Here’s a cure like no other, to be enjoyed in a charming hotel nestled among the vines. Welcome to Les Sources de Caudalie, an address that has earned an international reputation for pushing back the boundaries of wine tourism by creating the Vinothérapie concept within its prestigious spa. Add to this a double Michelin-starred chef, yoga classes and forest baths, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great time with your partner or family .
A 5-star hotel dubbed “Le Palace des Vignes” (The Vineyard Palace)
Les Sources de Caudalie is a 5-star hotel adjacent to Château Smith Haut Lafitte, producer of Grand Cru Classé wine. Situated just thirty minutes from the center of Bordeaux, the 78-hectare wine estate includes vineyards as far as the eye can see, as well as patches of forest. It’s not for nothing that it’s nicknamed the Palace des Vignes.
The estate also includes a 2-star restaurant, “La Grand’Vigne”, a country inn, “La Table du Lavoir”, and a gourmet grocery store, “Rouge”. The complex resembles a charming hamlet rather than a historic palace, with 40 rooms and 21 suites divided into 6 houses, some of which are built on stilts. Open since 1999, the hotel run by Alice and Jérome Tourbier and its Spa Vinothérapie have become famous for having invented a concept centered around vines and the art of living.
This atypical hotel blends the charm of an old-fashioned building with contemporary design, with a decor that combines antiques with antiques from the local heritage. All of which lends the hotel the atmosphere of a family home, and guests flock from far and wide to take advantage of this bucolic, relaxing setting while enjoying exceptional service.
Comfort rooms are approximately 25m² in size. Each room is uniquely decorated with antiques, antique furniture and precious drapes. The 30m² Prestige rooms have perhaps even more charm and cachet.
Junior Suites offer space, comfort and elegance. Each one is different, with a cosy, welcoming lounge area and balcony. All bedrooms have large bathrooms with 2 basins, bath and shower.
The Spa Vinothérapie: a grape treatment to relax and rejuvenate
Vinotherapy is a unique concept created by Caudalie. A little background: In 1995, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas launched the Caudalie brand, developing a range of cosmetics containing grape-seed polyphenols, following research proving that these were highly effective against the free radicals responsible for ageing. In 1999, they created the first “Spa Vinothérapie” on the grounds of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, which actually belonged to Mathilde Thomas’s parents.
This unique concept is based on the combination of hot spring water, drawn from more than 540 meters below the estate, and vine and grape extracts. It’s a bit like thalassotherapy, but seawater is replaced here by this grape-impregnated water with its unique properties. Since then, other “Vinothérapie by Caudalie” spas have sprung up all over the world, but if you want to discover the concept, the original is right here!
The architecture of the spa, which combines wood and stone, lends it a great deal of cachet, as evidenced by the splendid indoor pool and the baths in wooden barrels in which guests immerse themselves with delight. The spa is open to nature, allowing you to daydream while gazing at the vines.
The treatment menu is rich and varied. In carefully decorated booths, Vinotherapists gracefully handle grapes to help customers let go, while applying products with anti-aging and antioxidant properties.
All massages are performed with essential oils and grape-seed oil , known for its nourishing and softening properties. Recommended packages include the half-day “Rituel Caudalie d’exception”, which includes a facial, massage, bath or body wrap, or the “Sarments Amoureux” ritual designed for couples, which also includes a barrel bath.
Baths and wraps with grape, red vine and essential oil extracts help to relieve congestion by draining and activating circulation. Guests can also take advantage of the hammam and relaxation rooms, where they can enjoy fresh grapes and herbal teas.
Wellness continues outside the spa
Evolving with the times, the hotel now offers yoga classes every Saturday lunchtime, with a renowned teacher from the Satnam Club, Bordeaux’s yoga temple. It also offers forest baths, an introduction to meditation that lets you discover the woods and feel your connection to nature.
José le Piez, arborist, and Patricia Chatelain, artist, accompany customers and help them work on breathing and practicing various fundamental postures inspired by Qi Gong and yoga, such as the tree posture. The experience continues with a light, plant-based lunch at the Sources de Caudalie gourmet grocery, including nettle velouté with white daisies and stuffed zucchini flower.
The hotel regularly hosts retreats led by Marion Sebih of Tigre Yoga Club, with tailor-made Kundalini yoga sessions for maximum reconnection between parents and children. We can’t get enough of this reasonably priced family yoga retreat, because retreats of this type are very rare, and yet what a joy it is to be able to practice with your children!
Award-winning gourmet cuisine
La Grand’Vigne is the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. Nicolas Masse is the chef behind a cuisine that blends flavor, balance and creativity. Among the recipes that have made him famous: white asparagus gilded over an open fire, accompanied by a thinly sliced blue lobster and orange sabayon, or matured beef smoked with vine shoots, celery and herbaceous root. In the glass, of course, are fine wines from Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and inventive desserts from pastry chef Jordane Stiée. You can also take part in a cooking class on Saturday mornings. This is your chance to learn the recipes of a Michelin-starred chef!
La Table du Lavoir is the hotel’s bistro, which revisits local Aquitaine cuisine according to the seasons. The warm decor adds to the relaxed atmosphere. Last but not least, Epicerie Gourmande lets you taste Bordeaux vintages and discover South-Western products at the counter or in comfortable armchairs.
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Rates : From approx. 280 euros per night in low season. Spa rituals from 275 euros per half-day, three-day treatments from around 700 euros. Enjoy exclusive benefits through Luxe Wellness Club: room upgrades subject to availability, personalized in-room welcome.
Call us on+ 33 1 85 73 22 14 to discuss your holiday plans, or +41 22 501 75 16 from Switzerland.
