A decade of inspiring women, recognized by the woman of the year trophy

These female visionaries of Relais & Châteaux properties have been leading the way in transforming the world of hospitality. Their contribution paves the way to a future where hospitality is driven by progress and inclusivity, embracing a workplace with more diversity and experience. International Women’s Day 2025 theme, “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” calls to empower the next generation as catalysts for lasting change, inspiring themselves from the successful female leaders.

Discover their stories:

Kaitlin Ross, General Manager, Sonora Resort in Canada - 2025 Woman of the Year
Kaitlin Ross’s career in marine tourism has turned the tables on conventional travel. After graduating from the prestigious University of British Columbia, she began her career as a dock hand, then became a Fishing Guide, before being promoted to Marine Operations Manager and then General Manager. She now oversees 11 managers and 110 employees, setting out an example for women to develop their leadership in areas that have been traditionally associated with men. Her success stems from her strong organizational skills, her problem-solving approach and dedication to her craft, exemplified by her curiosity and radiant personality. “For future generations, the Relais & Châteaux Woman of the Year trophy serves as a powerful source of inspiration. It showcases the extraordinary potential women have to shape and redefine hospitality - young women entering the field can see that their contributions matter. It encourages them to pursue their passions with confidence, challenge the status quo, and carve out their own paths,“ states Kaitlin Ross.

Anita Bower, People & Culture Director, Chewton Glen, Cliveden House and 11 Cadogan Gardens in the United Kingdom - 2024 Woman of the Year
Focusing on the welfare of individuals, Anita continuously seeks to uplift members of the team, both individually and collectively. Considering individual personalities rather than skills, she adapts the work setting to each team. She 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. Anita Bower acknowledges: “Receiving this honor can serve as a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of their background, can make a meaningful difference in the workplace for our people. It encourages women to pursue their passions, believe in their abilities, and be unafraid to break barriers or forge new paths. In terms of pursuing ‘savoir-faire’, it can inspire future generations to value skill development, lifelong learning, and creativity.”

Aggie Maseko Banda, Lodge Manager & Partner, Royal Chundu — Luxury Zambezi Lodges in Zambia - 2023 Woman of the Year
As Lodge Manager and Partner at Royal Chundu – Luxury Zambezi Lodges in Zambia, Aggie Maseko Banda has provided unfailing support for the local community through a wide range of projects. Some 70% of the Royal Chundu’s revenue goes back to the local economy, enriching lives through employment, education and entrepreneurial activities. She is also committed to sharing Zambian culture with guests and hosts online courses about Zambia for Google, Facebook and Netflix. In 2020, she was awarded the We Are Africa’s Shape Africa prize, spotlighting African travel’s true trailblazers whose dedication to their industry has transformed the continent for the better. In 2024, she was appointed a member of Relais & Châteaux’s Sustainability Commission for her unrivaled commitment to empowerment and community development, serving the Association with expert input and leveraging her own real-world experience to the scale of Relais & Châteaux’s 580 member properties. Aggie Maseko Banda, reflecting on her award: “It has brought so much growth in me as a person as well as joy—but, most importantly, hope for the younger generations—that no matter your background, you can climb the ladder and be the best out of everyone. It is all about hard work, focus, perseverance, passion and teamwork.”

Patricia Biancarelli, House Manager, Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa & Spa Nucca in France - 2022 Woman of the Year
Year after year, travelers of all generations like to return to the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa. Much of this is due to its idyllic location, but in equal proportion to the radiant personality of Patricia Biancarelli. At the side of the Canarelli family for nearly four decades, she has been a large part of the property’s magic with an exceptional ability to create an atmosphere conducive to well-being. The House Manager always finds the time to speak with her guests, building relationships and ensuring they have a memorable stay. It is with the same dedication that she cares for her staff and with the same passion that she develops their talents. Patricia Biancarelli says: “First and foremost, this represents wonderful and meaningful recognition in the profession and in one’s career. Women play an important role in this industry, but they often choose to stay in the background... So it’s a great spotlight, totally unexpected, feels great! By promoting and rewarding passion, perseverance, creativity and success, this trophy dedicated to women's management will undoubtedly echo the ambitions of tomorrow's female HR managers.”

Jihane Khairallah, Maître de Maison, Domaine de Fontenille in France and Hotel Albergo in Lebanon - 2021 Woman of the Year
With an unfailing commitment and an energy that reflects the image of Lebanon’s capital, Jihane Khairallah was awarded the Woman of the Year trophy for her incredible career at the Hotel Albergo. Surrounded by a close-knit team, Jihane Khairallah became General Manager in 2006, a position most often held by a man in Lebanon. Throughout her time there, she supervised life at the property with the greatest attention to detail and faced each challenge with a positive attitude. She is now the General Manager of another Relais & Châteaux property in the South of France, the Domaine de Fontenille. Jihane Khairallah, looking back on her career at Hotel Albergo: “Receiving the Woman of the Year 2021 trophy was an honor for me, but it also came with a responsibility. It was the recognition of a career marked not only by resilience and commitment, but also by my ability to overcome challenges in difficult contexts of political instability. More than a personal distinction, this trophy represents the values I uphold: respect for people, solidarity within teams, and the desire to maintain relationships of trust with customers, whatever the circumstances. Here is my message to future generations: it is possible to sail through storms with courage and integrity, while remaining true to your convictions. I hope this trophy will encourage other women to believe in their ability to make a difference, to innovate and to build environments where everyone can flourish, even in the face of adversity.”

