SPA Vinotherapie Caudalie at the Marqués de Riscal

Elciego, Álava, Spain

After the completion of his titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, world-renown American architect Frank Gehry returned to Northern Spain for another project: creating the Hotel Marqués de Riscal. An eye-catching, dynamic design, this contemporary hotel sits amid the rolling vineyards of the Rioja Alavesa wine region. As well as wine tastings and tours, the Marqués de Riscal hosts the SPA Vinotherapie Caudalie, a distinctive spa experience.

Caudalie originally perfected the vine and grape based treatments in the brand’s home country, France; the vine and grape extracts are used with water from a hot spring to create the most exclusive, rejuvenating sessions. The spa is reached through a glass passage designed by Yves Collet, and as with the Guggenheim Museum, Gehry used titanium to create the ruffled roof lines; they beautifully catch the light and are reminiscent of a flamenco dancer’s rippling skirts with pinks, golds and silvers infused into the metal. The Marqués de Riscal offers a one-of-a-kind experience for all the senses – especially for those who love a glass of vino.

Photos © Marqués de Riscal, 2015 https://www.marquesderiscal.com/