A GRAPE PLACE TO STAY
While we take a break this week, enjoy a Best of BeautifulNow Beautiful Vacations post: GRAPE PLACE TO STAY.
There’s a whole host of beautiful vineyards ripe for visiting right now at the tail end of harvest time. But none elevate the tranquil beauty of ancient fields with the luxury of a five star hotel and spa, as Les Sources de Caudalie, in Bordeaux, France.
The resort, built and managed by Alice and Jerome Tourbier, sits in the middle of Smith Haut Lafitte, the family’s 55-hectare Grand Cru vineyard, which has been producing high quality wines since it was established in 1365.
It is all about the grape at Les Sources de Caudalie. My suite had a view, as far as the eye could see, with old growth vines unfurling along combed rows, stretching out beyond the beautiful 16th century chateau.
Magnificent antique and contemporary statues of gods and goddesses, bearing and blessing grapes, rise up out of the soil as if they were live giants. The 40-room, 9-suite hotel, is beautifully appointed with grape colors and motifs, with designs reflecting the surrounding Aquitaine region.
Enjoy La Bastide des Grands Crus, the Great Growth Cottage or La Grange au Bateau, the Boat Barn at the main hotel site. Or indulge in luxe privacy at the Chateau Le Thil, a 9-room mansion down the road in a secluded pocket of the property. Built with local recycled materials, the all of the buildings use of sustainable energy to provide guests with an eco-friendly experience in the lap of luxury.
The concept behind Les Sources de Caudalie is inspired by the “French Paradox,” discovered over 20 years ago -- the results of one of our favorite research studies ever showed that the French diet and lifestyle, particularly in Southwest France, is conductive to good health.
They have established a place in tune with nature - a pinnacle of good taste, sensuality, and well-being.
You will eat and drink well here. La Grand'Vigne, Caudalie’s Michelin one-star gastronomique restaurant, headed up by chef Nicolas Masse, gild’s the lilies of local seasonal produce for a menu designed to maximize the pleasures of the wine -- Smith Haut Lafitte, which is known as an "archetypal Graves."
Try the Terrine of “Chalosse”: foie gras with apricots and fresh almonds, the Roasted Pigeon with star anise, and candied rhubarb, the Sweetbreads of Veal with spring truffles, white beet, and chlorophyll juice, and perhaps finish with the regional Hazelnut confection, with Araguani chocolate, Williams pear, and honey crispy biscuit.
La Table du Lavoir, goes more rustic, but is just as spectacular, in its adjacent stone building that once served as the vineyard’s wash-house in the 1800's. The Torbiers took great care in rebuilding it with the exact same original specifications to preserve its classic feel.
A giant fireplace spills the delightful smell of roasting meat into the air, tempting you while you consider the menu.
You might go for the Morteau sausage in Brioche with Porto sauce, the Parsnip Cappuccino, with chestnut and foie gras, the Duck Terrine and Foie gras, with prunes, Lillet caramel or the Duck Magret, potatoes and winter squash compote, and Autumn juice.
The vineyard employs traditional vine growing methods without chemical herbicides, using horses to work the fields. It even makes its own barrels in its on-premises cooperage.
The wine cellar where 1,200 precious bottles are stored. Head Sommelier Aurélien Farrouil knows every nook and cranny, and monitors the development of each magnificent wine. At Les Sources de Caudalie, bottles are served and appreciated respecting the traditional “French wine-tasting art."
Perhaps the best feature of the resort is their Vinotherapie spa, which bases its offerings off of wine and grape products. The 1,500 square meter stunning stone and wood building offers 360-degree views of the vineyard, so you can gaze at the grapes while you experience the beauty they can bestow upon your body.
Most of the treatments offered involve the use of grapes and grape-based products. The spa combines the therapeutic effects of warm mineral springs with wine and grape extracts.
Read more about Beautiful Vacations, as they relate to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact. Including Beautiful Retreat Treats and Fascinating Beach Dunes Now.
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Photo Credits:
- Photo: Courtesy of Pasion Lujo. Les Sources de Caudalie.
- Photo: Courtesy of Smith Haut Lafitte. Les Sources de Caudalie.
- Photo: Courtesy of Smith Haut Lafitte. Aerial view of the Castle at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.
- Photo: Courtesy of List25. Les Sources de Caudalie.
- Photo: Courtesy of Smith Haut Lafitte. Les Sources de Caudalie.
- Photo: Courtesy of The Hotel Specialist. Les Sources de Caudalie.
- Photo: Courtesy of Kyvernitis Travels.
- Photo: Courtesy of Smith Haut Lafitte. Work Horse on Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.
- Photo: Jdbaer100. Les Sources de Caudalie.
- Photo: Courtesy of Les Sources de Caudalie. La vinotherapie.
