In the middle of Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards near Bordeaux, sits Les Sources de Caudalie, the perfect wine-country escape. Nestled among its own historic vineyards and lake-gardens, much here is dedicated to the ‘terroir’ where you will also find two restaurants, a superb spa offering grape-based therapies, a cooking school and wine tasting courses.

This peaceful and tranquil retreat is a hamlet of five properties housing rooms and suites based on a variety of diverse themes. The use of old wooden beams throughout blends beautifully with traditional furnishings, while the picturesque cabin, built on stilts, provides breathtaking views across the lake. Experience a grape seed and essential oil massage in the spa. Discover the secrets of Smith Haut Lafitte on a wine tasting evening or book a cookery course with the chef. Make sure you dine in the main restaurant for haute cuisine, either inside or on the summer terrace outside.

Rejuvenation finds many forms at this hotel and spa whose luxurious style is a therapy in itself. The decor and the comfort levels in the 49 rooms and nine suites are magnificent. The chef of the restaurant enjoys cooking with his personality; 'La Grand Vigne' for refined classics or 'La Table du Lavoir' with its country inn flavours. The wine list is impressive with 15,000 bottles in the château cellar. The cigar tasting club offers a panoramic view over the vineyards while the French Paradox bar enables guests to taste great wines and champagnes by the glass. 'Caudalie'? It used to mean the afterglow of wine on the taste buds - not any more!