Relais & Châteaux’s 21 Newest Members
Relais & Châteaux is established around the globe, from the Napa Valley vineyards and French Provence to the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Its ambition is to be much more than an association – to champion the principle of sharing the arts of gracious living and culinary expertise, and of preserving local culture and diversity. Relais & Châteaux’s values are nurtured by its family spirit, shared now with these 21 new hotels and restaurants that joined the association in september 2016.
From the United States, Colombia, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Italy, Greece, China, Japan and New Zealand, these the latest establishments to carry Relais & Châteaux’s indistinguishable golden fleur de lys serve as the living embodiment of their locale and its history, environment and culture.
They respect the people who participate in the life and culture of their region. They share a passion that endures from the head of the establishment through to the Maîtres de Maison and staff. They are committed to building on the legacy of hospitality and cuisine.
Le Bernardin, New York (United-States)
Considered one of the world's premier destinations for seafood lovers, Le Bernadin’s story goes as far back in time as 1972 in Paris, created by Gilbert Le Coze and his sister Maguy Le Coze. Now in the Big Apple, the restaurant currently holds three Michelin stars and ranks 24 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, with the renowned Chef Eric Ripert at the helm.
Spicer Mansion, Mystic, Connecticut (United-States)
Spicer Mansion is a boutique inn along the banks of the Mystic River in the seaside village of Mystic, Connecticut in the United States. The hotel is set in a lavish Victorian mansion, surrounded by beech trees and magnolias.
Casa Pestagua, Carthagène (Colombie)
Unanimously considered one of the most beautiful residences in Cartagena, Casa Pestagua is a 4-star 18th century colonial building located in the heart of the city centre. Here, in one of the most beautiful palaces in Cartagena, guests can relax in the shade of the patios, enjoy treatments in the spa, and admire the view of the Caribbean Sea.
Les Barmes de l’Ours, Val d’Isère (France)
Les Barmes de l’Ours is a 5-star traditional savoie-style hotel located in Val d’Isère, at the foot of the legendary Bellevarde ski runs. Chef, Alain Lamaison was once the youngest chef to be awarded the Michelin star and focuses particularly on using local and mountain produces.
Clarance Hôtel, Lille (France)
Clarance Hôtel is a 5-star historical townhouse dating back to the 18th century and stands in the heart of the Old Lille. The hotel blends historical architectural features with contemporary and modern touches, displaying collections of contemporary art in the public areas as well as the rooms.
Hôtel de la Poste, Charolles (France)
Hôtel de la Poste is a family-owned and run hotel located in a mansion in the heart of a charming village in the south of Burgundy, close to Macon. Chef and owner, Frederic Doucet’s 1 Michelin-star restaurant serves classical cuisine drawing on the traditions of Burgundy and featuring fresh, high-quality produce.
Le Clos des Sens, Annecy (France)
Set in Annecy, on the rocky slopes of Haute Savoie, overlooking the town, lake and mountains, Le Clos des Sens consists in a 2-Michelin star restaurant in a Savoyard Chalet and a hotel in a former school next door. Chef Laurent Petit’s cuisine is greatly inspired by the region, revolving around fresh ingredients.
Hôtel Restaurant La Bouitte, Hameau de Saint Marcel (France)
Set on the skiable domain of the Trois Vallées, la Bouitte is a traditional “Savoyard” chalet, home to a hotel and a three Michelin-starred restaurant. When it came to designing La Bouitte, the Meilleur family drew inspiration from the region and the mountains.
Restaurant Lieffroy, Nyborg (Danemark)
Restaurant Lieffroy is located in the seaside town of Nyborg, Denmark, at the edge of Christanlund’s woods. Jean-Louis Lieffroy is considered a leading figure of Denmark’s culinary scene and, together with his son, serves classical cuisine with an innovative touch and a distinct focus on local, fresh and seasonal ingredients.
MÖRWALD Hotel am Wagram, Feuersbrunn (Austria)
In the heart of the Wagram wine-growing region, the village of Feuersbrunn is the place to enjoy Austrian “art de vivre”. Mörwald Gourmet “Toni M.” will delight food lovers with a classical haute cuisine enlivened by the chef ’s modern touch: Toni Mörwald likes to tease the best out of the finest regional ingredients to create a surprise with dishes.
