Château Hôtel Grand Barrail ★★★★★

As we arrived at our destination, the Grand Barrail Château Hotel in beautiful Saint-Émilion, I was feeling in top spirits. Before us was a magnificent 19th-century château, converted into a four-star hotel, and 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 hospitality. Here, you will be treated as special guests from beginning to end.

The bedrooms are spread over the four buildings which make up the estate. With rooms and suites measuring at least 30m2 or more, they are all spacious, and offer wonderful views out over the vineyards or gardens. Fully renovated, they blend classic style with contemporary comfort, and it was such a joy to wake up each morning to the beautiful view and stillness of the countryside.

In the morning, the exquisite breakfast is served in the elegant restaurant. The restaurant boasts two luxurious dining rooms including the Grand Salon, and the Mauresque dining room, a little whimsy of the château’s first owner, René Bouchard, who wanted to recreate some of the ambiance of Saudi Arabia in his own home. With stained glass windows, marble columns, gold detailing and Viollet Leduc-style paintings, it is a unique baroque room, entirely in keeping with the château’s luxurious atmosphere. In the evening, the dinner menu showcases authentic local produce, accompanied of course by a wonderful wine list that honours the region’s vineyards. Meanwhile, the wine bar with its thick carpet, deep armchairs, and marble columns, offers a cosy lounge atmosphere to relax, glass of wine in hand.

After days discovering the marvels of the region, it was always a pleasure to retreat back to the château and relax at the hotel’s Spa by Sothys. It offers a great range of treatments which use all-natural SOTHYS products, and boasts fantastic facilities including a sauna, hammam, hot tub, sensory showers, rest areas, and a fitness centre. Château life is a breeze!