Elite Traveler Fall 2019

DISCOVER

elite traveler FALL 2019 34

Clockwise A painting of Mount Lebanon hangs above the claw-footed bathtub; carefully selected accessories add a touch of color; the enormous bed occupies the center of the bright white suite; The Bird Island’s exterior

by Samantha Coles Design

Clockwise from left Ebitibea quunt. Conecus ipsunte soluptatur reprempore nulpa consecatis most

The Bird Island In the south of Bordeaux surrounded by 190 acres of vineyards lies Les Sources de Caudalie, a halcyon hotel and spa. The setting is picture-perfect: full of pastoral beauty, with ducks occupying the tranquil ponds, horses working in the vineyards and bumblebees buzzing through the pretty, fragrant gardens. You’ll find the signature suite, L’Île aux Oiseaux (The Bird Island), suspended above the largest pond. From the exterior, it resembles a fishing lodge (complete with a small wooden boat) and, like the rest of the resort, is made from repurposed wood. Although it overlooks the pond and the main house, it’s hidden away behind trees so privacy is guaranteed (except from a few ducks and horses). Every three years, Les Sources de Caudalie owner Alice Tourbier partners with a prominent fashion designer to restyle the interiors of L’Île aux Oiseaux —Delphine Manivet andMaisonMartinMargiela have previously added their flair to the suite. This year, couturier Rabih Kayrouz injected a taste of the East. Born in Lebanon in 1973, Kayrouz moved to Paris at 16 to study at the renowned École de la

Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. He then worked for Dior and Chanel before opening his own design house. The suite’s interior is astonishingly white, offset with a select few pops of color: vibrant glass bottles sit atop a 1960s Eastern-inspired Guillerme et Chambron wooden wardrobe. The enormous bed occupies the center of the room and overlooks the pond and glorious French countryside— it’s easy to spend an afternoon gazing at the viewwith a glass of wine from the neighboring historic winery, Château Smith Haut Lafitte. The decor is decidedly simple; Kayrouz wanted the suite to be a space to enjoy “the luxury of doing nothing.”With no interior walls or distracting objects, it’s easy to savor the details: the white-washed beams of the ceiling; tin-plated copper tables; and the claw-footed, roll-top bath with a calming painting of Mount Lebanon hanging above. L’Île aux Oiseaux from$1,105 per night. Contact Alice Tourbier, owner, sources@sources-caudalie.com, +33 557 838 282, sources-caudalie.com

Photos Roberta Valerio