Relais & Châteaux is expanding its so-called ”delicious journeys” worldwide and welcomes 13 new members to the exclusive club for hotels and restaurants. In the Maldives, South America, Europe and Africa, among others, new members are embracing the Relais & Châteaux philosophy.
The Nautilus, Baa Atoll, Maldives
The Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO recognized biosphere reserve in the Maldives, is hidden on a private island that is part of the Atoll Islands. The Nautilus consists of several accommodations, including one in the middle of the sea. The waters around the Atoll Islands are a very popular dive spot and through the glass floor of the residence you can see the underwater world live. With its bohemian touch, The Nautilus gives luxurious meaning to the island paradise.
Chéf chef Enrique Olvera, the man in Mexican gastronomy, spotlights the indigenous ingredients and culture of Mexico with his blend of minimalist and sophisticated dishes. Pujol is located in the Polanco district. Partly due to the arrival of this restaurant, Mexico has secured a spot on the list of trendiest culinary destinations.
Nayara Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
In the midst of the rich wilderness of Arenal Volcano National Park, you’ll find the resort the Nayara Gardens. This oasis is guaranteed to provide a unique experience and enchant you with the bright colors of the rainforest. The Nayara Gardens encourage ecological balance and do so in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. That you will enjoy plenty here during your stay is certain.
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos, Ecuador
Grounded in the crater of an ancient volcano, Pikaia Lodge offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at an altitude of 450 meters. The structure is every architect’s dream and is largely made of glass and volcanic rock. The entire resort provides a luxury and eco-friendly experience in itself, and a private yacht allows you to adventure along beautiful beaches to discover the rich wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.
Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, UK
Opens in November 2019
This unique building, which once served as premises for the Manchester Stock Exchange, is an ode to English architecture. This property is being converted into a luxury hotel. Stock Exchange Hotel has 40 rooms, two distinctive suites and a breathtaking 325-square-foot penthouse. The 1906 building was recently renovated and given a whole new look by design studio Autoban. The vibrant restaurant and accompanying bar will be the beating heart of the hotel and will be run by chef Tom Kerridge. Right under the large dome, which used to serve as the central hall of the Stock Exchange, you can enjoy his culinary dishes.
Le Jules Verne, Paris, France
Reopening in July 2019
The world-renowned restaurant Le Jules Verne, a Parisian classic on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, became a member of Relais & Châteaux effective July 1. Under the direction of three-star chef Frédéric Anton, who gained experience at Le Pré Catelan and holds the coveted title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France,” the exclusive restaurant has made a fresh start with a completely new interior curated by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman. The combination of his culinary creations and the distinctive architecture of the Eiffel Tower, makes Le Jules Verne a gastronomic delight with a cultural twist.
La Maison des Têtes, Colmar, Alsace, France
In the center of Alsace, in Colmar, you will find this historical monument entirely in Renaissance style. La Maison des Têtes gets its name from the 106 heads carved out of its facade. The hotel is a perfect balance of historic and modern atmospheres. The classic brasserie and the starred restaurant Le Girardin, guarantee culinary perfection.
Restaurant Le Pré, Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, France
Le Pré hotel-restaurant in Durtol, near the city of Clermont-Ferrand, serves rich dishes using natural ingredients from the surrounding area. Star chef Xavier Beaudiment selects the best herbs growing at the foot of the Puy de Dôme volcano every morning.
Hôtel Richer de Belleval, Montpellier, Hérault, France
Opens in early 2020.
In the heart of the historic city of Montpellier and adjacent to Place de la Canourgue, you will find Hôtel Richer de Belleval. Jacques and Laurent Pourcel provide an entirely new styling while keeping the iconic building fully intact. The historic and monumental building dating back to the 17th century is being completely transformed into a hotel and will be the base of the Pourcel brothers’ new gourmet restaurant. Brace yourself for an exceptional experience.
Restaurant Frederikshøj, Aarhus, Denmark
With a typically Scandinavian modern and minimalist interior, Frederikshøj restaurant offers stunning panoramic views over its own gardens, the Thor Forest and Aarhus Bay. Michelin-starred chef Wassim Mohammad Hallal’s dishes promise a culinary adventure combining Nordic Nouvelle Cuisine with typical French cuisine.
Château de Vignée, Villiers-sur-Lesse, Wallonia, Belgium
Opens in October 2019.
Chef Kwinten Boelen recently took over an 18th-century Château in the Belgian Ardennes and will be refreshing the entire interior in the coming period. Château de Vignée will thus reopen with 25 beautiful rooms and a swimming pool with associated wellness area. Chef Kwinten Boelen will also revive his typical Belgian culinary creations with ingredients from his own vegetable garden and present them in Arden restaurant.
Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa, Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Opens in December 2019
The renovated Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa in Saas-Fee, is a holistic destination in the Swiss Alps. With its modern and nature-inspired rooms, culinary restaurant and beautiful spa, the new Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa will make you feel like a new person as soon as you step inside. Located at an altitude of 1,800 meters in the Saas Valley, the hotel is surrounded by thirteen rustic mountain peaks such as a 3,500m high glacier, which guarantees skiing fun all year round.
Mpala Jena Camp, Zambezi Park, Zimbabwe
Mpala Jena Camp is an ideal when you want to discover the animal kingdom of Zimbabwe from a beautiful accommodation. The natural water source adjacent to the resort creates a unique African atmosphere. The camp is located in the Zambezi National Park and the four white canvas tents are hidden in the shade of ancient trees. Each tent has its own terrace with private pool and breathtaking views of the Tranquil River. Near the Victoria Falls, this ecolodge is a paradise for any nature lover.
Relais & Chateaux: the hard numbers
Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an association of unique hotels and restaurants that offer unique gastronomic and travel experiences worldwide.
Number of members worldwide 571
Number of countries active 69
Number of hotel-restaurants 478
Number of restaurants without hotel 91
Number of hotels without restaurant 2
Number of members with Michelin star(s) 222
Total number of Michelin stars 365
Relais & Châteaux members strive to protect, respect and promote the richness and diversity of restaurants and the traditions of hospitality around the world. They included these values in the Vision, which was presented to UNESCO in November 2014. www.relaischateaux.com
