On the Road to Caudalie
14 06 2010
For a unique spa experience harnessing the antioxidant powers of the grape, Les Sources de Caudalie delivers boho-chic amid scenic Bordeaux vineyards, as Annabelle Hood found out
Written by Annabelle Hood
Nowhere else in the world will you experience Vinotherapie®, except in Bordeaux, Versailles, Spain and in New York, for Caudalie is the original grape skincare specialist. The story of the brand’s origins in Bordeaux is an inspiring one: In the 1990s, Daniel and Florence Cathiard realized they were sitting on a goldmine of untapped natural mineral spring water over 500m below ground-level. With the help of their daughters and the potent anti-ageing benefits of grapes and vines from their own vineyards, the family launched a spa and a hotel on the same site as their Bordeaux vineyard in Martillac. Today, Château Smith Haut Lafitte stands majestically amid 52 hectares of handsome vines. These produce award-winning Grand Cru Classé red and white wines, which are up there with the Rothschilds and Margaux of the wine world. It is just opposite this Château that Sources de Caudalie’s 1,500sq.m Vinotherapie® spa administers dozens of truly unique treatments within its authentically aged wooden building designed by Yves Collet.
The spa experience:
The Vinothérapie spa has its own glass-fronted door and a side entrance for hotel guests. In a bid to keep Caudalie’s Vinothérapie spa peaceful and exclusive, entrance is complementary only to those guests who book an hour-long treatment or a Caudalie ritual geared to specific concerns from anti-ageing to slimming. On checking in at the spa reception for my 100% Grape ritual (details below), I changed and piled my belongings into a hanging basket before handing it to the duty attendant. I’d arrived 20minutes before being summoned for my treatment from the sunny poolside relaxation area, to benefit from the steam room and an underwater massage in the pool. It’s not very obvious, but you need to press the blue button on the side of each jet to activate it. Each one varies in pressure, so ‘shop around’ them until you find one that suits you best. A Crushed Cabernet Scrub (very skin nourishing), Vinosource facial (which introduced me to the miraculously hydrating Vinosource Riche moisturiser) and Pulp Friction Massage, collectively left me feeling grapetastic. The 100% Grape rituel is a sound introduction to the spa’s most popular treatments.
The spa range:
Caudalie has become such a well-known brand name worldwide (particularly for its Crushed Merlot Scrub treatment and Merlot Wrap), that it now means its vineyards can no longer supply the spa with the sheer volume of grapes needed for treatments and the manufacture of its extensive range of skincare and slimming products. Paradoxically, its global success marked the end of an era for Caudalie, but that’s progress for you. These days, grapes are imported from further afield. This has its advantages, since the potency of Caudalie products and treatments are standardized using top-calibre ingredients that strive to be as natural yet shelf-friendly as possible. The Caudalie range continues to evolve under the expertise of the eldest family daughter, Mathilde Thomas, and the majority of the products contain no parabens, artificial colours, skin-irritating soap or other chemical nasties. Every conceivable grape-based treatment is available here, from a soak in the spa’s Barrel Bath (a large round Jacuzzi decorated in vine wood, in to which wine-based unguents are poured – not, as you might think, an actual wooden wine barrel), to massages where the therapist squeezes grapes straight on the body (Pulp Friction massage), and honey and grape juice wraps. Whether you want one-off treatments or a two-day cure, the spa caters for exhausted professionals needing to get away, lovers wanting a therapeutic break, mothers needing to shed a few pounds post-birth, to men who like the idea of a spa on a vineyard.
The hotel:
Driving along the vineyards to the front door of the main country house feels very grandiose. The foyer is airy and imposing thanks to a first floor balcony, oil paintings on the walls, and a grand piano taking centre stage. The spa is accessible via an external covered walkway leading from the main house. Accommodation consists of four unique cottage-like buildings plus the main house. All 49 available rooms are unique in décor, from rustically elegant rooms that wittily refer to wine-making with names like ‘Bouquet’, to those in nautical or a colourful painterly style. Alice Tourbier, the second daughter, has the best job in the world furnishing these rooms with eclectic antiques that catch her gifted eye for the aesthetic. The two largest suites are set around the pretty lake at the back, complete with floating swans and tweeting birds. Last December, hip interior designers Maison Martin Margiela transformed the interior of the Ile aux Oiseaux Suite (Bird Island) from faded boat house, to a magnificently grand trompe-l’oeil urban surprise of mirrors, black and white belle époque wallpaper and cowhide carpet. The effect is beguiling, modern and romantic, making it a real hit with honey-mooners and those celebrating a special occasion, or with simply with cash to splash, since one night in the suite starts at £555pp (€650).