Parkhotel de Wiemsel, Twente (Netherlands)
Nestled in the meadows and woods of the Twente region on the outskirts of the town of Ootmarsum, Parkhotel de Wiemsel is a four-star property surrounded by a beautiful flowered park and a pleasant terrace. The elegant De Wanne restaurant serves international specialties as well as fine regional menus, so to support local suppliers, farmers and fishermen.
Waldhotel Doldenhorn, Vallée de la Kander (Switzerland)
Waldhotel Doldenhorn is a 4-star mountain resort set in a quiet and idyllic location at the end of the Kandersteg Valley, in Switzerland. The restaurant, featured in the Gault & Millau (15/20), serves seasonal produce and a varied and high-quality wine list.
Castello di Guarene, Guarene (Italy)
Situated on the heights of the charming village of Guarene in Italy, a few kilometres from Alba, Castello di Guarene is set inside an 18th century castle. Built in 1726 and surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castello di Guarene is an essential stopping point in any itinerary of the Baroque highlights of Piedmont.
La Sommita is an intimate 5-star hotel-restaurant in the highest part of Ostuni’s city centre, on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, Italy. Guests can discover Chef Andrea Cannalire’s philosophy, at the Michelin-starred Cielo Restaurant, with its union of tradition and innovation.
Myconian Korali, Mykonos (Greece)
Myconian Korali is located a few minutes’ walk from Mykonos town, close to the beach, with panoramic views over the famous windmills and Cycladic islands beyond. Guests can soak up the tranquility of this quiet setting anyway they wish - from the outdoor pool or while tasting the Mediterranean fare of the region in the restaurant.
El Club Allard, Madrid (Spain)
Originally a private club, El Club Allard has preserved its unique atmosphere that provides everyone with the feeling of living a privileged moment. The menus conceived by Dominican chef Maria Marte, who learned her trade in the establishment, are a genuine voyage for the taste buds. The dishes follow one after the other, creating surprises.
Seven Villas, Hangzhou (China)
Set on a 4,800 square meters property, Seven Villas is located in the centre of Hangzhou’s scenic hilly western area of Hangzhou in China. This “sanctuary for the senses” is committed to immersing guests in the regional culture. The Spa embraces the ancient traditions of Chinese medicine.
Tenku No Mori, Kagoshima (Japan)
Dominating the volcanic mountains of Kagoshima, Tenku-No-Mori is a peaceful haven set on a 123 acres property on the Southwestern tip of the island of Kyushu. From the open-air bath on their villa’s private terrace guests can enjoy spectacular views on Mount Kirishima.
Nishimuraya Honkan, Hyogo (Japan)
Located in Hyogo prefecture on the island of Honshu, Nishimuraya Honkan is a 5-star ‘ryokan’, a traditional Japanese Inn, with a 150-year long history. Guests can relax in the ryokan’s hot spring baths and experience Japan’s culinary heritage, with Chef Etsunobu Takahashi’s traditional “Kaiseki” (multi-course meal).
The restaurant’s exquisite Kaiseki cuisine and philosophy centre on an ancient Asian concept known as “IshokuDogen”, literally meaning, “Food and medicine are the same source”. Chef Shinichiro Tagaki acts as an antenna, picking up his guests’ feelings and thoughts and preparing a unique meal accordingly, following the precepts of Zen Philosophy.
Dominique Bouchet, Tokyo (Japan)
Set in the upscale area of Ginza in Tokyo, the Restaurant Dominique Bouchet recreates the ambiance of a Parisian apartment, a feeling of being invited into Dominique Bouchet’s own home, with brick walls, grey panelling, cream velvety banquets and white cloths.
Wharekauhau Country Estate, Featherston (New Zealand)
Wharekauhau Lodge & Country Estate is a 5,500 acre working sheep and cattle farm, set on the dramatic coastline of the Wairarapa wine-growing region in Featherston. Guests can experience traditional Kiwi cuisine with a twist from Executive Chef, Marc Soper, whose dishes are inspired by Pacific Rim cuisine and local produce.