Adine Roode, Owner & Maître de Maison, Jabulani Safari, South Africa - 2020 Woman of the Year
There are many reasons why Adine Roode was recognized by the Association as an inspiring female leader of hospitality in 2020: her years of dedication to saving vulnerable wildlife species, her excellence and authenticity in the creation of her lodge in South Africa and her unwavering effort to empower and uplift those around her. From the time she was a little girl, she was taught the importance of conserving South Africa's beautiful wildlife. Later in life, she initiated the HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation & Development) project, which aims at supporting elephant herds, protecting their future and those of new orphans. She also envisioned the Jabu-ladies project, which aims to inspire, educate and empower women from the Jabulani team and the surrounding local community to create a unique collection of Jabu-ladies hand embroidered items. Their work provides an additional source of income, which in turn helps uplift their communities. Every guest who stays at Jabulani becomes part of this journey, and she and her team endeavor to make each moment of their experience as soulful and meaningful as it is to them. Thinking back on her award, Adine Roode states: “Through Relais & Chateaux honoring women like myself, those working in conservation-led hospitality, with sustainability in mind, the Association is helping to show that this is important. I have built South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage together with my team. The Woman of the Year Trophy from Relais & Chateaux allowed me to spread the mission and message of HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) and our lodge, Jabulani, which was founded to support a herd of rescued elephants, with the world in powerful ways. I am grateful for the platform to inspire others, and to unite us through the good work being done on the ground in places that need it most.”

Jemma Markham, Owner & Maître de Maison, La Torre del Visco in Spain - 2019 Woman of the Year
As a young history graduate from King’s College London, Jemma Markham moved to Spain and began a career in publishing. She often reflects that the keys to success in publishing are just as relevant to hospitality: being original, persistent, meticulous, and passionate. After 20 years working in Madrid, she decided to completely change her life, accompanied by her partner, Piers. They found a working farm dating from 1449 with the potential to be converted into a hotel—in a remote river valley in Aragon. This area, unknown to tourists, captivated her with its breathtaking scenery that feels untouched by man and the modern world. The gamble paid off and the resulting success of this outstanding hotel is a testament to her achievement, as well as the hard work of the entire staff. Jemma Markham shares advice to the next generation: “If I could share one piece of hard-earned advice, it would be that authenticity is the key to success. Having the courage to follow your instincts and celebrate what makes you unique holds profound appeal in a world that often leans toward imitation. In the 30 years since we opened La Torre del Visco - 25 of them as proud Members of Relais & Châteaux - I have witnessed countless changes in our industry. Despite shifting trends, innovations, evolving expectations, and an unprecedented pandemic, one constant remains: a fundamental love of hospitality. Welcoming guests to La Torre del Visco and sharing the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us continues to inspire me every day.”

María Luisa García Gil, architect, and Luisa Lorenzo Maître de Maison, A Quinta da Auga Hotel & Spa in Spain - 2018 Women of the Year
This mother and daughter duo were awarded the women of the year Trophy for their incredible taste, intellect and passion, that has made the property thrive. In six years, the architect Maria Luisa Garcia Gil rehabilitated the 18th century building A Quinta da Auga Hotel Spa into a luxury hotel, respecting the authenticity of the original structure of the building. Her daughter Luisa Lorenzo follows the legacy of her mother as Maître de Maison of the property. They state: “The Woman of the Year Trophy can be seen as a significant recognition that celebrates not only individual achievements but also the inspiring role women can play in industries historically dominated by men, such as hospitality. For us, this award is a way to highlight the contribution of women in shaping standards of quality and professionalism, especially within the spirit of Relais & Châteaux and its commitment to excellence. At the same time, we believe this recognition should transcend gender differences and focus on celebrating universal qualities such as talent, dedication, and savoir-faire, which are not tied to being a man or a woman. That said, we must emphasize how certain characteristics traditionally associated with femininity bring special value to the hospitality sector, where attention to detail, empathy, and the ability to connect with people are essential. Furthermore, this award has profound significance beyond celebrating personal achievements. It becomes a beacon for future generations, demonstrating that success has no gender. This inspires the next generation to dream, innovate, and elevate the standards of hospitality through a more human and inclusive lens.”

Margo Reuten, Chef, Restaurant Da Vinci in the Netherlands – 2017 Woman of the Year
Margo Reuten is the only woman in charge of a Michelin star-rated restaurant in The Netherlands. The restaurant was named Da Vinci, in honor of the ultimate Renaissance man, whom she admires for his myriad varied interests, talents and innovations–a curiosity for life she considers essential in the kitchen. Her culinary creations are prepared with ingredients from her local region, including meat from the ranch founded by her father in Maasbracht, with dishes imbued with French influences and sprinkled with flowers. A self-taught painter, she also brings her artistic flair to the decor of this former maritime museum, whose walls are filled with her own colorful works. No detail is overlooked and even the sea is represented, in the form of mint-green tablecloths layered with blue ones. For Margo Reuten: “Receiving the 'Woman of the Year' trophy was an incredible honor. The title commands respect and feels like a recognition of my craftsmanship. It gave me wings and inspired me to create even more and push my boundaries in what I make and envision. The core of our profession lies in dedication and discipline. Our craft is beautiful. You build new experience every single day. But to continue performing at this level and to keep innovating, discipline is essential. You have to embrace life and understand people – only then can you keep growing and creating. Passing on that knowledge and passion is an important part of my work. Training young people brings me immense satisfaction, especially when I have the opportunity to guide female students. It always touches me when they choose to work with me specifically. I gladly give them extra attention and guidance, hoping to inspire them as others once inspired me. The trophy is a tribute to what can be achieved with dedication. I hope it encourages young women – and men – to dream, to learn, and to grow.”