Set within the 600-year-old wine estate of Château Smith Haut-Lafitte, a short distance south of Bordeaux, this luxe rural hotel and spa sits by a lake amid the vineyards. The château itself, which dates back to the 14th century, is where the Grand Cru Classé wines are produced, and you can book various tours of the estate and the cellars, as well as tastings; or you can even experience what it is like to be a vineyard manager or cellar master for a day. Back at the hotel, there are 40 rooms in the main building, most with a terrace or balcony and 21 suites spread across other buildings – all are individually designed and elegantly decorated with a perfect mix of old and new. There are also six cottages for those looking for a little extra space – we love L’Ile Aux Oiseaux which is built on stilts above its own pontoon. The food across all the restaurants is astonishingly good but, if you want to push the boat out, be sure to book into the two-star Michelin La Grand’Vigne well in advance. As you would expect, there is an amazing selection of wines and true oenophiles will love the French Paradox Bar, which opens onto a cellar where 1,200 precious bottles are stored. Finally, don’t miss a treatment at the fabulous Vinothérapie Spa, the birthplace of renowned Caudalie grape-based beauty products – signature treatments include barrel soaks, grape wraps and firming massages.
For more details and to book, visit Source-Caudalie.com