fbpx

Reviewed by the Travellers Society: Les Sources de Caudalie

Martillac, France

Reviewed by the Travellers Society: Les Sources de Caudalie, Martillac, France
June 20, 2017 Pauline

A little slice of paradise located in southwestern France, the hotel Caudalie Springs welcomes you for a stay centered around fine dining, vinotherapy®, and nature walks. The philosophy of Les Sources de Caudalie? To offer you «the attention to detail of a luxury hotel combined with the warmth of a family home.» Nestled among the vineyards, just a few kilometers from Bordeaux, the hotel invites you to enjoy an enchanting getaway: you’ll experience five-star service while still feeling as though you’re staying in the countryside.

The range of accommodations includes rooms, junior suites, suites, and the famous overwater suites. Without a doubt, our preference goes to the now-famous continued from «Île aux Oiseaux». While the interior features a very modern design, the exterior is decidedly rustic: you’ll enjoy a small terrace and a view of the hotel’s pond. Perfect for a romantic getaway in complete privacy. The «Village de Pêcheurs,» meanwhile, offers suites that are ideal for family weekends.

At Aux Sources de Caudalie, the focus is on fine dining. The hotel features several dining venues, each with its own unique atmosphere. The Grand’Vigne, a two-Michelin-star restaurant, welcomes you for lunch or dinner, offering a combination of elegance, attentive service, and exceptional dishes. With a more bistronomic style, La Table du Lavoir is perfect for family lunches. There’s also a wine bar where you can sample the region’s finest wines.

L'Hotel in Bordeaux © Les Sources de Caudalie

Needless to say, the Sources de Caudalie experience wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the spa. Vinotherapy® is a trademarked concept by Caudalie, and you’ll undoubtedly enjoy trying the exclusive treatments that let you experience the benefits of vines and grapes. A stunning pool also awaits you at the Spa. And for all your outing needs, the hotel is here to help: whether on foot, by bike, or even by horse-drawn carriage… there’s something to please the whole family.

In a nutshell

  • A getaway combining spa treatments and fine dining.
  • A beautiful indoor pool.
  • Just a few minutes from Bordeaux, and yet surrounded by vineyards.

Dining: La Grand’Vigne

You simply can’t stay at Les Sources de Caudalie without booking lunch or dinner at La Grand’Vigne. This Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant is located in a former orangery, and when the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal on the terrace. The cuisine is inventive, flavorful, and draws inspiration from both seafood and the Graves region, where the restaurant is located. The food and wine pairings are precise and inspired.

With the kids

The Les Sources de Caudalie hotel has an outdoor pool and an indoor pool. The outdoor pool is heated and is open from May through October.

You can also plan group excursions to Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, and the Arcachon Basin.

Address

Les Sources de Caudalie, Smith Haut-Lafitte, Martillac – website – Starting at €300

Inspiration

Shopping
If you’re looking for souvenirs to commemorate your stay, you’ll be spoiled for choice! The spa offers the entire Caudalie line, while the hotel invites you to take a themed tour of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. We’re sure you’ll be leaving with a few fine wines.

Out for a walk
Rent a bike at the front desk and set out to explore the region’s châteaux and vineyards: Châteaux Carbonnieux, Malartic-Lagravière, Larrivet Haut-Brion, La Louvière, Bouscaut, and Haut-Bailly invite you to come and explore their wine cellars.

Zen
If you’ve never tried Vinothérapie® treatments, don’t hesitate to book a half-day or full-day ritual. You’ll enjoy a facial, as well as a bath or body wrap. And for a relaxing experience with your partner, treat yourselves to the barrel bath for two!

In the suitcase
A short guide to Bordeaux wines and some rain gear if you’re visiting in the fall: it rains often in the region during that time of year.

Recommended Reading
The Blood of the Vine: A Mission to Haut-Brion by Jean-Pierre Alaux