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- Eleven New Members Join Relais & Châteaux
Eleven New Members Join Relais & Châteaux
The eleven properties that most recently became part of the Relais & Châteaux family illustrate the Association’s extensive presence across the globe.
The eleven properties that most recently became part of the Relais & Châteaux family illustrate the Association’s extensive presence across the globe.
The eleven properties that most recently became part of the Relais & Châteaux family illustrate the Association’s extensive presence across the globe. While each of these new members unquestionably boasts its own distinctive personality, they all are united in sharing the Relais & Châteaux values and vision of hospitality. These properties are deeply dedicated to art de vivre, fine dining, and respecting cultural diversity. They represent Europe (Greece, Italy, Luxembourg and France), the Middle East (Turkey), Asia (India, Japan), the United States (Washington D.C.), the Caribbean (Bahamas), and Central America (Guatemala).
Ahãma, Günlüklü Bay, Fethiye, Turkey
In southern Turkey, the coast of what was once known as Lycia is fully deserving of its moniker “The Turkish Riviera.” Along several hundred miles, it unwinds in a string of coves framed in lush vegetation. It is heaven on earth for those who love unspoiled nature – and home to Ahãma. On a private bay of turquoise waters, surrounded by fifty-acre forest of protected Liquidambar trees, the guest rooms are sprinkled about the property in row houses and cabanas, all with soothingly understated interior décor. Looking out over the private beach or tucked beneath the trees, each promises a stay filled with the wonders of the natural surroundings protected from mass tourism. The site is perfect for a gourmet getaway enlivened by seaside pleasures, sports, wellbeing, meditation, and fitness. The four restaurants serve cuisine crafted with fresh, local ingredients and provide a variety of atmospheres and styles: fine-dining Mediterranean meals by the sea at Luna, Mexican and Latin-inspired cooking at Mezkla, an all-day dining experience at The Glasshouse, and typically Turkish dining at Lokal featuring Aegean mezze that celebrate the coastal flavors of the region. In addition to relaxing on the beach, strolling through the forest, and enjoying non-motorized water sports, the Ahãma hotel offers a unique selection of holistic disciplines to explore, including Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Watsu, and sound therapies accompanied by intimate acoustic musical experiences in spaces like the Sound Temple, a tranquil sanctuary designed by famed Mexican architect Héctor Esrawe.
Enowa Yufuin, Yufu City, Japan
Nestled in the mountains of Kyushu, overlooking the onsen town of Yufuin, Enowa Yufuin is a sanctuary of nature, gastronomy, and well-being. Designed as a botanical and sensory retreat, it offers a space to reconnect – with yourself, your loved ones, and the rhythms of the land. Enowa Yufuin’s sleek, modern architecture blends seamlessly into its surroundings where warm wood, polished concrete, and natural stone create a refined yet understated aesthetic deeply rooted in Japanese traditions. Tranquility envelops each guest room and villa, all of which feature private onsens. Flowing lines draw the eye over the architecture to the breathtaking views of Yufuin and Mount Yufu beyond. At the heart of this experience is chef Tashi Gyamtso, whose philosophy is woven into every dish at Restaurant Jimgu. Born in a Tibetan village and trained in New York, he crafts a plant-based, farm-driven cuisine that honors the land. Much of the produce is grown at ENOWA Farm, supplemented by ingredients from dedicated local farmers and artisans. Each meal unfolds as a thoughtful ceremony—an homage to the region’s bounty. Beyond the table, Enowa Yufuin’s commitment to well-being extends to its spa and hilltop sauna, where the Enowa-no-Yu bath – infused with botanical treasures – offers a profound sense of relaxation. The experience is best completed with an herbal cocktail in the serene winter garden, where nature and tranquility come together in perfect harmony.
