Mas de Thau

We visited Mas de Thau in September 2024, which is their mid season. To our delight, we happened to have been the only family who had booked for the week, so had the entire place to ourselves. We were so excited as it was our first proper holiday since our daughter had been born (she was 2 at the time), and we were impressed with the glowing reviews we had read before booking. It certainly wasn’t a cheap holiday, but we figured for all that was described to be included, it would be worth it, so we put any hesitations to the side and booked it. Considering that their website outlines exactly what is included for the price, I’ve included this, alongside what we actually experienced: *Luxury and authentic accommodation will have a fully equipped kitchen with everything a modern family needs - the accommodation was as described and as per the pictures. I would not say it was entirely luxurious, but clean and well equipped. * Family meal on arrival (even late arrival) - on arrival we were informed by the owners that their chef was sick so that they would be doing the cooking. We were offered a BBQ on an arrival, which we were happy with, however there was certainly no element of choice, or menu presented to us. We wondered if this would be the case for future meals. * A welcome basket with a comprehensive starter pack allowing you to relax - we were impressed with the welcome basket. The owners accommodated for our daughter’s food requirements, providing us with gluten free pasta, as well as some lovely sauces. There was also a little table set up for our daughter with some teddies and colouring activities. We thought this was a nice touch. * Fresh bread and viennoiseries are collected from our local bakery daily and delivered to your door fresh each and every morning - this was exactly as described and the pastries were delicious. * Three dinners delivered during the week to your accomodation to eat at your leisure - as the week continued the chef was apparently still sick so meals were cooked by the owners. Once again, we had no objections to this, however were not given a menu, but rather presented with one meal option. The cooking was tasty, but not luxurious. Unfortunately, rightly or wrongly, we felt that it seemed convenient that the chef was sick at this time, and for the whole week. It crossed our minds that perhaps this was a way of reducing costs, as having a chef on site for just one family would not be worth it financially for the owners. * Unlimited access to Kid’s club from Monday to Friday – 9.30 am-12.30/2.pm  to 5.00 pm, all snacks for the children will be provided - one of the main reasons we booked this holiday was due to the provision of the kid’s club, but this was one of the most disappointing aspects of our stay. On their website it described childcare staff as ‘qualified Nannies.’ On arrival we soon learnt that there was only one individual who was running the kids club - a young man, who told us this was just his s

We spent 5 nights in early July at Mas de Thau. Our motivation for going splurging on the trip was 100% the childcare - it is very difficult to find kids clubs for toddlers. We have a 2.5yr old and a 4yr old. The added bonus of catering, and a bit of socialising was something we were looking forward to. We stayed in the picpoul rooms, which I'd recommend if with toddlers as it's all on one level. The space is tasteful - exposed beams and ancient stone walls with soft lighting and modern bathroom fittings. The beds were all very comfortable, with good quality bedding. The sofa and kitchen were less luxurious, and the outdoor furniture rather uncomfortable (some cushions would have solved that). As others say, the pool area is lovely but there are a lot of wasps and the decking is in need of a sand (splinters.. every. single. day.). We love our coffee and wished there had been a bean-to-cup machine in the bar area (alas, only Senso tea-bag things in the rooms). Firstly, the kids club: the space is excellent: small kid-size toilets and sink, a wet-play zone outside and wall-to-wall toys/games. Real thought has gone into its design. But we had some doubts as soon as we were introduced to the staff (a creche worker and a drama student, we later learned). No real introduction was given: we asked all the questions (almost none were asked to us or our children about them) and on day one, we handed our kids over hoping it would all fall into place. After two *wonderful* hours reading by the pool, we returned to the club and the kids were at a table drawing, and playing with some cars. Unfortunately, the afternoon session was the same. The next day we hinted strongly at how much they'd love the wet play area, but again they just did some drawing and toy playing. We were told it was ' a bit hot' for the wet play (?!). My 4yr old was now bored and did not want to return. In short, the problem was a management one. The club staff had no confidence, no direction, and no incentive to do anymore than the bare minimum. We were never asked for feedback but were prompted to give it when one afternoon we watched the staff play with our children in the pool - the lack of attention was almost dangerous: the creche worker was just doing laps several metres from the kids. Once the feedback was given this didn't happen again, we managed to coerce our 4yr old back (with some guilt) and the wet play area even got used (once). But the whole experience was incredibly frustrating - to think what potential the place had, and how it was totally lost. Back to the positives: the food was good and they were flexible with timings for us and the kids. The social evenings were really welcome, and we enjoyed meeting our hosts and other guests. If we had any questions or issues they were answered quickly. The beach 'club' (more of a rustic restaurant) day was nice and out Sunday-Friday stay worked really well, with a bit of variety and enough time to relax. I would have love

We had the most fantastic week staying at Mas de Thau. We travelled with our three year old and three month old and both were very well looked after for the duration. The Mas is absolutely gorgeous and the food was lovely. We really enjoyed the happy hour every evening and are already planning to return again next year!

My family had the good luck to spend ten days at the Mas de Thau in late summer of 2023. Maryse and Yvan have created a warm, welcoming place in one of the loveliest corners of France. The apartments are well equipped and beautifully updated while maintaining their rustic "mas" charm. We loved breakfast pastry baskets and the absolutely delicious, fresh dinners. Our four year old still talks about how much he loved it--spending time at the kids club, visiting the donkeys, feeding the tiny tortoises, swimming, and roaming the grounds. Day trips to the coast were easy, and my husband and I took some strolls to local wineries, only 15 minutes or so on foot! We made lovely memories in our time at the Mas de Thau and still rave about it to all of our friends at home.

We spent 8 days at Mas De Thau at the end of July/early August, a family of four with two children aged 6 and 3. Maryse was incredibly accommodating, answering our questions before we arrived and always on hand to help and be flexible when you're there. The setting is absolutely beautiful, set between the vines and with views out towards the sea. There is something for everyone, with adult BBQ and Pizza nights, two swimming pools, days out organised and the kids club. The 'happy hour' every evening is a lovely way for the families to get together and socialise and for all the children to play (there are bikes and scooters etc and it's a lovely safe environment). The food was excellent, the team of two who do the cooking made very tasty and well presented dishes and there was always a choice which gets sent to you before your stay. Our two loved the kids club with Karine, Oliver and Stephanie. They were keen to dip in and out and really enjoyed the evenings where they had dinner together, played on the bouncy castle and watched a film. The morning pastries and bread are a lovely touch, beautifully fresh as Maryse collects them from the bakeries early in the morning. The location is excellent, with access to the Mas at Meze, some lovely wineyards around, Motagnac and Pezenas are on the doorstep and further afield Bezier and Marseillan. We couldn't fault our stay at Mas De Thau and will be looking to return again. Huge thank you to Maryse and the Team for a wonderful family holiday

We liked : - the team at the kids club. They are extremely kind and professional. The kids love them. We disliked : - the lack of cleaning (see picture of a cup full of cigarette buds found on our terrace the day of our arrival… it was never removed… the next guests will probably find it when they get there). - the poor maintenance of many infrastructures (see pictures). - the lack of bathtub for kids - the fact breakfast and dinner are served too late for kids (8am and 8pm). Overall the kids were happy but I wasn’t as I feel this is not good value for money : when you pay north of 5 000 for a week, you would expect top notch maintenance, cleaning, etc. To me the kids club is the game changer but the rest is just very average.