Chateau du Palanquey

For many travelers the word “château” runs the risk of making the Château du Palanquey sound a good deal more formal than in fact it is. But here there are no turrets, no towers — just a stately house surrounded by vineyards in Saint-Émilion, one of Bordeaux’s most storied wine-producing regions. This is a luxury boutique hotel that’s dedicated to “slow life,” on the analogy with the Slow Food movement — here you’ll trade the frenzied activity of modern urban life for vineyard views, country air, rambling gardens, and plenty of the food and wine for which the French countryside is justifiably famous.

Thanks to the layout of this heritage building the rooms and suites are all unique, and all maintain some original architectural character. To that is added some unapologetically modern furniture and design, as well as some stylish spa-like bathrooms. Even more spa-like, of course, is the hotel’s actual spa, featuring massages and treatments with Esthederm products, as well as a gym and an indoor pool. Central to the experience is the table d’hôtes, featuring dishes sourced from the region (including the hotel’s own garden) accompanied by wine from Saint-Émilion, Castillon, and the rest of Bordeaux.