The atmosphere:
There is something at once noble yet unpretentiously rustic about Les Sources de Caudalie, like a rough-edged diamond. Its garden is a beguiling blend of natural wildlife (white peacocks strut around and squawk freely) and elegant architecture, manicured hedges and statuettes, set against a backdrop of picturesque vineyards. Guests are invited to walk or bicycle around these, with a few mountain bikes stationed outside for guest use, adding a nice touch. I spotted Russians, Americans and Japanese rubbing shoulders with French, German and British guests for the most part during my stay at the hotel. I noted from the plaque outside the hotel is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Now in its eleventh year, the hotel was awarded five-star status this year.
The cuisine:
The French are famous for having few coronary problems, known as The French Paradox, thanks to the polyphenol-rich benefits of wine. It’s also the name of the cosy, bijoux fireside bar next to reception. This leads on to the wine cellar housing 1,200 precious bottles overseen by Head Sommelier Aurélien Farrouil. There are two enchanting restaurants on-site: the fine-dining ‘La Grande Vigne’ conservatory restaurant and its white terrace overlooking the lake; Executive chef Nicolas Masse has graced the restaurant with a Michelin star, but you get another opportunity to dine lakeside at breakfast time too. Meanwhile the brasserie-style 'La Table Du Lavoir’ situated in a charmingly reconstructed country barn overlooking the Château and vineyards, is a wonderful sun-trap come sundown. This glassy room features a real laundry mill, and antique laundry beaters as menu boards, set against the warm glow of an open log fire. There is a low-calorie 'Aux Sources de la Minceur' meal plan available, but Les Sources de Caudalie is not, in my book, where you would choose to kick-start a diet. It’s more about indulgence, relaxation and joining the finer things in life, not depriving yourself of them. A charming cigar room atop the main building provides a restful retreat for a glass of something stronger as you watch the sun setting over the vines from the comfort of its sunken leather armchairs.
On the spa menu:
Dozens of grape and vine-based face and body treatments, from baths and wraps, to scrubs, massages, facial treatments and hand and foot treatments. Worthy of mention are the Pulp Friction massage with fresh grapes being squeezed on to the body (50mins). The ‘Premier Cru’ facial is a new anti-ageing treatment that delivers tangible results using massage and the application of essential oils using warm brushes.
Signature treatment:
Crushed Cabernet Scrub, a 35minute exfoliating, slimming and nourishing treatment of grape-seed, honey, brown sugar and body contouring essential oilsTotal spa and resort area:
1,500sq.mSpa facilities:
A heated indoor hydrotherapy pool with individually powered under-water massage jets; a large spa steam room; two outdoor decked spa terraces with recliners (one overlooking the outdoor pool, the other at the back overlooking the vineyards); indoor relaxation areas with recliners, magazines, black grapes and Vinotherapie herbal teas; a large outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and outdoor wooden barrel bath Jacuzzi (both the latter are complimentary to hotel guests)Spa programmes:
- Caudalie exceptional ritual (half day) – includes a facial, massage and bath treatment- Stalks for lovers ritual (for two, half day) – facial, barrel bath for two and duo massage
- Body of your dreams ritual (half day) – three slimming treatments
- ‘A star day in to the vineyards’ ritual (full day) – facial, bath, scrub, body wrap and massage
- Vinotherapie ritual (half day) – facial, bath and body wrap
- 100% Grape ritual (half day) – facial, body scrub and massage
- The Sommier ritual (for men, half day) ¬– bath, facial, body scrub and massage
Room types:
Various décor types drawing on the influences of the Atlantic Ocean, the Bassin d’Arcachon, wine-related themes and one-off designer suitesNo. of rooms:
49 rooms and suites spread over three outhouse buildings, some overlooking the vineyards, others lakesideGetting there:
UK flights to Bordeaux-Merignac airport take 1hr 35 mins, then it’s a 30minute transfer by car. Alternatively you can take the TGV from Paris to Bordeaux St.Jean station
USP:
Spa specialising in grape therapies, in conjunction with daily tours and wine tasting at the Château
Website:
www.sources-caudalie.comAddress:
Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Bordeaux-Martillac, France
Annabelle Hood
Award-winning luxury travel, health and spa Journalist and Editor, Annabelle has written for Vogue, TTG Luxury, Spa Heath & Beauty, Spa Secrets magazine, Brides, The Evening Standard and Handbag.com amongst others. She specialises in city break destinations, luxury hotel, spa and restaurant reviews, and health and beauty features.
