A decade after joining what was then Golf du Médoc, director of operations Peio Tomasena talks through the resort’s transformation into Cabot Bordeaux – and why pairing world-class golf with the region’s wine and gastronomy is what sets it apart in Europe’s crowded golf travel market.
You’ve been part of the resort for over a decade, both before and after Cabot’s acquisition. How has your perspective on the resort evolved over that time?
Already a decade at the resort – time really does fly! The transition from Golf du Médoc to Cabot Bordeaux happened in two stages.
The first, from 2025 to 2026, brought the initial improvements to the courses, including bunker redesigns and new maintenance processes, while keeping our facilities open so our local guests could keep enjoying the courses through the winter season.
The second stage will begin in late 2026 and will continue over the years ahead, which will include further enhancements to the golf courses and property.
Throughout our transition, one of the biggest advantages has been becoming part of the wider Cabot portfolio. Beyond welcoming loyal Cabot guests to Bordeaux, we’ve benefited from shared operational expertise, best practices and a culture of continuous improvement across the group.
That exchange of knowledge has helped us refine everything we do, while still respecting the character of the resort. For example, it has pushed us to keep raising our standards of hospitality, something we’ve achieved thanks to our operational teams, who are deeply engaged in their daily work and truly passionate about what they do.
Most importantly, it has reinforced our long-term vision. Every investment we make is focused on building a destination that will be stronger, more resilient and even more compelling for guests for decades to come.
Cabot is known for creating world-class golf destinations that offer much more than great courses. How has that vision shaped Cabot Bordeaux, and how do you balance the resort’s golfing heritage with showcasing everything the Bordeaux region has to offer?
Cabot Bordeaux is home to two magnificent golf courses – the Châteaux course, designed by architect Bill Coore in 1989, and Vignes course, designed by Rod Whitman in 1991 – but the destination doesn’t stop there.
Cabot Bordeaux also features a four-star hotel, a restaurant where you can enjoy French gastronomy alongside fine bottles from our partner châteaux, and a training centre equipped with all the technology needed to perfect your swing or simply hit your first balls.
Our on-site offering is completed by a beautiful spa where you can relax after your day and enjoy a well-deserved massage.
But the Cabot Bordeaux experience doesn’t end there; we also benefit from our history-rich environment, with the city of Bordeaux, Pauillac, Margaux, St-Julien, St-Estèphe, and the towns of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol in proximity.
We took advantage of Cabot’s arrival to create a concierge service that organises stays blending experiences both on and off the resort, allowing our guests to enjoy the most complete and fulfilling visit possible.
What do you think sets Cabot Bordeaux apart in an increasingly competitive European golf travel market?
What truly sets Cabot Bordeaux apart is the combination of world-class golf with a destination that has soul. We have two exceptional courses, but what differentiates us strategically is how they fit into the wider Cabot philosophy.
Across the portfolio, Cabot has shown that long-term success comes from creating destinations rather than standalone golf courses. That means continually investing in quality, hospitality and experiences that encourage longer stays, repeat visits and year-round appeal.
Bordeaux brings its own identity through its wine, gastronomy and heritage, while benefiting from the operational standards, global brand recognition and shared expertise that come from being part of Cabot’s international portfolio.
And, unlike many golf resorts that exist purely for the game, we’re anchored in one of the most storied wine regions in the world. A guest can play a round in the morning and be tasting first-growth wines at a historic château by the afternoon; that combination simply doesn’t exist anywhere else in European golf travel.
If history is more your thing, the city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is just under 30 minutes from Cabot Bordeaux.
We’ve also leaned into Cabot’s global DNA: the idea that golf is the entry point, not the whole story. Our hotel, restaurant, training centre, and spa, mean we can offer a genuinely complete stay, not just a golf trip or a stay and play.
Looking back over the past decade, what achievement are you personally most proud of?
I’m very proud of how the site has evolved as a whole, and I’m genuinely looking forward to what’s coming next. As I like to say, I can’t wait until 2030 to see the evolution of Cabot Bordeaux.
But what I’m most proud of, above all, is my team. For some of us, we’ve now been working together for almost 10 years, and I still take just as much pleasure in learning from them as I do in sharing my knowledge, my passion and my vision for the future.
Watching talent grow and develop in Cabot Bordeaux is deeply rewarding. I believe my greatest achievement is the team we’ve managed to build, one that shares real values of hard work, passion, commitment and team spirit. You can feel it every day, and the quality of that team is one of the things that makes Cabot Bordeaux such a unique place.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Cabot Bordeaux? Are there any upcoming developments or priorities you can share?
The foundation of the site is already strong, so our next phase is about thoughtful evolution rather than transformation. We’ll continue investing in the guest experience through renovations and new amenities, but equally important is strengthening Cabot Bordeaux as a year-round destination with a sustainable long-term operating model.
Being part of Cabot allows us to take a longer view, learning from other properties while contributing our own experience to the wider portfolio. Ultimately, our ambition is to ensure Cabot Bordeaux is recognised not only as one of Europe’s leading golf destinations, but also as a benchmark for hospitality, authenticity, and long-term stewardship.
Everything will be put in place to offer unique experiences that go beyond the ordinary.
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