Les Sources de Caudalie

In 1990, during an aerial flight over Bordeaux, Florence and Daniel Cathiard were struck by the elegance of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, an 18th-century estate with centuries of winemaking heritage. Leaving their business careers behind, they restored the Grand Cru vineyard with a focus on craftsmanship, sustainability, and a deep respect for the land. During the renovation, they discovered a natural hot spring beneath the vines, a finding that inspired their daughter Mathilde Thomas to co-found Caudalie and pioneer the concept of Vinothérapie. This vision later evolved into Les Sources de Caudalie, a hotel and wellness retreat surrounded by forests, lakes, and vineyards just outside Bordeaux. The hotel feels like a secluded rural hamlet, combining rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Rooms and suites are individually designed with antiques, natural textures, and artwork that reflects the region, many offering views of the vineyards or château. The setting includes gardens, lakes, a heated pool, and quiet outdoor corners that encourage slow living and connection to nature. Wellness is central to the experience. The Vinothérapie Spa offers treatments powered by natural spring water and grape-based skincare, including barrel baths, scrubs, and thermal therapies. Dining highlights seasonal produce from the estate’s gardens and nearby farms, paired with wines from the region, with both refined and casual options available. The estate maintains close ties to Château Smith Haut Lafitte, known for organic and biodynamic cultivation, gravity-flow cellars, and precise blends featuring varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Guests can explore the vineyards, join guided tastings, take blending workshops, or tour nearby appellations, experiencing Bordeaux through both nature and craft.