What do people value the most in a Hotel? The experience. A break
from monotony, simple non-expected services that add extra value,
comfort and beautiful décor, inspiring surroundings and amazing
views of a city or a stunning landscape. Le Saint-James Relais &
Châteaux, in Bordeaux, France, is one of the Luxury Hotels of the
world that can offer the ultimate luxury experience.
Bordeaux, as we all know, is home to some of the most famous
vineyards in the world. Wine lovers should know that this beautiful
city in the South-West of France is where famous grape varieties like
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are originally from.
But seriously, after-dinner wine discussions, inspiring as they may
be, what brought us here was the famous Bordelais vineyards, as the
perfect setting for the hotel’s building.
Le Saint-James is a stunning contemporary hotel inspired by the
tobacco drying barns in the region and designed by the top French
Architect and Interior Designer Jean Nouvel.
Each of the immaculately designed bedrooms boasts magnificent
panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards in the beautiful village
of Bouliac (10 km away from the city centre of Bordeaux). We spoke
earlier about this hotel offering the ultimate luxury experience,
and here is a small but extremely important detail which makes
all the difference: The king size beds in each room are positioned
at the correct height to take in the outstanding views of Bordeaux,
the vineyards and the River Garonne. Nothing more soothing than
falling asleep in the comfort of a warm bed while looking at the city
lights as Bordeaux’s city centre beams ahead.
All of the fifteen bedrooms and 3 suites have preserved the spirit of Jean
Nouvel’s original design and have been finished with contemporary
furniture created by famous designers such as Mies Van Der Rohe
and Jean Prouvé. Further amenities to experience: a heated outdoor
swimming pool, a Michelin star restaurant and cookery school, Côté
Cours, and an art gallery. The luxury experience also goes outdoors:
Le Saint-James has its own vineyard which is the second smallest
vineyard in the entire region and the wine is created on site.
Visitors are given the opportunity to take a tour of the Saint-James
wine cellar and sample the extensive wines and champagnes on
offer. Guests can enjoy views of the hotel’s own vineyard from the
bedrooms, terrace and restaurant and they are welcome to wander
amongst the vines. Now onto the amazing restaurant: The gourmet
restaurant “Le Saint-James” is home to Michelin starred Chef Nicolas
Magie. His imaginative, delicious menus are inspired by daily market
offerings and are continuously changing with the seasons. CovetED
Magazine visited it on a warm beautiful evening of September and was
surprised with a sea-inspired menu accompanied by a fine selection of
wines (The restaurant cellar boasts around 2000 wines). An amazing
experience on the restaurant’s terrace, as summer ended, looking over
the famous vineyards which are definitely worth experiencing.
We would like to give a special thanks to the amazing staff, who helped
create this one of a kind luxury experience. For more information on the
Hotel, its Michelin-starred restaurant and Bordeaux’s wine tourism.
Website: www.jeannouvel.com
Address: 3, place Camille Hostein, 33270 Bouliac Gironde, France
LE SAINT-JAMES RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
BOULIAC GIRONDE, FRANCE