Jônt, Washington D.C., USA
Just a few minutes from the White House in Washington DC, 14th Street’s Victorian buildings and art galleries create a unique setting for the highly original restaurant Jônt, the domain of chef Ryan Ratino. This young chef, seen in the United States as a rising star of American-style cuisine (he opened his first restaurant when he was just 26), embraces his profession with an immensely creative appetite. Diners are guided up a stairwell to a brightly lit chef’s counter, where a hip-hop-inspired playlist rocks the background, and the open kitchen lets diners watch the team of chefs work in perfect tandem to create the refined meal. Open exclusively for dinner from Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant takes guests on a journey through well-balanced flavor combinations and attentive service. At meal’s end, for the dessert experience, guests are escorted to an all-new room that contrasts markedly with the chef’s counter area, with whimsical wallpaper and a selection of tables and banquettes with plush pillows. Having put every technique into practice over his career, the chef is easy-going as he plies his trade. The inspiration he finds in Japanese cuisine is expressed in the simple, perfectly selected ingredients. Both guests and dining critics praise the imaginative energy and unexpected flavors of his culinary creations, like tarts with wagyu tartare and marmite made from Japanese barley, grilled sawara in a sauce of beet and pomegranate, and Miyagi-sourced Sasanishiki rice topped with king crab, cultured butter, and truffle.
Hôtel Les Roches, Le Lavandou, France
Like a boat preparing to set sail, this building in pale Bormes stone looks as though it is moored in the Aiguebelle Bay in Le Lavandou. Hôtel Les Roches is a legendary property on the French Riviera and is now being reinvented through the work of Marseille’s Pietri architectural firm. Respectful of both its history and its environment, the hotel wholly resonates with the spirit of the Côte d’Azur. Though it exudes classic elegance in keeping with the building’s extensive history, the hotel still has a modern character that is especially seen in the choice of contemporary materials used in its renovation. This refined style is seen in the décor of the rooms and suites, light-drenched and looking out onto the deep blue sea, with balconies or terraces to bring the water closer still. The outdoor swimming pool boasts views of both the sea and the Island of Levant and its sisters. For sustenance during your maritime getaway, Chef Antoine Gras has crafted a menu of Mediterranean flavors served at the L’Oursin gourmet restaurant. Nestled on the roof of the Hôtel Les Roches, family-style dining begins at nightfall, where grilled fish and meats are served and shared with convivial simplicity. After a day at the beach or a jaunt out to sea, the serenity of the L’Oiseau Bleu spa awaits, for a Mediterranean-inspired moment of pure well-being. Bathed in natural light and lulled by the gentle rhythm of the waves, this wholesome space beckons you to relax and unwind at water’s edge.
Ran Baas The Palace, Patiala, India
Every traveler dreams of visiting India and spending the night in an authentic Maharaja palace! And such an experience is both possible and unforgettable when staying at Ran Baas The Palace in Patiala, Punjab. The property that once was home to the Maharaja’s wives, within the largest private residence in Asia, managed to withstand the test of time, though it did take nearly a decade of renovation work to restore it to its former glory. The rehabilitation overseen by Indian architect Abha Narain Lambah, specializing in historic monument conservation and restoration, brought out the structure’s magnificent original features. At Ran Baas The Palace, the richly carved wood furnishings, gilded frescoes, marble floors, silk carpets, and crystal chandeliers combine to create a sumptuous atmosphere with the splendor of centuries past. The rooms and suites offer guests the pleasures of spacious patios or gardens. Guests will enjoy food and beverages at the property’s two facilities: Neel, where refined versions of regional cuisine are influenced by local bazaars and popular street food, and The Patiala Bar, embodying celebration and hospitality the Punjabi way. It is a journey into a timeless India, off the beaten path of country’s Golden Triangle, an adventure to prolong with exploration of Patiala’s historic buildings, a cooking class, or a massage at the spa. *
