We stayed at L'Auberge Provencale Sept. 15, 2012, for our 15th anniversary, seeking restfulness, a culinary adventure, a bit of Virginia history and yes, some luxury.

We got all that and more. We were quickly directed from the main house to a villa about .5 miles away and were pleasantly surprised. Both properties are delightful, with abundant places to sit, sip, swim and/or chat. French country decor throughout, with statuary and thoughtful touches.

Our room at the villa (#17) was just lovely - a big bedroom with bed, chaise lounge and fluffy robes, and a huge bathroom with claw-foot tub attached.

We headed back to the main house for dinner and it was hands-down the best we've ever had (also the most expensive! Bill: $270 including tip). We began with cocktails on the wide front porch, gazing at the mountains and marveling at the train that passed across the landscape as the sun went down.

Inside, my husband got the chef's tasting menu, while I got three three-course meal. It was a long dinner, but every plate that came out had a taste and texture combination that was new to us. Fantastic scallops and steak. Amazing risotto. Delightful cheese plate.

Back to the villa at 11 p.m., at which point I took a bath in the huge tub. Husband zzzzzzzz.......

Breakfast was a delicious quiche with homemade granola and yogurt. I read the paper by the pool, accompanied by one of the owner's two dogs, Bernadette. What a character.

Perfect, playful end to a delightful getaway. Highly recommend.

We had a two-night stay here last week that included two fabulous dinners and two innovative breakfasts. The food here is absolutely first-rate and the wine list, which I believe was built by Celeste, has many wonderful selections. They hold the "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator, one of less than 900 locations on the planet.

The breakfasts deserve a special compliment...one included duck breast and the other pork loin as the meat.

If you live within four or five hours of Boyce, Virginia, and you want a romantic food-centric getaway, L'Auberge is worth the trip.

My husband and I have been coming here through our entire relationship, from our first trip tgther through our engagement to our pregnancy with our daughter. We have never been dissapointed.

The rooms with steam showers are amazing and quit relaxing, comfy beds and the extras they provide are always wonderful.

The gourmet picnic baskets are the best! I have severe food allergies and they always accommodate me. One basket included lobster salad along with with steak and avocado sandwhiches! They even arranged a canoe trip for us to take our lunch on.

They are centrally located to great vineyards to spend the day at. The staff always remembers us when we come back. And the breakfasts have always been outstanding! We have never had dinner in the restaurant though. When I was pregnant they sent us up a small dinner to the room since I wasn't feeling well.

My husband and I just stayed here in Suite 11. This place is so special. We felt we were in the French countryside! The staff is so nice and friendly, particularly Celeste and Jamie. The restaurant is worth trying at least one night and our suite was beautifully decorated, big, and romantic. Breakfast was a dream; it was our favorite and we were always greeted with a smile from Jamie. The place is also close to wineries, horseback riding, and other activities. Definitely recommend it!