After a day of visits to chilly cellars in Bordeaux, Burgundy or Champagne, few activities could satisfy more than a spa treatment—just imagine sipping while you soak in an oak wine barrel or while looking out over a sprawling vineyard.
Bien-être, well-being, is as familiar a word in France as cave, coupe or carafe, so it’s fitting that that vinotherapy treatments were developed in Bordeaux. Over-the-top spas in Burgundy and Champagne have created their own unique, site-specific wine-related treatments. Here are three to check out.
Les Sources de Caudalie
Bordeaux
When the Cathiard family, owners of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, learned about the health of antioxidant-rich grape seeds, they developed Caudalie vinotherapy skincare products and treatments, which include face masks and toners, body scrubs, hand/foot services and more.
They also launched a spa, Les Sources de Caudalie, on the family’s sculpture-studded winery estate. The Premier Cru Treatment includes an anti-aging masque and rich Premier Cru cream, all during a massage; the Barrel Bath wine soak includes views of lush vines.
Villa Loiseau des Sens
Burgundy
Signature “Secrets de Cassis” cosmetics, created by spa founder Dominique Loiseau, are incorporated into the offerings at the 16,145-square foot Villa Loiseau des Sens, which opened in 2017. It became the second spa at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau, a gastronomy-focused Relais & Chateaux affiliate.
Loiseau, who also had a large hand in designing the on-site garden, believes that the nectar of Burgundian black currants have incomparable aromatic, cosmetic and nutritional qualities. Products incorporate cassis liqueur made from black currants used in a variety of the spa’s wellness treatments like antioxidant massages. Kir, made with cassis and young white wine, is the drink or apéritif of choice in the treatment cabine.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Champagne
Guests at Royal Champagne can gaze from a wall of extra-wide windows lining the huge indoor pool at Möet & Chandon vineyards that seem to stretch all the way to Epernay. Opened in 2018, with a Biologique Recherche spa, the facility features a sauna, hammam and a yoga studio. Assemblages combine a facial and massage or a massage and a “treatment bubble,” which is a little goodie like a back or foot massage, makeup or nail polish. If you don’t want to choose, there’s a 10-hour Coeur de Vigne set of services.