We adore the South of France, and the gorgeous city of Bordeaux in the South West of the region is definitely a must-visit next time you are in France. The beautiful region of Bordeaux in France is packed with sandy beaches, charming villages, and seaside towns and vineyards, for which the area is renowned. You may not have considered that Bordeaux offers some excellent Spa hotels too.
Spa hotels in Bordeaux will indulge your body if you are looking for wellness, and their surroundings, steeped in history, will help your mind reach the well-being state you are after. Bordeaux, itself is a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the wine-making town of St Emilion and the forts around Citadel de Blaye. Cap Ferret, a chic, chilled-out seaside town, is the place to be seen and is great to keep you fit as you can explore it by bike.
Several airlines fly directly from London to Bordeaux, including Easyjet, Ryanair, and British Airways. With flights times a little over an hour and a half, this is a perfect destination for a long weekend of wellness in the French sunshine. As for accommodation in this enchanting area, you are rather spoilt for choice, so these are our top 5 recommendations for the best Spa hotels in the area.
1. InterContinental Bordeaux- Le Grand Hotel
Awarded as France’s Leading Hotel multiple times by the World Travel Awards, InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel is ideally located for everything to do and see in Bordeaux. The hotel lies on the Place de la Comédie in the very heart of the city’s ‘Golden Triangle’. The passionate city of Bordeaux is known for its architecture, art, and history as much as its gastronomic scene and, of course, the wine! Almost everywhere in the city is within walking distance, but the tram stops right outside the hotel if you don’t fancy walking.
The hotel is housed in a former stately home, built in 1789, but has been somewhat of a legend in the hotel business for more than a century now. Recently renovated by renowned designer Jacques Garcia, the hotel now exudes an elegant, Baroque opulence that feels inherently French and divinely luxurious.
The hotel features 130 rooms and suites offering exceptional luxury right in the historic heart of Bordeaux in front of the Opera House. The hotel also enjoys two restaurants, including one with two Michelin Stars and a 1,000 sqm. Spa. Evenings here must always end at the stunning and very trendy, vast roof terrace: ‘Night Beach’. It’s infamous throughout Bordeaux for its elegance and chilled vibe plus breathtaking 360°panoramic views of Bordeaux.
The luxurious Guerlain Spa is nestled on the 5th floor, offering a unique space for relaxation. This exclusive area includes the ultra-glamorous spa with its decadent designer pool, ten treatment rooms, hammam, fitness center, tea room, and outside terrace. There can be few better ways to spend a lazy afternoon than chilling in the jacuzzi with a drink from the bar whilst you soak up the magnificent city.
For your burst of wellness and indulgence, there are eight treatment rooms dedicated to Guerlain treatments and massages. The Guerlain boutique sells exclusive Spa products to take home with you too.
2. Les Sources de Caudalie
Les Sources de Caudalie is surrounded by the Grand Cru vineyards of Château Smith haut Lafitte, and is just 20 minutes from Bordeaux’s city center. The estate is made up of beautiful rustic buildings and offers the Vinothérapie Spa, where Caudalie’s world-famous, grape-based beauty products are created. Beyond this, there is a lake and bar Rouge, where you can sample wines from the on-site vineyard. For foodies, three is also a two-Michelin-star restaurant.
There are three pools and a hot tub at Les Sources de Caudalie, and if you book a treatment, you can use the exclusive spa pool. The main indoor pool sits in a converted barn with original beams. The heated outdoor pool is open from May to October and is the perfect place to lounge.
The Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa here is a major highlight. Caudalie’s wine-based lotions and treatments are created here on site. Caudalie uses recent scientific discoveries to squeeze all the minerals out of their grapes, so these treatments are worth trying. There are 19 treatment rooms, three for couples, some with private barrel baths, and a small exclusive indoor swimming pool with views over the grounds. You can book single, full, or half-day rituals, but book in advance as Spa slots can sell out.
3. Château de Mirambeau
Located between land and sea, in a well-known wine region, Château de Mirambeau is the ideal residence to discover and share the flavors of the region, staying in a Renaissance-style Castle located in a peaceful park.
From here, you will be able to discover Bordeaux and its fabulous vineyards as well as its impressive historical heritage. This 5-star hotel offers 40 rooms and suites. Eighteen rooms are located at the Orangerie, just a few steps from the renovated Spa and its two swimming pools, Hammam, Jacuzzi, Sauna, two cabin rooms for first-class beauty treatments, and a fitness room.
The rooms are refurbished with sumptuous fabrics, antique furniture, and marble bathrooms. The Restaurant is one of the Chateau’s highlights offering fine cuisine made with local products.
The Chateau de Mirambeau’s outdoor swimming pool is the ideal place to relax, enjoy the hot summer days and cool off, enjoying the wide spaces and privacy surrounding this area. If you want to have a moment all to yourself, the bamboo grove is an ideal corner for meditation.
Right next to the pool is the Spa, the realm of well-being. The Chateau de Mirambeau Spa has been created in the ancient Orangerie. Treatments are designed to reduce stress, improve the general state of health and battle the signs of aging. They are personalized and created to offer moments of relaxation and total escape. The skin care treatments and body well-being will, apparently, surprise you with their effectiveness obtained through the use of natural products. Also offered at the spa are manicures, pedicures, and hair removal.
4. Domaine de Raba
Domaine de Raba is a cream stone mansion and estate 20 minutes drive from the heart of Bordeaux. This 19th-century home has been refurbished beautifully, and safari-style lodges are also available. The appeal here is relaxing on the lawns, trying out gemstone-infused beauty treatments, and dining on delicious food.
The indoor pool has a Scandinavian pinewood feel with sliding glass doors that bring the outside in and lead to the sun deck. There’s a hammam and two pinewood Spa treatment rooms beside the pool, providing massages and beauty treatments. The products come from the Parisian cosmetics brand Gemology, which uses gemstones in its products. Massages are offered in a massage hut that sits over the pond in summer.
5. La Zoologie
La Zoologie in Bordeaux is a four-star boutique hotel composed of three wings around a garden. The property is filled with history and was originally the Institute of Zoology of Bordeaux. It has since been beautifully renovated to provide boutique chic in the city.
Located in the city center of Bordeaux, a few steps away from the Bordeaux train station, this historical academic building has landmark architecture. Meet at the bar or restaurant or relax in the Spa. The Zoology Spa is a unique place, born from the desire to develop well-being and relaxation of the body and mind. Nestled in the heart of lush greenery, enjoy a sensory journey through nature and the ancestral traditions of massage.
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