The Vibe: The feel of a private residence, with guests ambling between the open kitchen, dining room made cosy with a crackling fireplace, and library with big velvet sofas. 

The Area: Set upon five acres of Médoc vineyards in the Bordeaux wine region. The city itself is 56 kilometres (35 miles) southeast along the D2 wine road – the oenophile’s Route 66. The Château Cos d’Estournel winery is a 30-minute walk away.

The DNA: La Maison d’Estournel is a luxury boutique hotel, owned by Michel Reybier, who also operates the La Réserve hotels. The centuries-old property was once home to Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, formerly known as the Maharajah of Saint-Estéphe due to running a business exporting and selling wines from India. The chateau’s history is reflected in the hotel’s décor, including sandstone pagodas, a gateway carved with grapes and flowers that have been transported from a sultan’s palace in Zanzibar, and stone elephants that guard the cellars. Facilities comprise a tasting room, library, and restaurant. Outdoor activities include golf, fishing, and bike excursions.

Suite-Me-Up: Interior design is clearly by Alex Michaelis, the man behind Soho House with rooms decked out with velvet furniture, dark floorboards, and freestanding bath tubs.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 14 rooms (20-30m2) (215-323 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2019 • architecture & interior design: Alex Michaelis ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed • wheelchair accessible