The spirit of Relais & Châteaux lies in the principle of sharing the art of living, culinary expertise and preserving local culture and diversity. The new member properties, join over 550 other world-class hotels and restaurants with distinct location, atmosphere and flavours, including a luxury safari camp in Botswana, a restored Georgian manor house in Devon and an idyllic hideaway tucked into the coconut groves of the Seychelles.
Lympstone Manor Hotel, Devon (United Kingdom)
The restored Georgian manor house and heritage site has been turned into a luxury hotel following the vision of owner and Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines. The hotel overlooks Devon’s Exe Estuary and has 21 contemporary rooms and suites with stunning views of the area’s natural scenery. Each room is named and designed after a bird living in the estuary and walls are adorned with paintings by local artist Rachel Toll. In the kitchen, Caines’ signature dishes place a spotlight on products from the ocean, tidelands and salt marshes. A cellar of over 600 wines three separate dining rooms complement the exquisite culinary offering. The dining room named after Powderham Castle is the ideal spot for an intimate dinner in a powder pink velvet banquette under a spellbinding luminous glass globe.
SingleThread Farm, Healdsburg (United States)
Located between the Russian River and vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Chardonnay grapes, the SingleThread Farm restaurant and inn takes skill and craftsmanship to a whole new level. Farmers Katina Connaughton and brother Vince Rothermund manage all the ingredients grown across this five-acre property, and oversee the supplying of fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, honey, eggs and olive oil to the kitchens. The restaurant serves a daily 11-course tasting menu, using handmade tableware that is specially crafted by artisans for the SingleThread Farm.
Alo Restaurant, Toronto (Canada)
Sitting atop the 3rd floor at the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown, Alo definitely feels like a spot for people in the know. Wooden flooring, natural lighting and copper trim give the restaurant a unique design. Everything in this space has been carefully thought out – right down to the sound design – to create a warm, welcoming and exciting atmosphere. The restaurant’s distinctive open kitchen in the middle of the room allows guests to watch the chefs in action. At the helm, chef Patrick Kriss offers up a tasting menu featuring dishes whose pairings are unexpected and moreish. Having once been a speakeasy, the property has a history of intrigue.
Magee Homestead, Saratoga (United States)
Near Medicine Bow National Forest in the middle of the high-desert plains of Wyoming sits Magee Homestead, a luxury adult only ranch. The property includes nine cabins, a private lodge, swimming pool overlooking the pond, and spa. The quiet atmosphere of the ranch allows for contemplation of the lodges original artwork. The restaurant has its own kitchen garden and serves modern and sustainable plant-based dishes. The dining room opens up to create an idyllic setting for watching the surrounding moonlit prairies.
Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Grenada (The Caribbean)
Calabash is a family owned luxury resort and over a span of 30 years, the Garbutt family has turned it into one of the most sought-after locations in the Caribbean. Just a few yards from the palm trees in L’Anse aux Epines on the southern coast of Grenada, it offers 30 luxury suites with views of a stunning white sand beach. Guests have direct access to enjoy all the island’s water sports before relaxing in the spa or dining at one of the property’s two restaurants for a gourmet meal crafted from local Grenadian produce.
Delfin Amazon Cruises, Iquitos (Peru)
Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, Delfin Amazon Cruises takes guests on a one-of-a-kind trip aboard a boat to explore one of the world’s largest protected forests inside the Pacaya Samiria National Preserve. The experience includes excursions in indigenous villages, night safaris, and swimming with pink dolphins. Maître de maison and explorer Aldo Macchiavello has a knack for creating unforgettable journeys. The fleet’s three boats offer all the amenities of a grand luxury hotel with sumptuous decor, cosy cabins and incredible local cuisine.
Chila Restaurant, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Andrès Porcel’s restaurant is located in the hip Puerto Madero district and has ranked among the 50 top restaurants in Latin America for four years running. Newcomer chef Pedro Bargero works directly with producers and hand-picks products from the Mercado Central to create his dishes. He uses local organic products to design his three monthly tasting menus, one of which is vegetarian. All of his flavour pairings are original and elegant. The menu draws inspiration from all over Argentina and includes meat and dairy from the property’s Campazu Farm, vegetables harvested in La Plata, black hake from Antarctica and shrimp from Comodoro.
