Find your bliss at the French equivalent to Soho Farmhouse
There are pampering holidays and then there is, Les Sources de Caudal. AKA, heaven on earth, AKA the newest addition to your bucket list. Just twenty minutes from the heart of Bordeaux and with a focus on self-care, amazing experiences, great food and delicious wine, this small slice of dreamland houses all of the benefits of French living, all offered to you with a warm welcome and a big smile.
Basking in a charmingly rural setting, the family-owned oasis is surrounded by peaceful vineyards and an ecosystem of living - from vegetable gardens to beehives and farm animals. At the heart of it all? A magnificent stone Manor House and adjoining hamlet of rustic chic residences, each filled with comforts that will make your room feel like home throughout your stay, including generously stocked Caudalie products in your bathroom.
Need a place to relax and unwind? Here, time stands still.
Eat at:
La Grand Vigne
Two Michelin starred chef Nicolas Masse, likes to feel close to this region and those who farm it, so organic vegetables are homegrown and seafood, meat and cheese is all sourced from trusted local producers.
The word ‘delicious’ doesn't quite do the menu justice, which consists of mouth-watering treasures like wild blue lobster with sweet tomatoes and lillet sauce; the veal chop from Pyrenees, accompanied by zucchini stuffed with chantrelles mushrooms; and a lemon tart that not only tastes like nothing you’ve ever had before, but looks more like a piece of art than a dessert.
There’s also an impressive 50+ cheeses on offer to accompany the extensive wine list. Our favourite of the evening? Château Smith Haut Lafitte 2012 - which tastes like the silk fabric of red wine.
Le Table du Lavoir
Consider this the bistro interpretation of the aforementioned. With beams salvaged from the cellars at Chateau Lafita-Rothschild, this former 19th century wash house is the perfect setting for a cosy lunch or dinner and offers a regular menu of soul soothing meals like Duckling filet roasted with rosemary, potatoes and sautéed mushrooms with parsley; Quinoa casserole with autumn vegetables; and Homemade caramel millefeuille, as well as a changing weekly menu with specials like Poultry supreme with hunter’s sauce, mashed potatoes and Slice of lamb, crispy polenta and candied shallots.
Rouge
A casual bar and upscale grocery, Les Sources de Caudalie's newest addition is the perfect place to stock up on picnic goods or simply relax with your favourite glass of vino, a selection of tapas, charcuterie and or foie gras.
Must try:
Vinotherapie Spa
The serene setting and glasses of wine will do good to soothe your soul, but if you want to take your self-care to the highest of heights, book yourself in for a facial or massage at their on-site spa, housed in a large timber building.
Once you experienced bliss in one of the 20 treatment rooms and treated yourself to their steam room, indoor pool and jacuzzi that overlooks the vineyards and small farm, step outside where the setting is just as impressive, with a fully equipped sun deck overlooking the outdoor heated pool and barrel-shaped hot tub.
We tried the signature scrub and it left our skin feeling as smooth and soft as the sheets that adorned our bed!