Le Saint-James Hotel Review: A Luxurious Winter Retreat in Bouliac, Bordeaux

I always feel sad every time I leave Bordeaux. This is my fourth visit to the city over the last 12 months and I can’t wait to return back to it again in the future. The food, the people, the wine and the sunsets. Just some of my favourite things all in one place and most notably at one of my favourite hotels – Le Saint-James. Nestled on the outskirts of Bordeaux in the idyllic village of Bouliac, no matter what time of year we’ve visited we have always been blessed with blue skies – making each new visit that little bit more memorable.

With on-site secure parking, we parked up our hire car in the grounds while concierge speedily came out to collect our bags and whisk them up to our room while checking in. The grounds here are simply stunning. On arrival as you walk through the entrance gates, where that big shiny Relais & Chateau sign is proudly displayed on the wall – amongst the Autumn orange fruits hanging from the trees, leaves falling to the floor and the warm sun on your face. There’s barely any noise here, meaning pure and utter relaxation.

As you step into the hotel entrance you’re greeted with an oasis of beauty and comfort. Heated to a cosy warmth and the smell of the roaring fire seeping through the corridors – which are filled with art, lots of comfy seating areas and some absolutely beautiful floor tiles which dominate the long hallway.

And then there’s the bar. It’s one of my favourite parts of the hotel. Minimalistic, an open fire-place, every-changing photography on the walls and light flooding in through the huge windows. The bar is stacked to the brim with some of the finest spirits and an extensive range of Cognac which was perfect for sipping on during the afternoons and after dinner. Freshly baked caneles and cakes are also served if you’re feeling a little peckish.

Just a few steps out of the back door from the bar area is a magnificent terrace which overlooks the hotels own vineyard and the city of Bordeaux. It’s the perfect spot for taking in the views, enjoying a glass of wine, eating a light snack or smoking a well-earned cigar. If you’re feeling really brave you could even take a dip in the outdoor pool, finishing in the dry sauna.

If Le Saint-James hadn’t already captured my heart, they most certainly did with our room – complete with its very own private rooftop hot tub. We stayed in one of the hotels two top suites which offer exquisite panoramic views, soft furnishings from famous designers and some rather erotic artwork adorning the walls. The suites were designed by Jean Nouvel in 1989 have retained their original fixtures since and the low-set beds are the perfect height to enjoy the views from the bedroom windows. Fresh fruits, cakes and coffee were waiting in the room upon arrival and only the highest quality Hermes bathroom products were provided.

Quite honestly I spent most of my afternoon in the hot tub. It’s one of my guilty pleasures and with the other half happily enjoying an afternoon nap – I had a little me time. Before raiding the mini-bar I popped to the local Boulangerie next door and stocked up on a croissant or too, plated up the fresh fruits and poured myself a chilled glass of Bordeaux white wine – admittedly finishing the whole (half) bottle a little later. Once the sun started to set it became an absolutely magical place with a warm 37 degrees in the bubbly waters and a very crisp 5 degrees outside.

Bordeaux offers some of the best sunsets in the world and that is no exaggeration. Even compared to those I recently enjoyed in the Maldives, here they were absolutely perfect every single night. Stars could be seen across the vista with the nights sky changing from blue to purple, pinks and at some points so orange you’d think a fire was raging in the sky. All of this colour can be enjoyed from the comfort of your hot tub. I’m not sure our evening could have been any more perfect if it had tried.

That evening we didn’t spend dinner in the hotels Michelin starred restaurant, but instead across the road at Café de L’Espérance – also owned by the hotel. It’s one of my favourite places to spend an evening in Bordeaux, serving up a terrific selection of carefully cooked meats, cheeses and Michelin starred perfected desserts. Read all about my meal at Café De L’Esperance. By night the hotel also becomes a very special place, subtly illuminated through the corridors and courtyard.

Not being particularly morning people, we took our breakfast in bed as per usual and once again it didn’t disappoint. In fact it seemed even better this time around. Packed with just about everything. Excellent local cheese, charcuterie, a patisserie basket of absolute dreams, breads, freshly squeezed juices, fruit yoghurt mousse, along with tea, coffee & hot chocolate.

Once breakfast arrived, we put on our dressing gowns and walked our food out on to the balcony – enjoying the stunning views around us. This time around we were lucky enough to enjoy a different light over the city as the fog started to clear and give way for the blue skies this city seems to always give.

Sadly all good things have to come to an end, but we really didn’t want to say goodbye to Le Saint-James – our favourite hotel in Bordeaux. Situated within the pretty village of Bouliac, this hotel is the perfect weekend escape. It’s close to the city, but far enough to feel as though you’re in a retreat. It’s so peaceful here too and all you’ll want to do is sit quietly and enjoy the views with a few too many glasses of wine. If you’re looking for a hotel with class, abundance of art, service to make you smile and food to die for then look no further. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

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Le Saint-James
3 Place Camille Hostein
33270 Bouliac
France
Tel: +33 5 57 97 06 00