Bij Jef, Den Hoorn (Netherlands)
Off the shores of the Netherlands on the small island of Texel, Jef Schuur and Nadine Mögling have converted an old rectory into a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel. Just a few steps from the beach, the sleek minimal property welcomes guests into its charming modern suites. Jef devises ingenious well-balanced dishes, most of which are made from fresh products grown on the island like Wadden Sea cockles that pair excellently with Texel lamb bacon, parsley root cream and celery juice soufflé. The property is in the perfect location to try out water sports such as kitesurfing.
Quadrille Hotel, Gdynia (Poland)
Not far from Gdańsk, Quadrille is a unique property comprised of two standalone buildings connected by a tunnel. From the name of the hotel and the rooms to the speakeasy bar and the restaurant – for guests it’s like walking inside the story of Alice in Wonderland. The only differences are that time seems to stand still and the staff are always gracious. Perfect for those interested in modern art and design, works by famous artists are found scattered throughout rooms of this 18th century palace. Having recently brought the place back to life, the Górski family believe the secret to its enchanting ambiance is in the details. In the kitchen, chef Marcin Popielarz serves up traditional dishes exclusively made with local ingredients. His goal is to create the unexpected by using brand new flavour combinations to bring back childhood memories throughout the meal.
Auberge des Glazicks, Plomodiern (France)
Once a blacksmith’s shop, Auberge des Glazicks is a hotel and restaurant in the Finistère part of France owned by none other than Olivier Bellin, who is both maître de maison and chef. His aim is to serve modern surf and turf cuisine that’s steeped in history, serving up wild-caught fish, organic produce and meat from independently-owned farms. The property has everything it needs to delight diners, epicureans and lovers of contemporary interiors. The chef’s ingenuity is heightened by the stunning view of Douarnenez Bay. A note to cigar aficionados: guests can select one from their collection of top brands then savor it in the lounge’s cigar section and take in the sumptuous surroundings. A change of scenery and total tranquility.
Hotel Restaurant Krone Regensberg, Regensberg (Switzerland)
Wake up to a view of the Jura Mountains in this charming little house perched in the medieval village of Regensberg. Once a destination for American politicians and presidents, Katja and Franck Gunthart completely rebuilt this property after it burned to the ground in 2011, restoring it to its original purpose of welcoming travellers from all over the world. Framed by unfinished wood floors and dry-stone walls, the spaces are entirely furnished with vintage antiques, creating casual interiors. From the breath-taking panoramic view to the luxuriously cosy rooms, this property is the perfect Swiss getaway.
Le Bistrot Français, Bucharest (Romania)
Le Bistrot Français has turned mixing French and Romanian cultures into an art form. Sorin Miftode and Sébastien Gravé joined creative forces at a 19th century villa in the heart of Bucharest. Between the woodwork and paintings on the walls, the spectacular chandeliers and parquet floors, the property offers luxury and incredible interiors. With inventive and tastefully orchestrated dishes made with only the finest ingredients like Normande beef, Bresse chicken, raw milk cheeses, fresh truffles and bellota ham, the culinary offerings are perfectly paired with the best French wines to offer the best culinary experience.
Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais, Cavaion Veronese (Italy)
It’s not hard to understand why wine lovers flock to the idyllic setting at Villa Cordevigo. Nestled in the hillsides not far from Lake Garda north of Verona, this historic 18th-century building is bordered by the Vigneti Villabella vineyard. Wine is the guest of honour at this tastefully restored villa. Guests are greeted with a glass of a local vintage and invited into the tasting room to enjoy a unique experience. At its Michelin-starred restaurant Oseleta, the chef puts a new twist on traditional Venetian fare with his reinterpretation of classic dishes.
Locanda Don Serafino, Ragusa Ibla (Italy)
In the Baroque city of Ragusa Ibla, Locanda Don Serafino Hotel has repurposed a small 19th-century former residential building carved into a rocky cliff. Decorated in neutral tones, some rooms have vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls typical of local construction. The property’s restaurant is set in an old stone building that was once the stables for the nearby palace. The menu features a selection of 100 bottles from the world’s finest vineyards, giving chef Vincenzo Candiano full license to dream up original and eye-opening pairings.
