MATHILDE THOMAS
P I È C E D E R É S I S TANC E
Of course, what really sets Les Sources de Caudalíe in a class of its own would have to be the absolutely breathtaking Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa. Designed by French architect Yves Collet, the expansive wood and stone building is the perfect synthesis of modernity and tradition. Inspired by its environment, the architecture is reminiscent of a tobacco-curing barn and yet is light and airy in terms of its interior design.
The 1,500-square-metre spa offers a host of treatments based on – what else? – Caudalíe products, and as such are vine and grape seed related, not to mention enriched by warm mineral springs. Marinades such as the Crushed Cabernet Scrub, Honey and Wine Wrap, as well as Barrel Bath await the novice epicurean. The Winemakers’ Massage lives up to its exotic name and a smooth wooden stick (usually used for crushing grapes) is rolled over pressure points to smooth out knots and tension.
Making your way to the spa from the hotel is a treat in itself as you wind through charming corridors, before emerging through to a passageway that leads to the main area of the spa – overlooking the swimming pool and a panoramic view of the Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards. Relax as you sip calming tea, reading and enjoying the vista before your preferred treatment, or take a dip in either the warm indoor or outdoor pool pending mood and sun quotient.
Despite only having started in 1999, the Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa, through the efforts of its co-founder Mathilde Thomas, opened its doors in 2008 in such esteemed establishments as New York’s Plaza Hotel, where after emerging from rosepink changing rooms, clients enjoy a complimentary glass of wine in the exquisite wine lounge. Yet another spa may be found in the terribly exotic Les Ottomans in Istanbul, Turkey. Then there is the stunning Caudalíe Vinothérapie Spa in the Frank Ghery designed Hotel Marques de Riscal, a jewel in the Caudalíe crown even Thomas admits the first will always hold a special place in her heart: “Bordeaux is my family wine estate, after all, and where Caudalíe was born.” Get the Caudalíe experience at the newly-minted Caudalíe Boutique Spa, S127, Level 2, Bangsar Shopping Centre.
Bertrand and Mathilde Thomas
Let’s talk about Caudalíe’s new Polyphenol [C15] range. Which of the line is your absolute must-have? “Oh, I cannot live without my Polyphenol [C15] SPF20 daily. I love everything about it! The antioxidant effect, the SPF 20, the light oil-free texture, the scent, the tube. It goes without saying that I am very proud of my new Polyphenol [C15] range, not only
because it is a powerful antioxidant and anti-wrinkle regimen but because my team has worked on developing it with Professor Vercauteren for the longest time. For the first time, it combines these polyphenols exclusive to Caudalíe research with a top-performing stabilised vitamin C to produce an intensely powerful antioxidant youth concentrate,
which blocks 100% of free radicals. You must experiment with new ideas for product lines constantly. What’s
on your radar right now? A top-notch anti-ageing molecule that could enhance the life span of cells even more. And make your skin look younger for longer.
Travel features heavily in your schedule. The secret to arriving at a business meeting in a different time
zone with one’s game face on? Moisturise heavily before getting on the plane – from head to toe. I replace daily moisturiser with a thin layer of my moisturising mask. Drink a lot of water and try to abstain from alcohol and food – you’ll feel so much better. Sleep as much as you can, curling eyelashes naturally with a sleeping mask – it works!