Château Hôtel Grand Barrail ★★★★★

Having holidayed in Bordeaux with my grandparents as a child, I learnt to cherish the ‘drink of the gods’ from an early age. So my heart leapt on hearing I was going to Saint-Émilion to stay at the Grand Berrail château hotel. It was the perfect opportunity for mixing business with pleasure! For a whole weekend, I could rediscover my fondest childhood memories with the best professional excuse.

As we got closer to our destination that beautiful morning, I was feeling in top spirits. I knew a fabulous reward was waiting for me at the end of the journey: a magnificent 19th-century château, converted into a four-star hotel. It is surrounded by Saint-Émilion vineyards, stretching out into the distance as far as the eye can see. In fact, the Château-Hôtel-Spa Grand Barrail is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). ‘Small’ is a bit of a stretch, considering its generous architecture, but it is absolutely luxurious, no question there.

Standing tall in ample gardens and flanked by outbuildings, on first sight the château is rather grand and imposing. There are vineyards all around, and the air is filled with a wonderful feeling of calm and serenity. It is a place steeped in history with great respect for tradition, including the art of good hosting. Here, you will be treated as special guests from beginning to end.

While my husband checked in (this fairytale setting seemed to make him more gallant than usual), I climbed the few steps that took me to the cosy bar. With its thick carpet, deep armchairs and marble columns, I immediately felt cradled by the sumptuous atmosphere. I couldn’t wait to see our bedroom!

The bedrooms are spread over the four buildings making up the estate. Superior and Deluxe rooms are found in the Main House, Well Being House and Vineyard House. Measuring at least 30m2, they all offer wonderful views out over the vineyards. Recently renovated, they blend classic style with contemporary comfort for château life in all its splendour. It was such a joy to wake up there in the morning, to the almost monastic stillness of the countryside and the beautiful vineyard view.

In the morning, we were similarly transported to the splendours of days gone by. The exquisite breakfast is served in the Rotonde room, restored to its former glory. Mirrors and impressive antique chandeliers sit perfectly alongside contemporary Farrow and Ball colours on the walls. We then took a peek into the unique Mauresque dining room, a little whimsy of the château’s first owner, René Bouchard, who wanted to recreate the ambiance of Saudi Arabia in his own home. With stained glass windows, marble columns, gold highlights and Viollet Leduc style oriental paintings, it is a unique baroque room that is entirely in keeping with the château’s luxurious atmosphere.

In the evening, we returned to this elegant dining room to try the dinner menu, which showcases authentic local produce. The food menu is of course accompanied by a wonderful wine list that honours the region’s vineyards.

In between, we had the pleasure of discovering some of the marvels of the region, before going back to ‘our’ château and relaxing at the Spa Cinq Monde. With the jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, treatments and massages, château life is a breeze!