Capofaro Malvasia and Resort, Malfa (Italy)
25 miles off the coast of Sicily, Capofaro Malvasia and Resort on the island of Salina is uniquely positioned for discovering Mediterranean culture. Surrounded by vineyards that produce the island’s traditional Malvasia wine, the property boasts a stunning view of the sea, with the Stromboli and Panarea islands in the background. Everything here is geared towards giving guests a true taste of la dolce vita. Ease into the Mediterranean pace of life at Capofaro that offers spaces for recreation and relaxation, plus a restaurant featuring a Cucina Tasca concept where only local seasonal products are served.
Restaurante Coque, Humanes de Madrid (Spain)
The quintessential family-owned restaurant, Coque is run by three brothers who took over the property that their grandfather opened in 1949. Located 12 miles from downtown Madrid, it was completely redesigned by architect Nacho García de Vinuesa, who masterfully intertwined the modern with the traditional. Coque is the ideal setting for Mario Sandoval’s innovative avant-garde cuisine, created from products grown in the family’s kitchen garden and paired with some of the 2,500 wines kept in the property’s cellar.
Belcanto, Lisbon (Portugal)
Opened in 1958, Belcanto has earned two Michelin stars and sits in Lisbon’s historic centre. Now run by owner and chef José Avillez, the restaurant puts a new twist on Portuguese cuisine in a muted, upscale setting, complete with a wine list painstakingly curated by resident sommelier Rodolfo Tristão.
North Island, Mahé (Seychelles)
North Island is a breath-taking natural wonder, home to an idyllic resort tucked away in the coconut groves. With the smallest one measuring 4,850 sq. ft., the property’s private villas are all made from local materials and built in a completely secluded area. Luxury and simplicity are perfectly combined at this luxurious getaway.
Duba Plains Camp, Okavango Delta (Botswana)
Located in northern Botswana in the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains Camp is the perfect place to re-centre yourself. Surrounded by fig, ebony and garcinia trees, the camp site boasts a stunning view of the seemingly endless plains in the area. Upscale safari-style tents provide spacious suites that include a bathroom and outdoor shower and veranda overlooking the flood plain. After a long day in the hot African sun, some of the favourite activities for guests are a cool dip in the pool or dinner on the wooden elevated bridge under the majestic trees, perfect for tranquil unwinding following a day exploring the camp and beautiful natural surroundings.
Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge, Nambiti Game Reserve (South Africa)
Located in one of South Africa’s most beautiful private reserves, Esiweni Lodge is built on top of a hill and offers activities like safaris and starlit dinners for a guaranteed unforgettable encounter with the African wilderness. Its five suites have a coveted view of the Sunday River and a panoramic vista of the savanna and the African bush. This lodge offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Nambiti’s incredible scenery and 280 species of birds. It has everything that nature lovers could ask for on their quest for tasteful accommodation and a complete change of scenery.
The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas, Okinawa (Japan)
This is the perfect place for those who want to both explore Okinawa Island and have the change to completely unwind. Guests are given personalized treatments and can experience the benefits of the natural sea salt and healing medicinal plants from the Okinawa Islands. There are pre-breakfast stretching sessions and romantic walks on the beach before dinner to soak in the gorgeous sunset. The hotel has no shortage of activities to delight guests looking for rest and relaxation, and serves food crafted from the finest local products. Each villa is tastefully and luxuriously design with private swimming pools.
Svatma, Thanjāvūr (India)
The Svatma Hotel in Thanjāvūr is a 100-year-old house beautifully restored by owner, architect and designer Krithika Subrahmanian. Each room and suite is different and the building is full of little nooks, verandas and patios for gathering or spending some quiet time alone. There are endless things to discover at this property, which is also embellished with artwork from Tamil Nadu scattered throughout the house. Activities include cooking and yoga classes, training in Vedic chanting, and demonstrations of local dances. Head to the rooftop restaurant Nila for an intimate dinner with delightful vegetarian and Tamil dishes, which is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea or a cocktail while gazing at the stars.
Helena Bay Lodge, Whangarei (New Zealand)
Helena Bay Lodge sits in a natural setting in northern New Zealand. Bordered by almost two miles of wild coastline, the hotel has four private beaches and countless secluded coves. To ensure guests have a peaceful stay, the adults-only lodge offers five suites with spectacular ocean views. Italian chef Michele Martino creates new daily menus, which can be enjoyed near the main house in the great outdoors, making it the perfect private paradise.