Relais & Châteaux is a world in and of itself, unlike any other. A warm, welcoming, gourmet affair awaits where outstanding quality is coupled with each individual property's passion for their own region and its terroir.
The art of giving Relais & Châteaux with our Gift vouchers and Gift boxes Lys. If you want to spend a magical evening in stunning surroundings in absolute tranquility or enjoy a gourmet dinner at a restaurant of one of our Grands Chefs, there are more than 300 Relais & Châteaux properties awaiting the lucky receipients of this gift, to offer them a truly memorable experience.
Relais & Châteaux offers you a veritable world tour. Whatever the occasion, however long you stay, each of our hotels will offer you the very best of its culture and region. Our TV Channel See our thematic videos
When you experience Relais & Châteaux, you experience a whole array of sensations. Each of our properties offers the opportunity to enjoy an unparalleled range of sensory experiences, where the beauty of a particular place, the warmth of the hospitality and the quality of the cuisine are in perfect harmony. Scents and tastes, landscapes and colours make every stay a rare and intense experience.
Discover the excellent cuisine served in our properties: traditional or contemporary, it never fails to be wonderfully creative. This creativity is recognised throughout the world, as our Grands Chefs are considered to be the pinnacle of fine dining.
Grand Chef at the Bath Priory Hotel My road to happiness in the south of England
Born in Exeter, in the southwest of England, I was brought up in a large family where I discovered from an early age the pleasure of helping my mother in the kitchen and my father in his vegetable garden. After studying at Exeter Catering College, I was lucky enough to be introduced to fine cuisine by working under Raymond Blanc at the Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. This incredible experience was my initiation to a world of flavours. I then moved to France in order to complete my culinary education in the kitchens of two great chefs: Bernard Loiseau and Joël Robuchon.
Today I live in the Devon countryside and divide my time between my various restaurants, including the Bath Priory, where I am the executive chef. This gives me plenty of opportunities to continue exploring the countryside and markets all across the west of England.
Relais & Châteaux proposes its Routes du Bonheur for your inspiration: they are suggestions of itineraries that you can adapt to your preferences and desired experiences. Our advisors are at your disposal to individualise your routes and help you make reservations at our properties. Example for a three-night stay from 691 GBP* * Minimum indicative rate per person, subject to availability, on the basis of a double room with double occupancy, including accommodation, breakfast and dinner (menu, without beverages) in the properties suggested for the itinerary. Activities on site and nearby must be reserved by you.
Even after 40 years, each day brings new exciting challenges
This restaurant lives up to its name magnificently. On the banks of the river Thames, take a true voyage of discovery through the best of French cuisine. Chef Alain Roux presides over one of the finest restaurants in the UK, upholding and reinventing the culinary tradition started by his father Michel. Queen Elizabeth has had lunch here, what more is there to say?
Close to the property...
Windsor Castle and Park
From a young age, I always wanted to see the Queen’s castle. I was convinced that I would bump into her in one of her apartments. And after seeing the guards at Windsor I dreamed of becoming a soldier! I have visited the castle many times, including the private apartments of George IV, St. George’s Chapel and the splendid Royal Collection. I also like to walk in the vast 13-hectare grounds. And even though I may never have joined the army, I have still been lucky enough to meet the Queen more than once…
On the route...
Relais & Chateaux Le Gavroche, London
Located in upscale Mayfair, amongst embassies and luxury boutiques, Le Gavroche is without a doubt one of London’s best restaurants. This institution was founded by Albert and Michel Roux, and in 1991 Michel Roux Junior took over in the kitchen. This master chef has inherited the family talent and rigour, whilst also adding his own creative and original touch.
Borough Market
This is probably London’s most popular and famous food market. For centuries, it has been a favourite haunt for foodies! The stalls and shops of this peerless market offer spices, herbs, fish, meat and vegetables from all over the world. Come here to buy the produce or just to eat it in one of the restaurants. A special mention goes to the sausages at Baxter’s Café and to the fish at Fish! Restaurant.
Canary Wharf
I really like this part of London, a business district right on the banks of the Thames where the buildings reach for the sky. This is also the site of the large Billingsgate Fish Market. I enjoy the idea of traders and fishmongers working side by side. I come here to check out the catch of the day, and to buy lobster, catfish, scallops and turbot, my favourite fish.
Henley Royal Regatta
Every year, during the first week of July, all of England’s most noble and distinguished families gather at Henley-on-Thames for a five-day festival. Crews compete in rowing races over a course of 1 mile, 550 yards (2112 m). The festival, which brings together English high society, is a veritable parade of hats! I was only 12 years old when I first came to Henley, and it’s an experience that I still treasure.
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
Not far from Oxford, this sumptuous manor house is particularly close to my heart. There are no fewer than nine gardens: 8000 m² of kitchen garden where vegetables grow alongside fruit and herbs. The Manoir’s talented gardeners are our guides on a veritable journey through the seasons. I spent three wonderful years here, working alongside the chef, Raymond Blanc, learning what cooking is all about. He would always say “I am only interested in the sublime”. This is what he strives for, whether at the table or in the decor of his hotel rooms.
On the route...
Relais & Chateaux The Vineyard at Stockcross, Newbury
Here you will find paintings and sculptures, an amazing spa, and suites with contemporary furniture. There is also a restaurant, headed by Daniel Galmiche, with his Franche-Comté accent, which offers excellent French-inspired cuisine, not to mention the incredible wine cellar, which boasts nearly 23,000 bottles.
Newbury Racecourse
What an atmosphere there is at this famous racecourse! I came, I won… and then I lost all my winnings. The track is fantastic and the horses are among the most beautiful and fastest in the country. The tradition of horse racing at this track dates back to 1905. Just think of the history and beauty of this place!
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
Here you have the pleasant feeling that you are in the middle of the countryside, while actually being just on the edge of town. We are in the heart of an old monastery, transformed into a luxury hotel. It is the perfect place to relax before strolling around the attractive town of Bath. Creating the menu for such a relaxing place remains a real pleasure and an extremely motivating challenge.
Close to the property...
Pulteney Bridge
This is our version of Venice’s Rialto or Florence’s Ponte Vecchio! Situated in the heart of Bath, Pulteney Bridge is one of the most impressive bridges in the world. Built in 1773, it hosts several small boutiques and domed pavilions between the two banks of the river Avon. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Bath, which, as its name implies, has always been renowned for its baths, as well as for its splendid Georgian architecture. With its bridge, abbey, thermal baths and houses with columns, Bath is classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Rugby at the “Rec”
I’m a big fan of rugby and, even though I come from Exeter, I love going to the “Rec” (Recreation Ground) stadium. The first rugby match took place here in 1894. The stadium, which is situated in the heart of the city, offers a unique atmosphere, and the club, one of the most successful in England, remains very ambitious. Finally, I must admit that the owner of the Bath Priory Hotel was also head of the club until 2010…
On the route...
Daylesford Organic Farm
Situated in Gloucestershire, this is a place like no other. The farm took the decision to specialise in organic produce over 25 years ago, convinced that organic was better, not only for animals and the environment, but for the quality of the food, too. Take a stroll around the farm, café, bakery and vegetable garden, in an environment where nature is completely respected. A back-to-basics approach with delicious results!
We can advise you on booking your route. Contact central reservations :