Sublime Restaurante, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala is an astounding country in Central America located in a privileged terrain with more than 35 volcanoes, no fewer than 365 microclimates, and over 4,000 years of Mayan history. This exceptional environment and venerable past make this small, primarily agricultural country a paradise for culinary specialists seeking superb ingredients with a great story behind them. Chef Sergio Diaz is proud of his homeland’s edible charms and wanted to do even more to put Guatemalan gastronomy in the spotlight. The cuisine he serves at Sublime Restaurante is born of his meticulous research carried out with help from anthropologist Jocelyn Degollado. Together, they sourced milestones and ingredients from pre-Hispanic times to today and began using them to craft dishes that capture Guatemalan history in twelve chapters or stages. The dishes – with fascinating names like Lake Peten Itzá, Tak'alik Ab'aj, Uaxactún, Quiriguá, Tikal, and Iztapa Port – are nods to moments and places that have helped shape the very soul of the country, from archaeological sites to landscapes and commercial ports. Chef Diaz believes that cooking is an artform through which he not only expresses his love for his country, but also invites his guests to appreciate the land by delivering dishes that express its great history, culture, and beauty. This committed and ambitious philosophy led to Sublime’s finding its way onto the famed list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The Cove Eleuthera, Gregory Town, Bahamas
The Cove Eleuthera lies along two enchanting private coves edged in white sand on the shores of the Bahamas. The snowy shimmer of the sand, the ever-changing blue of the sea, and the rich greens of the vegetation are the principal hues of this island palette, painting a portrait of a tropical paradise that some call the archipelago’s best-kept secret. Scattered across verdant acres of sun-warmed tranquility are gleaming white lodges built like Bahamian homes. They hold a handful of suites, furnished in contemporary style with understated, soothing colors, along with four villas, three of which have private pools. The two restaurants, both with panoramic views, serve a variety of cuisines in which the only thing competing with the creativity of the chef is the freshness of the ingredients. Enjoy an Asian-inspired menu at Freedom Restaurant & Sushi Bar or grilled fish served on the terrace at Gregory Town Grill. The Point Bar, perched atop the only hill on the coast, is the perfect place to sip a tropical cocktail and watch the sea turtles that frequent the water below as the sun drops slowly into the ocean. Be active by going coral-reef diving, paddleboarding, or sea kayaking; enjoy the Guided Nature Trail Hike, on which you will see local and migratory birds attracted to the native vegetation along the winding pathway; or relax with a massage at the spa or yoga classes to greet the rising sun – unforgettable experiences are endless at The Cove Eleuthera.
Myconian Sunrise, Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos, with its dazzling white houses standing out sharply against the blue sky, embodies the light-drenched beauty of the Greek islands. Though renowned as the liveliest island in the Cyclades, it discreetly hides treasures of elegance and charm in its quieter coastal corners. One such jewel is the newly renovated Myconian Sunrise, part of the prestigious Myconian Collection. Perched on the rocky hills of the southern coast, this exceptional hotel overlooks the sun-warmed sands of Agrari Beach, offering guests breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and direct access to a private beach. Its recent transformation celebrates traditional Cycladic architecture, blending whitewashed walls with natural materials like stone and wood. The spacious rooms and suites are thoughtfully arranged around patios and terraces adorned with palm trees and cascading magenta-and-white bougainvillea. Each space is bathed in light, features refined interiors with retro 1970s accents, and opens to stunning sea views. Beyond its idyllic setting, Myconian Sunrise is a culinary destination. Chef Ilias Maslaris delights guests with gourmet creations at the Taverna and the Sunrise Bar, where fresh salads and perfectly grilled fish can be enjoyed with your toes in the sand. A stay here promises an immersive taste of pure Mediterranean lifestyle.
