Cabot Bordeaux

The on-site 4-star MGallery by Sofitel hotel, which opened in 2007, makes Cabot Bordeaux an easy, self-contained golf base. The style is modern and understated, with natural tones rather than anything too fussy, and there are 79 spacious rooms in total. In-room you can expect the essentials golfers actually care about after 18 holes, including Wi-Fi, a safe and a comfortable set-up for switching off before the next day's tee time.

If you're travelling as a couple or a small group, the big win here is the downtime. There's an indoor pool, but the spa is the real draw, with sauna and steam rooms, plus treatments including massage and reflexology. It's exactly what you want if you've walked 36 in two days and still want to be functional for dinner.

Food and drink are straightforward to plan. Le Table du Médoc is the main restaurant and leans into the region's strengths with a wine list that showcases local Médoc bottles. The dining room has views over both courses, and the menu is elegant and seasonal without being overly formal. For something more relaxed, the Clubhouse is ideal for an easy lunch or a post-round drink looking out over the course. Back at the hotel, the Salon Bar Bibliothèque is a comfortable meeting spot for groups who want a quiet nightcap or to sort the next day's plan.

The rooms are generously sized and designed for comfort, with clean lines, warm wood tones, quality linens and plenty of natural light. Every room comes with satellite television, an en-suite bathroom and the sort of modern amenities you'd expect from a 4-star property. The hotel sits within easy reach of the estate grounds and both golf courses, so you're never far from the action.

And, of course, you're in the right part of the world for adding a little extra to the itinerary. Bordeaux and the surrounding châteaux are close enough for tastings and tours, and the coast is an easy add-on if you fancy seafood and sea air between rounds. Whether you're here purely for the golf or mixing rounds with wine and culture, the accommodation and location make it easy to build the trip you want.