The Address Sept-Oct 2013

Clockwise from bottom left — Royale suite at the Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux;
Château Smith Haut Lafi tte; L’ile aux Oiseaux suite, La Table du Lavoir restaurant
and Bain thermal spa at Les Sources de Caudalie
FOOD FRIENDLY WINES - While some 75% of Bordeaux’s
wines are red, they are very food-friendly and this ensures
their universal appeal. These wines cover all spectrums of
the dining experience with some of the world’s finest dessert
wines being grown in the region. Luscious sweet wines from
Sauternes and Barsac set the benchmark by which dessert
wines (or to be accompanied by foie gras) are measured with
arguably the finest wine of all being Château d’Yquem.
While best known for its wines, Bordeaux is no slouch in
the gastronomic stakes. Being located close to the Atlantic
coastline, seafood is bountiful but like many other regions in
France, diversity is all important. Lobsters, mussels, oysters
and fish are important on some menus with mussel soup being
a specialty. Beef ribs sourced from the region’s Charolais
beef also feature on many menus.
Guests travelling with Quintessentially Travel enjoy the
finest local and seasonal cuisine prepared by France’s master
chefs. On one evening, guests will enjoy a personal invitation
to dine in one of the leading châteaus in Médoc. The culinary
highlight is reserved for the final night in the region, where
guests will dine in the exclusive Le Saint-James Restaurant in
the delightful village of Bouliac. This is one of those restaurants
that manages to bring everything together for a memorable
Michelin two-star dining experience. Maybe it is Chef
Magie’s culinary creativity, the dramatic views or the comprehensive
wine list, but whatever it is, it is a fitting way to
end an unforgettable evening before retiring to the luxury of
the Regent Grand Hotel in central Bordeaux.
BORDEAUX SIDE SHOW - While the Quintessentially tour of
Bordeaux is about wine and for those who love wine, there
are other activities included in the all-inclusive tour package
price. In addition to the region’s premium reds and whites,
guests are able to appreciate the greens of the golf course attached
to Relais de Margaux. Enjoy a round of golf with its
challenging greens, elm-lined fairways and the picturesque
scenery of the famous Gironde River. There is nothing more
exhilarating that traversing the tranquil vines early in the
morning on a hot air balloon. Vines and balloons are synonymous
with elegant travel and time is allocated for this essential
wine touring activity. Naturally, a traditional champagne
toast, followed by a grand breakfast buffet will make this one
of the memorable experiences of the comprehensive itinerary.
On one afternoon, guests will enjoy a personalised guided
tour of Bordeaux’s tourist attractions including the cathedral,
art galleries, theatre and the historic streets of the old city.
Another of Bordeaux’s famous indulgences awaits at the
exclusive hotel within the grounds of the acclaimed Château
Smith Haut Lafitte located in the Graves region. The Les
Sources de Caudalie hotel pioneered the application of grapesourced
therapies and treatments for discerning guests to indulge
themselves. Be rejuvenated prior to another gourmet
lunch with premium estate made wines.
Quintessentially Lifestyle is an exclusive, members-only luxury lifestyle
management and concierge service that offers its personalised services
via Quintessentially Travel to discerning clients and guests. It provides
discrete concierge assistance in the form of travel bookings, restaurant
recommendations, access to the world’s best events as well as purposedesigned
and exclusive tour itineraries to the hottest destinations.
Visit www.quintessentiallytravel.com for more information.
SEPT/OCT 2013 | TA 67