be one of the new ‘hot’ chefs in the coming years)

                                                               Chef Claude
He blends ocean and mountain flavors into an authentic cuisine, using only regional produce and ingredients. The produce comes from the Biarritz farmers market, and is also grown directly on one of the estate’s two vegetable gardens. The restaurant boasts a lively list of regional vintages from both French and Spanish vineyards. My lunch was, in a word, superb and the service impeccable. I started with blood sausage and apple tart with salad, then shredded veal with seasonal vegetables and ended with a Caribbean chocolate fondant cake with vanilla bourbon ice cream and an almond flavored cookie, a and of course, with wines selected by the chef.
The Navarre Region has endowed the countryside with winding pathways, which lend themselves perfectly to long, peaceful walks, or to discover other outdoor activities. At Ostapé, guests may enjoy culinary classes, swim in the pool, or go for thoroughbred horseback rides from the stables on the estate. The River Nive, located at the foot of the estate, leads to the Atlantic. This is a great place to relax and decompress, to eat, sleep, read, make love and just wander. It is defiantly is not for A type personalities. I could return here, time and time again, A stay here refreshes the soul, mind and stomach! The beauty of the French Basque country is over-powering and magical!