Perched on a hilltop – the foothills of the Himalayas rising from the plain and Rishikesh below – Ananda breathes fresh air and looks out over the holy River Ganges. Here rejuvenation of the body and mind await in one of the world’s most famous spas.
Luxury, Chateau, France, Spa, Tennis, Hotel, Food
Les Sources de Caudalie, Bordeaux, South West France, France
This chateau and its estate set amidst the vines of Graves where guests are invited to taste the world’s greatest wines by the glass, sleep in the boathouse, savour the chef’s cuisine in three fabulous restaurants and experience the unique Vinotherapie Spa.
Les Sources de Caudalie is a wonderful hotel set amidst the vineyards of Smith Haut-Lafitte near Bordeaux and quite unique in its conception. The surroundings are idyllic from the lush greenery of the woodlands and vineyards to the whitewash and aged wooden beams of the beautiful old estate buildings - all acting in harmony to produce an enchanting and relaxing ambience.
Stay in the boathouse or in the Grande Suite on Bird Island or the Trading Post, dine in either of Franck Salein’s restaurants - Aux Sources de la Minceur is a low calorie menu available in both - and let yourself be thoroughly pampered. The cuisine is drawn entirely from local seasonal produce and the emphasis is on health as well as gastronomy. La Grande Vigne overlooks a small lake, framed by vine-covered fields and presents fabulous food in the most perfect setting.
The rooms are all tastefully furnished and decorated in a style which suits the wonderful old buildings and complements the surroundings. In La Bastide des Grands Crus, each room is a tribute to the various crafts involved in wine production from coopers to collectors and the suite on the L’Ile aux Oiseaux is little more than a hut on stilts but a more lovely retreat one would be hard pressed to find.
The Vinotherapie Spa is unique. Naturally hot spring water is combined with vine and grape extracts to produce health-enhancing and beauty treatments - expert staff will introduce one to the ‘Wine barrel bath’ or ‘Merlot wrap’! The bar, ‘The French Paradox’ serves great growth wines by the glass, offering the opportunity for guests to taste the precious bottles of famous vintages and the Tour des Cigares is a Cuban-British shrine to Havana, characterised by snifters of ancient Cognac, looking back at the Chateau across the lake.
Sixteen thousand bottles rest in the Sommelier’s cellar and chateaux tours can be arranged with wine tasting courses and cookery courses are hosted at the chateau by the chef. Tennis, golf, cycling and the wonderful outdoor pool await guests’ attention when the non-stop process of rejuvenation and relaxation need breaking up a little.
Hotels & Lodges Information
The Service
Bed and breakfast plus different board arrangements according to taste involving lunch and dinner at the gastronomic and normal restaurants
The Accommodation
49 Rooms and Suites in La Bastide des Grands Crus, La Maison du Lievre, Le Comptoir des Indes, L’Ile aux Oiseax and La Grange au Bateau
General
La Grande Vigne Gastronomic restaurant • La Table du Lavoir country inn restaurant • The French Paradox bar • The Tour des Cigares • The Cellar • The Vinotherapie Spa • Outdoor swimming pool • Gym • Golf • Tennis • Mountain biking • Turkish bath • Jacuzzi • Cookery courses • Wine tasting courses
Transport
International airport at Bordeaux • TGV at Bordeaux
Local Interest
Arcachon Bay
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