Alongside partners who share our values, we are proud to recognize professionals throughout our network as recipients of Relais & Châteaux Trophies for 2024. These awards celebrate all those who are truly dedicated to their profession, inspiring passion in others across multiple disciplines.
Rising Chef Trophy
Wilson Alpala, Chef at Zazu (Ecuador)
Relais & Châteaux and S. Pellegrino present the 2024 Rising Chef Trophy– acknowledging the talent of a new generation of chefs–to Wilson Alpala, Chef of Zazu restaurant in the capital, Quito. This up-and-coming chef focuses on highlighting Ecuadorian flavors and presenting ingredients with an avant-garde style. He is a true leader for his entire team, and has managed to create an atmosphere of mutual support and warmth like no other. He is also something of an an ecological ambassador, committed to the protection of nature. At his restaurant and in its local community, he fervently defends sustainable farming and fishing.
Welcome Trophy
Regan McIntosh, Front Desk Agent at Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel (Grenada)
Convinced that kindliness and care for others has the power to turn a hotel stay into an unforgettably wonderful experience, Relais & Châteaux and Moët & Chandon are delighted to award the Welcome Trophy 2024 to Regan McIntosh. The serene, elegant front desk agent makes sure that harmony reigns supreme throughout the establishment. Every day, she expresses care both for her guests and her team through countless thoughtful touches, bringing to life the fundamental values of hospitality upheld by Relais & Châteaux and Moët & Chandon.
Savoir-Faire Trophy
Jean-Paul Compagnon, Maître de Maison at Villa des Orangers (Morocco)
Relais & Châteaux and Glenmorangie are delighted to award the Savoir-Faire Trophy to Jean-Paul Compagnon, Maître de Maison of the Villa des Orangers in Marrakesh. Driven by the satisfaction of welcoming and creating moments of pure enjoyment for guests, he has been bringing his savoir-faire to this Moroccan property for more than twenty years, always eager to share his knowledge of the profession with his teams. Jean-Paul is the true guardian of this riad, where he personally greets each guest with a delicious glass of mint tea.
Delicious Career Trophy
Arnaud Séhébiade, Director at Hortensias du Lac (France)
Relais & Châteaux and Hennessy are delighted to award the Delicious Career Trophy to Arnaud Séhébiade, Director of Les Hortensias du Lac in Hossegor, Landes. For several years, he has demonstrated his expertise as an exceptional mentor through the guidance he provides to employees and the teamwork and family spirit that he instills in them. His infallible commitment on a daily basis reflects the values upheld by both his property and those of Relais & Châteaux.
Cocktail Trophy
Cassidy Bright, Bartender at Fearrington House (United States)
In a celebration of the creativity of contemporary mixologists, Relais & Châteaux joins forces with Absolut Elyx and Monkey 47 to award the Cocktail Trophy to Cassidy Bright, Bartender at The Fearrington House in Pittsboro, North Carolina. She conceived the Late Bloomer cocktail to highlight the floral characteristics of Monkey 47 gin. Prepared with fresh, readily available ingredients, such as estate-grown cucumber and the jasmine tea served during teatimes, the result is a balanced, wonderfully refreshing summer beverage.
Well-being Trophy
Julia Hoi, Spa manager at SPA-HOTEL Jagdhof (Austria)
Relais & Châteaux and Orlane present the 2024 Well-Being Trophy to Julia Hoi in acknowledgement of her savoir-faire as an expert in well-being and excellence in the care that she provides to guests. A Spa Manager devoted to the well-being of her team who encourages each member to be their best, Julia seeks to make every guest’s experience at the spa an enchanting time adapted to their individual desires. She continues to seek out innovative ideas to develop the holistic approach of the jSPA, near Innsbruck, which combines traditional techniques with modern technology.
Sustainability Trophy
Margaux Martin Jarrand, Sustainability coordinator at Wickaninnish Inn (Canada)
In recognition of her commitment to protecting natural spaces, Relais & Châteaux and Duval-Leroy present the Sustainability Trophy to Margaux Martin Jarrand, Sustainability Coordinator at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, British Columbia. Thanks to her efforts and vision for a greener future, the property earned the Biosphere Certified label in April 2023, highlighting its measures in favor of sustainable development and of the conservation of beaches and marine resources. Margaux passionately embodies the values of Relais & Châteaux and is dedicated to developing the sustainability legacy the Wickaninnish Inn has embraced since it opened in 1996.
Heritage Trophy
Team members at Asaba (Japan)
Relais & Châteaux joins Taittinger to honor the precious value of passing along expertise by awarding the Heritage Trophy to the entire team of Asaba in Izu, Shizuoka. For no fewer than 543 years, this ryokan has been upholding an art of hospitality that has evolved over time, through successive generations, and the descendants of its founders. Demonstrating their unshakeable loyalty to exquisite care for guests, fifteen employees have been working there for at least 20 years.
Woman of the Year Trophy
Anita Bower, People & Culture Director at Chewton Glen (United Kingdom)
Relais & Châteaux and Pommery present the Woman of the Year Trophy to Anita Bower, People & Culture Director of the British properties of Chewton Glen, Cliveden House and 11 Cadogan Gardens, because her focus revolves around the welfare of individuals. Each day, Anita seeks to uplift members of the team, both individually and collectively. To do so, she considers individual personalities as well as skills, adapts the work setting to each team, and has developed a program called the ‘Talent Development Plan’ which aims to further team members’ career development. Anita succeeds in building loyalty among employees and is a shining beacon for the Association’s human resource values and its appreciation of personal contributions.
