Explore France > Bordeaux
Four words for Bordeaux: Château Smith Haut Lafitte!
My husband came across the mention of this winery in a travel section of our local newspaper, the Globe and Mail. A brief Google visit later, and we found out that a stunning hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, is also a part of what appeared to be an incredible property.
Being the wine enthusiast that he is, and the hotel inquisitor that I am, a visit to the Bordeaux region was now on the top of our agenda.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte/Les Sources de Caudalie is located approximately 20 minutes outside of Bordeaux. After exiting the highway you start driving through back gravel roads seeing nothing but vineyards for miles. We arrived on a very hot sunny day. The quiet and calm we felt as we stepped out of our car was a perfect way to start our three-day visit.
Our wine tour was booked for the following morning. It being too hot to take advantage of their bicycles, we spent an entire day basking in the sun around their gorgeous pool.
The wooden features in our room such as the ceilings, walls, en suite vanity, shower and, especially, the double doors leading to the balcony provided a unique and relaxing atmosphere. Rustic French Country meets relaxed elegance would be my description.
Wine bath, anyone?
The first Vinothérapie spa in the world was created by Caudalie and is positioned alongside the hotel. Le Spa de vinothérapie provides luxurious treatments that utilize wine and grapes to soothe skin and, apparently, slow the aging process. A spa treatment is a must if you're spending the night, and honestly, who can't use a little anti aging help!
The location, winery, vineyards, hotel and spa... a perfect 10 in my books!
The “old town” in the city of Bordeaux and the surrounding villages such as Saint-Emilion are also worth a visit. Because of the incredible views overlooking Saint-Emilion we tried for a last-minute dinner reservation on the terrace at Hostellerie-Plaisance, but they were booked. So disappointing!
If you are a wine lover and without the thousands of dollars required to purchase bottles, such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Margaux, Château Mouton Rothschild, or a Grand Vin Château Latour, then you will very much enjoy tasting them at Max Bordeaux, an exquisite wine boutique located in the centre of Bordeaux. Sante!