Les Sources de Caudalie is more than a hotel. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity, where design, art, wine, wellness, nature and haute cuisine are blended into a unique hospitality experience. The property is located in Martillac, right in the heart of one of the world’s leading wine regions, Bordeaux.

Indeed, wine is the first and one of the main assets of Les Sources de Caudalie. And that should come as no surprise, as the property is nestled between the vineyards of one of the most famous wine domains in the world: Château Smith Haut Lafitte. No stay at Les Sources de Caudalie is complete without a visit to this great wine domain. Of course, the Château Smith Haut Lafitte wines can also be sampled in the hotel and its restaurants.

The beauty and tranquillity of the vineyards is extended to the whole property. Architect Yves Collet was in charge of for the design of the different buildings and pavilions. He created a contemporary yet timeless hotel, with recycled local materials, that is one with the surroundings. Beautiful and unobtrusive artworks are scattered around the property and the beautiful gardens, lakes, wood and soft colours bring calmness. The concept behind Les Sources de Caudalie is inspired by the “French Paradox”, a study proving that the French diet and lifestyle, particularly in Southwest France, can be linked to good health. The tranquillity and quality of life at Les Sources de Caudalie surely enhances this philosophy.

Let us tell you more about the origins of ‘Les Sources de Caudalie’. The ‘source’ in the name derives from the natural source with spring water from a depth of over 540 metres, located on the domain. Caudalie, the world famous cosmetics brand, is the second source of origin. The brand was created at family-owned Château Smith Haut Lafitte when they started using certain elements of grape pips. The natural source and the Caudalie brand are combined today into a world-class spa: the first Vinothérapie Spa. It combines a 1,500 square metres spa with treatments based on vine and grape-based products. Make sure to book ahead, as the spa is extremely popular and often fully booked months in advance. The hotel also features a separate massage bath and outdoor and indoor pools. The latter makes swimming at Les Sources de Caudalie an artistic experience, as the 15-metres pool is located in a magnificent glasshouse with an impressive wooden frame, built out of timbers dating back to the eighteenth century.

After enjoying the pleasures of wellness and nature, one might get hungry. That leads us to the next asset of Les Sources de Caudalie: gastronomy. With three restaurants on site, there is something for everyone. The fine-dining lovers head for La Grand’Vigne, one of the best restaurants in the region. For more information about this great restaurant, managed by Chef Nicolas Masse, please click here. At La Table du Lavoir, guests can enjoy authentic terroir food in comfortable bistro setting. Rouge, created in 2014, combines a wine bar with tapas-like food and a gourmet shop. The French Paradox Bar is located next to the wine cellar where 1,200 precious bottles are stored. A perfect place to enjoy a great collection of old armagnacs, cognacs, whiskies, and much more.

The hotel itself boasts 40 rooms and 21 suites, of which six cosy cottages. All of the rooms are beautiful decorated with paintings, antiques, fine draperies, and warm-coloured fabrics. Each of the 40 rooms are named after elements of the regional heritage and most of them have a terrace or a balcony with a beautiful view on the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyards or on the lake.

Staying at Les Sources de Caudalie is a holistic and tranquillising experience with nature, wine, wellness and gastronomy at its core. One of the most beautiful properties in the Bordeaux region where Alice and Jérôme Tourbier have managed to create a universe where everything is devoted to nature, well-being and culinary delights.

Written by Sven & Frank