Relais & Châteaux is delighted to announce that ten new properties have joined its prestigious worldwide collection. Established across the world, from the French Provence to the Napa Valley vineyards, the spirit of Relais & Châteaux lies in the principle of preserving local culture and diversity and sharing culinary expertise. The ten properties join over 560 other world-class hotels and restaurants with distinct locations and atmosphere. The new additions range from a tropical retreat in Anguilla to a peaceful and luxurious Victorian manor in the Welsh valleys and a chalet in Zermatt with panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
Quintessence Hotel, Anguilla
Nestled in the eastern Caribbean, the Quintessence Hotel exudes a tranquil atmosphere in an idyllic setting. Surrounded by white sandy beaches and peaceful bays, the property recently opened its doors as the island’s first luxury eco-hotel. With azure the ocean and green of the lush gardens, Quintessence Hotel is home to nine suites and villas all decorated with furniture designed by local artisans and the owner’s vast collection of Haitian art. When it comes to dining, Chef Dominique Thevent flawlessly blends local dishes with French cuisine in an ‘Island Soul Food’ sprit that is all his own. After a dip in Little Bay’s coral reefs or a tour of the local art galleries, head to the beach for a thirst quenching mango colada.
Awasi Iguazú, Argentina
Set on the banks of the Iguazú river, surrounded by the tapirs and orchards of the jungle, a stay at Awasi Iguazú is all about discovering the national parks and breath-taking waterfalls. With 14 villas, some of which are on stilts, the hotel is the perfect place for those seeking adventure in style and luxury. Interiors are inspired by the colours and textures of the surrounding tropical forest with the expertise of the Guaraní people ever present with traditional textiles and woven baskets adorning each room. Take a dip in private pool, which accompanies each villa, before heading out for a hike to view the incredible birdlife and Jesuit archaeological sites that can be found in the forest.
Palé Hall, North Wales
Lovingly restored to its former glory, the historic Palé Hall is a peaceful and luxurious retreat surrounded by the natural beauty of the Welsh valleys on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. One of Wales’s most important surviving homes, the manor house has played host to some of Britain’s most famous figures including Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill. In its new chapter as a hotel, 18 guest bedrooms and suites have been individually designed with their own style and personal identity, as have the beautiful light-filled public areas of the house including the opulent drawing room and tranquil parlour overlooking the grounds. At the helm in the kitchen is Head Chef Gareth Stevenson who focuses on the fantastic local produce surrounding the hotel. With a passion for sustainability the property grows herbs and vegetables in the kitchen garden and generates its own electricity through a hydroelectric grid.
Hôtel Splendide Royal, Paris
Located between Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Gabriel, the Hôtel Splendide Royal is a true haven of peace and a true home from home. With restaurants, galleries and luxury boutiques only moments away, the 12-suite property is known as Paris’ miniature palace. With chic interiors and laid back atmosphere, it’s no coincidence that famous gardener André Le Nôtre’s country home shared the same location with this exceptional place in the 17th century.
Pastorale, Reet
Set within a former presbytery, just outside Antwerp, the Pastorale restaurant offers a blend of tradition and modernity using local and organic products since 1991. Two Michelin-star chef and owner Bart de Pooter, creates Flemish dishes with international influences and Asian flavours. As well as the dishes, Chef Bart is also behind the restaurant’s design with interiors in a minimalist art-nouveau style. The property’s garden, home to a sculpture by Belgian artist Jan Fabre, adds to the exceptional experience.
Palais, Bad Ragaz, Switzerland
Since the start of the year, the Palais has become a property in its own right, distinct from Europe’s leading wellbeing a medical retreat Grant Resort Bad Ragaz. Located in the Heidiland region, the historica building constructed in the 18th century is perfect for a dose of fresh air and outdoor experiences. With skiing, hot springs, mountain bike trails and golf, the hotel has a wonderful balance of an active and relaxing holiday. Dining on swiss cuisine, prepared by the property’s Zollstube restaurant, is the perfect reward for long walks in the area, in addition to relaxing in the grand and spacious guest rooms.
Chalet Hotel Schönegg, Zermatt
Located in front of the peak of the Matterhorn, Chalet Hotel Schönegg has its own tunnel and private lift to access the village and Sunnegga-Zermatt ski resort. Run by the Metry family, the property has produced its own wine in Varen for four generations. With an array of over 80 wines, which pair wonderfully with dishes from the hotel’s restaurant Uncorked, guests can enjoy dining with panoramic views of the mountains. Whether in the winter or summer, finish the day with a dip in the hot tub while sipping on a glass of vintage champagne.
Epoque Hotel, Bucharest
Opened in 2010 in the heart of Bucharest, the Epoque Hotel is the first hotel-restaurant in Romania to join Relais & Chateaux. With its style worthy of a Wes Anderson film set, this art deco property gives pride of place to French culture. It’s façade pays homage to the Paris of the 1900s while its restaurant L’Atelier offers quality cuisine inspired by French and Romanian dishes, made from local products. After a day exploring Bucharest by bike or on foot through the botanic garden, guests can sip a glass of tsuica on the private terrace or take a dip in the pool.
Hotel & Spa Le Doge, Morocco
Located in the heart of the city of Casablanca, Hotel & Spa Le Doge is truly an art deco gem. Originally built for the wife of an Italian entrepreneur in the 1930s, the property has 16 rooms, all designed with old world charm and linked to a specific filmmaker. The highlight of the hotel is the top floor bar, which has breath-taking views of the white city, on a clear day spot the old façade of the Rialto cinema. Spend the evenings dining on a traditional Moroccan dinner by the fire while staff tell stories of the golden age of Arab cinema.
Ahilya By The Sea, Goa
Set in a quiet corner of Dolphin Bay, the Ahilya was designed by property owners the Holkar royal family. In kitchen, chef offers dishes with Indian, Italian and French influences, while using fresh products from the local market. Lining the hotel are two pools, perfect for a morning dip or enjoying the shade of the coconut trees and white frangipani that lie beside them. During their stay, guests can try their hands at crabbing with the hotel’s boatman or walk along the seafront to discover Fort Reis Mangos. Look out for the tree house on the second floor which is nestled in the boughs of a two hundred year old banyan, where guests can stay.