RELATED LINKS Return to 10 Great Golf & Spa Getaways

Hotels

• In Martillac, just outside of Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie is an outstanding property and was the first spa to use grape and wine derived products in its treatments. Accommodations in the 40 room luxury hotel are exquisitely designed, each room and suite individually finished to a level of stylish elegance. Butler service and all amenities are top-class. The dining room is directed by a two-Michelin star chef, and the wine cellar is world class. Doubles from about $225 USD.

  Ph: +33-5-5783-8383
  www.sources-caudalie.com

• Hostellerie de Plaisance is a wonderful small hotel in St. Emilion, just northeast of Bordeaux. It offers superb views of the town's slate rooftops and surrounding vineyards. The hotel's 13 rooms and three suites offer excellent facilities and faultless taste throughout. Each of the individually decorated rooms is named after a prestigious local winery. Doubles from about $250. Place du Clocher.

  Ph: +33 5-5724-7232

• One of the best hotels in the Bordeaux area is just outside the city in the tiny village of Bouliac, a few minutes southeast. The 18 room Hauterive Saint James was created in 1989, based on the appearance of the area's old tobacco barns. The linear exterior is complemented by clean, minimalist room interiors, all cool colors, light woods and large windows. Rooms are spacious with views to the Garonne river and Bordeaux beyond. Doubles from about $160 USD.

  Ph: +33 5-5797-0600
  www.saintjames-bouliac.com

Dining

• Au Bon Coin du Lac, between Bordeaux and Mimizan Bourg, is a lakeside restaurant with a pleasant tree shaded terrace and an enviable seasonal menu, featuring classics such as duck foie gras with raisins, Paulliac lamb, shellfish and a particularly satisfying steak-frites. Dinner for two, before wine, about $70 USD.

  Ph: +33 5-5809-0155

• L'Envers du Décor, in St. Emilion, is a friendly bistro on one of the town's main streets. It serves simple, reasonably priced food and local wines by the glass or bottle. Service is charming, especially if you speak French, however accented; the menu announces "English spoken with a French accent." Several regional specialties such as foie gras de canard and tournedos of duck with honey are almost always available. Dinner for two, with wine, about $60 USD.

  Ph: +33 5-5774-4831

• In Bordeaux city, Restaurant Gravelier delivers food of a quality that belies the room's garish purple and chartreuse color scheme. If available, the braised mullet is a beautifully executed simple but delicious preparation. Other fine choices include braised veal with vegetables and gravette oysters. Dinner for two, with a bottle of excellent Chateau Respide Medeville '98, about $95 USD.

  Ph: +33 5-5648-1715

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