Bordeaux
Les Sources de Caudalie
Wine therapy
In the renowned vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, around 17km (11 miles) outside of Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie is a rural retreat celebrating the best of this Southwest France’s cultural and culinary heritage.
There are 40 rooms and 21 suites split amongst the sprawling property, with most in six buildings that, while looking thoroughly historic, were specially built using huge reclaimed beams from abandoned local properties. Most have a terrace or a balcony with a beautiful view on the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyards or over the lake.
There is also the Village des Pêcheurs – or Fishermen’s village – with 12 suites on stilts around a small lake inspire by the oyster-farms of the Arcachon Bay. Additionally, there is the unique Ile aux Oiseaux suite, a wooden pavilion standing out over the water on stilts, adventurously redecorated by a different designer every 3 or 4 years.
The spa here comes from the inventors of ‘vinotherapy’, with treatments combining the anti-ageing properties of polyphenols contained in grape-seeds and the spa’s own natural hot-water spring in the most tranquil of settings.
The senses will continue to be treated at either of the two restaurants here, whether with fine seasonal French dining and fittingly fabulous wine list at the twice Michelin starred La Grand’Vigne, bistro-style food at Table de Lavoir, or at either of the two wine bars.
Activities from Les Sources de Caudalie include wine tasting, wine tasting lessons and cooking classes. Excursions to explore the surrounding sites, such as boat trip into Bordeaux or to rustic Saint-Émilion, can also be arranged.
Highlights
40 rooms and 21 suites
La Grand'Vigne two-star Michelin restaurant
La Table du Lavoir bistro
Two bars
Spa
Tennis court
Wine tasting
Cooking classes
Trip inspiration
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Places to combine Les Sources de Caudalie with
Paris
The former home of Napoleon’s grand nephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, the Shangri-La Paris is every bit as regal as you might expect.
Beyond the elegant façade is a hotel that oozes old-world charm. The opulent rooms are decorated in soft shades of blue, white and ecru with silk-threaded wallpaper, textured panels and custom-made furnishings. Marble bathrooms come with underfloor heating, some offering views of the Eiffel Tower from the bathtub.
Dining at the Shangri-La is a real treat, its restaurants showered with stars. L’Abeille is named after Napoleon’s favourite emblem, the bee, and has been awarded two Michelin stars for its exceptional French cuisine. It also enjoys a prime location, looking out over the garden. Not to be outshone, Shang Palace, inspired by south east China’s culinary traditions, has been awarded one star. For French and Asian cuisine, dine under the huge glass dome at La Bauhihia.
The hotel’s fitness centre, housed in the original stables of the Prince’s home, features an indoor swimming pool, open-air terrace, treatment rooms and a gym. You’re also ideally situated to explore the city, adjacent to the Jardins du Trocadéro and opposite the Eiffel Tower.
