The Bordeaux, France, property sits among the vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, a Grand Cru Classé de Graves, and draws from its natural surroundings for its food, wine, and wellness experiences.
Tucked among the vineyards about 30 minutes outside of Bordeaux’s city center lies Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie, a five-star countryside retreat with three Michelin Keys. Pulling up to the hotel, you’re immediately surrounded by greenery and rows of vines on the grounds of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. From there, you arrive at the hotel’s beautiful entrance, designed in the style of a traditional Aquitaine estate.
The hotel has 62 contemporary luxury rooms and suites. We stayed in the recently renovated Signature Suite overlooking the vineyard. The space felt warm and inviting with its blend of wood, brick, and natural materials. The suite can accommodate three adults or two adults and two children and includes a private balcony or terrace.
Photo Courtesy: Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie
One of the most beautiful things about this property is that you really don’t need to leave. Les Sources de Caudalie is designed for slowing down while still experiencing everything the region has to offer.
The hotel is centered around a duck pond, with two main trails guests can walk through the property. Along the way, you’ll pass the hotel’s garden and small farm. You’ll also find an extensive collection of art and sculptures scattered throughout the hotel, vineyards and surrounding forest.
There is also an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, bicycle rentals and jogging trails. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and educational tours at Château Smith Haut Lafitte as well. The hotel can also arrange tailor-made experiences for those looking to explore more of the region.
As a foodie, one of my favorite parts of the stay was naturally the dining. The hotel has two Michelin-recognized restaurants on-site. La Table du Lavoir, featured in the Michelin Guide, is a rustic, country inn-style restaurant open for lunch and dinner. For a true fine-dining experience, La Grand’Vigne holds two Michelin stars with chef Nicolas Masse at the helm.
Photo Courtesy: Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie
The experience at La Grand’Vigne begins with the ingredients themselves. That can mean picking produce from the hotel’s own vegetable garden or working with local producers. Chef Masse draws inspiration from the surrounding vineyards and region across five-, six- and seven-course tasting menus. My meal was one of the most experiential ways I have personally ever tasted vegetables. Ingredients I would normally consider simple transformed into some of the most memorable dishes of the meal.
Another major highlight of the property is the Caudalie Spa, home to the world’s first Vinothérapie Spa. The concept combines naturally warm spring water drawn from 540 meters underground with extracts from grapes and vines. The spa itself is stunning and incredibly relaxing. It includes a thermal pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and multiple treatment rooms. Treatments draw on the properties of the vine and grape. Options range from signature rituals to facials, massages, grape marc baths and the Crushed Cabernet scrub. I chose to book a relaxing massage followed by a customized Caudalie skincare treatment plan.
Photo Courtesy: Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie
Beyond the food, wine, and spa, the service is what stands out the most. Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie has some of the most exceptional hospitality I have experienced at a hotel. The wonderful staff makes every stay feel special. That includes everything from leaving thoughtful amenities in the room to helping with personal bookings and requests.
Just over two hours from Paris by train, Hôtel Les Sources de Caudalie is worth adding as a stop on a France itinerary. Come for the wine, stay for the food and spa, and give yourself enough time to slow down and enjoy it. It is SO worth it.
