Well, I probably should have saved this post until I’ve actually been away on my latest trip, to the Maldives (which is just 6 days from now) – but to be honest I just couldn’t wait. While I’m ecstatic about my trip to the Maldives, I’m strangely even more excited about heading back to Bordeaux for the third time this year. Bordeaux offers so much of my favourite things in life. Toasted caneles, incredible wines, some of the best steak frites known to man and fine dining, perfected to perfection. Because I’m finding it simply so hard to contain all of my excitement, I’m sharing with you my Bordeaux travel plans – well a sneak peek at least… I wouldn’t want to give it all away!

Stop 1 – Les Sources de Caudalie

After our incredibly short flight from the UK to Bordeaux, we’ll be touching down and being whisked off to my wish list hotel. Les Sources de Caudalie is a luxury five-star hotel under the Small Luxury Hotels group and is nestled away deep within the vineyards of  Martillac and just a short drive from the centre of Bordeaux. The hotel is wrapped in so much luxury and has been created from local recycled materials by Yves Collet and is set inside the estate of Château Smith Haut Lafitte – one of Bordeaux’s best wineries. There’s also a world-class spa, complete with bubbling outdoor hot tubs, a 2 Michelin star restaurant and La Table du Lavoir – a rustic, but incredibly sumptuous and romantic looking restaurant. There’s so much more I want to tell you – but you’ll simply have to wait and tune into my Instagram on December 1st 2016. They’ll be some exciting news announced too so keep a close eye!

Stop 2 – Grand Barrail Château Hotel & Spa

The next day we’ll be whisked off to our second hotel, Grand Barrail Château Hotel & Spa. Another hotel under the Small Luxury Hotels group. When I first saw the photos of the hotel I was blown away. An imposing 19th century Chateau set in Saint-Émilion. It looks like something from a fairytale. The hotel is also home to some incredible suites, relaxing spa and what I’m most excited about is the choice of eating and drinking spaces. Either A Baroque styled Salon Mauresque with gorgeous stained-glass windows, marble pillars and oriental-style paintings – or the intimate Salle Ronde with low hanging chandeliers. It all sounds like something you really could only imagine from a movie – yet for me it will be coming to life and will no doubt feel like heaven during the cold winter evenings. Tune into my Facebook and Twitter for updates!

Stop 3 – Le Saint-James Bouliac

Our final night will be spent at one my of my all time favourite hotels in Bordeaux under Relais & Châteaux, Le Saint-James. Set in the commune of Bouliac, the hotel quite literally looks out across over the city of Bordeaux and is home to the smallest operating vineyard in France. The hotel also has a rather fabulous outdoor terrace and swimming pool. Inside it’s just as fabulous with a Michelin starred restaurant, wine bar of dreams and rooms with real character – and yes that is a Harley Davidson in-room. I also discovered the hotel has a room with hot tub on the terrace which now makes this hotel even more perfect – containing one of my guilty pleasures. Across the road from the hotel you’ll find a bistro named, Café de l’Espérance which really is perfect. I can’t wait to be back here at Le Saint-James and I know this December with the Christmas lights lighting up the city of Bordeaux, our stay here is going to be truly magical – once again.

Have you been to Bordeaux before? If so what has been your most memorable experience or hotel? I’d love to hear!