Les Sources de Caudalie - A relaxing day at the Spa

Sometimes Moms need rejuvenating!

This post is a combination of photos from last June and from my morning the other day.  Last Mother's Day, my girls asked me what I wanted for a gift.  In the past they have picked out some of my most favorite pieces of jewelry, but last year I asked for a gift certificate for a massage or facial.  To my surprise, they offered me a 1/2 day at Les Sources de Caudalie where I could pick a 50 min. service and also enjoy the spa facilities.  What a wonderful gift - I was so excited to receive it.  Then in June, I along with other local Bordeaux bloggers received a tour of the facility and I couldn't wait to spend some relaxing time there!

Mother's Day in France is the end of May and with starting work last June, then the summer, then moving this Fall and the craziness of the holidays - my special day kept getting postponed...

But last Monday, I finally got to enjoy a super relaxing morning in the Spa including a wonderful facial.  (Probably one of the best facials I have ever received!).  

I went with a friend of mine and we were welcomed warmly when we arrived.  We were given our sandals and escorted into the locker rooms. There are separate locker rooms for men and women. It's very quiet there, super relaxing and also welcoming at the same time.  They speak both French and English, so for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable speaking French, don't worry, you will be fine.  We were shown lockers, how they worked and given a robe.  We were then given a mini-tour of the spa facility being shown the jet pool, sauna room and sitting area.  All decorated in relaxing hues and warm and welcoming at the same time.

The use of the spa is in addition to your spa service and can be used before or after your appointment.  In our case, we arrived 2 hours early, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the spa area.  We started in the sauna, moved to the Jet pool to massage our backs and then relaxed on the lounge chairs looking out into a beautiful garden.  There is also a hot tub located outdoors right next to the spa.  I can't say enough how rejuvenating and relaxing this morning was...Detente - as they say in French

We were each called for our appointments and were escorted upstairs.  I received a 50 min facial, using Caudalie products appropriate for my skin.  It all felt so good, complete with a neck and shoulder massage.  Then when the masque was setting on my face, the specialist offered a hand or foot massage.  I choose my feet - always enjoying that relaxed feeling after a massage.

At the end of the treatment, we were offered a glass of water or tea and were invited to go back downstairs and relax again in the sitting room.  To be pampered, felt so nice!!

After our service, my friend and I decided to enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants, thereby completing our experience. 

There are 2 main restaurants at the resort-we dined at La Table du Lavoir.  This unusual bistro style restaurant is located in a barn-like structure built with 18th century beams from the cellar at Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.  The menu is seasonal using fresh ingredients.

Our lunch was 3 courses - Entree, plat and Dessert.  We had choices for each within the menu.  I love white asparagus and it's in season now, so was thrilled to have it as an entree.  My main course - the lamb melted in my mouth and I loved the creativity of the dessert.  They took the local delicacy -The Canele and split them in half adding a a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whip cream and then at the table, we got to watch delicious chocolate sauce being drizzled over the top!!  Super delicious!  A wonderful meal to finish our zen-like morning!

Les Sources de Caudalie sit next to Chateau Haut Smith Lafitte.  As you drive up, it's extremely picturesque with the chateau and vineyard on your right, complete with some beautiful outdoor sculptures.

The resort is a combination of a hotel with 40 rooms of varying types, the spa facility itself and several restaurants/bar.  The following are photos of the property from last June, when I was toured around with other local Bordeaux bloggers.  You can see from the photos, that it's a stunningly beautiful place, nestled amidst the vines.

Each building/room is beautifully decorated and gives not only a relaxed feeling but also peaceful and welcoming.  The deco varies with each type of accommodation but overall is warm, elegant and natural.  There are regular rooms, suites and cottages allowing for different accommodations for couples, families or groups.

This is a great getaway from the city, located only about 30 minutes from Bordeaux.

After our tour in June, we were treated to a delicious brunch at the La Table du Lavoir,  very impressed with the fresh ingredients back in June and again this last week!

I loved the tour that I received last June - so fun to get to see the place as a whole and I'm excited to share my photos and after enjoying some special time there, it's truly a hidden gem located so close to Bordeaux!!  

Beautiful views of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte as seen from Les Sources de Caudalie.  A feeling of being away from it all is truly captured at this resort. This post is purely my experiences both from touring last June and from enjoying a wonderful spa treatment this past week.  I do encourage anyone who is living in this area or visiting to check out the resort - it's an unforgettable experience!

For further information about  - click on this link for their web-page - Les Sources de Caudalie

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