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ОглавлениеBordeaux
In 1999, in the prestigious wine-growing region of Bordeaux, the first vinotherapy wellness centre opened at the world-famous 18th-century Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
Spa Vinothérapie®, Les Sources de Caudalie.
For centuries, the French have associated their national libation with good health, claiming that the secret to prolonging life is a good diet and turning a corkscrew. Apparently, the Romans doused themselves in wine in the name of beauty so the concept of so-called ‘wine spas’ is far from new. In the French court of King Louis XIV, the nobles also massaged their faces with grape skins to alleviate the signs of fatigue and leave their skin feeling soft, smoother and more toned. Today, the ancient health ethos of France translates into modern-day wine therapy, an array of sumptuous wine-soaked wellness rituals created to regenerate and rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
Wine-inspired Wellness
Blending modern winemaking techniques with age-old organic viniculture methods, the sumptuous Spa Vinothérapie® within Les Sources de Caudalie at Château Smith Haut Lafitte (located south of the city of Bordeaux, in Martillac) has over 35 wine-inspired lotions, potions, scrubs and tonics, including sumptuous oils created by husband-and-wife team Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. At Spa Vinothérapie® wine lovers can revel in their passion thanks to a vinotherapy package that lavishes spa-goers with the finer things in life. Denial and deprivation are alien concepts here.
Under the motto ‘Salus per vinium’ (Healthy living through grapes), no part of the vine is wasted. Therapies utilize vines rich in nutrient-heavy polyphenols, and grape pulp, stalks and seeds that boast detoxifying, anti-ageing properties around 10,000 times stronger than vitamin E. Grapes contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals and elements in traces, including vitamins A and B-group, vitamins C and E, sodium, fluorine, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and fruit acids. Wine therapies at Spa Vinothérapie® use varietal wines and their extracts, grape juices, pressed (crushed) grapes and the remains of pressing, flour, bran and the cold-pressed oil from grape seeds. Bioactive substances from the grapes and wine are ultra-effective in cleansing, peeling, massage and bathing as well as in compressions, packs and face masks. Deep wrinkles are softened and milder lines retreat as the full ‘pumping’ effect of the stimulation of microcirculation and the production of collagen is experienced.
3 things you must not miss
1 Old Town, Bordeaux Take a leisurely meander through the history-rich, narrow, cobbled streets of Bordeaux’s Old Town to the Quartier St Pierre’s balconied buildings, wrought ironwork and charming plazas. www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
2 Wine Country Visit surrounding vineyards and wineries using a local wine map, available free from the Maison du Vin, 1 cours du XXX Juillet, Bordeaux www.vins-bordeaux.fr.
3 River Cruise Take an hour-long boat cruise up the river and all around Bordeaux’s harbour, departing from the Quai des Chartrons year-round. For schedules contact the tourist office. www.bordeaux-tourisme.com
Softening, Soothing and Strengthening
Therapies promote metabolic boosting and the excretion of toxins from the connective tissue, thus making skin firmer, tighter and pinkish. Our skin naturally preserves moisture as its tissue strengthens and becomes more elastic, shedding dead and damaged cells and encouraging new skin cells to form. It is also believed that wine therapies can help to strengthen the immune system, act against cancer, improve lung function, promote healthier blood vessels, protect against stomach ulcers and stimulate the functions of the brain and nervous system.
Aside from the Bordeaux barrel baths, Merlot wraps and red-wine detoxifying teas, there are beautifully prepared meals in a Michelin-star restaurant accompanied by a vintage from a 13,000-bottle cellar. The selected menus are based on foods that foster vitality, health and beauty – and are wonderful to eat. Wine-tasting sessions ensure every aspect of the sophistication of the grape is truly relished for a real ‘full-bodied’ wine experience. Santé!
INFORMATION
SPA VINOTHÉRAPIE®, LES SOURCES DE CAUDALIE
t + 33 5 57 83 82 82
The sublime half-day Vinothérapie® ritual including unlimited 100 per cent organic herbal teas, fresh grapes and use of steam rooms, relaxation rooms and thermal baths with massaging jet-stream is around €195.
Château Smith Haut Lafitte.