Villa Pétrusse, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
At the foot of the Old City of Luxembourg, encircled by grounds more than a century old crafted by celebrated landscape designer Edouard André, Villa Pétrusse has made its home in a private residence, an architectural jewel that is emblematic of the city’s late-19th-century transformation. It took more than five years of renovation work to restore this superb structure to its former glory, reviving the refined elegance of the bourgeois lifestyle of that era. To gently awaken this sleeping beauty, the restoration was masterfully and painstakingly carried out by interior architect Tristan Auer. For this project, the master artisan, renowned for his skill and savoir-faire in dovetailing styles and eras, took great care in preserving the spirit, privacy, and charm of a personal residence. The furniture, the materials, the colors – everything exudes the subtle, unostentatious warmth of a well-appointed family home inhabited by discerning art lovers. The room décor includes reproductions of watercolors by illustrious Luxembourgish Post-Impressionist painter Sosthène Weis, whose works interpret the varied and vibrant lights and colors of the city of Luxembourg. All rooms have a breathtaking view of the grounds and the Pétrusse, the river for which the hotel is named. This subtle combination of past and present that defines the Villa’s atmosphere also serves to inspire Kim de Dood, chef at the gourmet restaurant Le Lys. He invites guests to join him on an epicurean journey that explores traditional Luxembourg cuisine, tinged with Asian influences, that is in tune with the seasons.
Domaine du Mouflon d’Or, Zonza, France
It is Corsica’s inland, a luxuriant realm of maquis and mountains, that guests at Domaine Le Mouflon d’Or will experience. This imposing aristocratic residence, built at the dawn of the last century, stands grandly among Lebanon cedars and ancient chestnuts on nearly 50 acres of grounds deep in the mountainous Alta Rocca region. The immense edifice rediscovered by Lise Canarelli and Anthony Bornea, managers of the Relais & Châteaux Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa, underwent an extensive and ambitious renovation to create a refined atmosphere of contemporary elegance in the 20 rooms and suites. Nevertheless, the building’s most iconic features have been carefully preserved and guests will appreciate the Belle Époque beauty of the facades and roof outside and the exquisite fireplaces inside. Today’s travelers can relish the creature comforts of the main building with its view of the Bavella Needles or embrace the natural environs by staying in one of the estate’s two converted sheepfolds. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine composed by Sébastien Chauchat, another delicious way to experience genuine Corsican hospitality. Those who love hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning will thrill to the many opportunities that await in the hotel’s surroundings, including the celebrated GR20 cross-Corsica hiking trail, and can relax afterwards in the heated outdoor pool. Starting in 2026, the NUCCA spa – a 13,000-square-foot wellbeing wonderland featuring products born of the Corsican maquis – will offer endless moments of serenity.
Grand Hotel Parker’s, Naples, Italy
The city of Naples, facing its magnificent bay, has been coveted through the ages, first by successive invaders, then by travelers making the celebrated Grand Tour – a traditional coming-of-age voyage for well-to-do young men – starting in the 16th century. It was for the latter culture-seekers that the Grand Hotel Parker’s was built in 1870. As the city’s first prestigious establishment, it hosted many celebrities and writers, including Robert Louis Stevenson, Virginia Woolf, and Oscar Wilde. From its advantageous position on a hill in the elegant Chiaia quarter, at the foot of the Villa Floridiana gardens, Grand Hotel Parker’s enjoys a superb panorama. To the right, the tip of the Posillipo peninsula; to the left, beyond Vesuvius, the city of Sorrento and, in the distance, the islands of Ischia and Capri, tempting guests to set off on an island getaway. The rooms and suites – with Hungarian-point parquet floors, crystal chandeliers, silky draperies, and period furniture – have the discreet charm of a refined, yet unostentatious, classicism. Elegance and dolce vita are also experienced at The George restaurant, where Chef Domenico Candela conducts a culinary symphony from a Neapolitan score. His dishes are accompanied by a superb wine list, including bottles from Villa Matilde Avallone, a regional vineyard operated by the family that owns the hotel. Whether in the gourmet restaurant or high on the rooftop, meals and drinks at Grand Hotel Parker’s are enjoyed while gazing upon the timeless beauty of the Bay of Naples.