Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.
In all our properties, each maître de maison draws upon his unique experience and passion to share the authentic culture and tastes of his region with every guest.
Magical places and memories of a lifetime: whether it be a romantic weekend or to celebrate the important moments of life such as birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoon or family reunions.
Established in France more than 50 years ago, Relais & Châteaux has become a renowned reference of excellence in the hotel and restaurant world. The Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Lucknam Park, the very name conjures up images of trees and tranquility, of stately nature and magnificent settings. This country retreat boasts sumptuous bedrooms and outstanding cuisine. Dine in the grand atmosphere of the Park Restaurant or go to the Brasserie for stylish, all-day dining. Luxuriate in the spa, which is regarded as one of the finest in the UK. Enjoy a beautiful horse ride over the estate, all levels of riders are taken care of, from beginner to advanced. Or simply enjoy the 202 hectares of gardens and the magnificent 1.6 km long avenue of 400 lime and beech trees planted in 1827. If you want to venture out of this retreat, the lovely city of Bath is just 9 km away, but most who leave Lucknam Park find themselves wanting to return very soon.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
Approaching from the distance Gidleigh Park is the quintessential Country House Hotel, nestled in a wooded valley within the natural beauty of the wilds of Dartmoor, the location will take your breath away. There are 107 acres of mature grounds and woodlands to explore and enjoy. Step inside and you realise you are somewhere very special, a genuinely warm welcome awaits you, thoughtful touches, and eclectic art creates a unique style and ambience. Bedrooms at Gidleigh Park are individual in design, featuring the most stunning bathrooms and wet rooms that inspire a true sense of indulgence and luxury. By far the greatest treasure in the Gidleigh Park experience is of course the excellent cuisine created by Grand Chef Michael Caines. Match this with one of the finest wine cellars in the UK, holding over 1,200 bins, and you know that a visit to Gidleigh Park will be an unforgettable experience.
A Victorian House, elegantly converted into a prestigious hotel, Hambleton Hall is hidden away in the heart of the Midlands, in the county of Rutland. England’s smallest county is also home to the largest artificial lake in Europe. A geographical detail which further enhances the seductive powers of this hotel perched on a hill overlooking the water. You will appreciate the incomparable hospitality of Tim and Stefa Hart and succumb to the charms of the sumptuous interior décor and the cuisine that is quite simply unique. When departing this magnificent setting, each guest has only one thing in mind… to return as soon as possible for another interlude of calm and well-being.
One step inside the sprawling grounds of this historic Regency mansion house, one of the most lavish in Ireland, and an air of tranquillity takes hold. Classical grandeur meets with a landscape of rolling hills, follies and ancient grottoes in the breathtaking property, set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Ballyfin opened in 2011 after a spectacular eight-year restoration and has already gained a following for its unique combination of modern luxury with romantic period detailing. The hotel has been designed as a home-away-from-home making the experience entirely intimate. Guests can enjoy estate-grown food prepared by the executive chef, take part in wine and whiskey tastings in the cellar, enjoy a treatment in the wellness-centre, swim or simply spend an afternoon in the library, finishing with a fireside cocktail in the house’s cosy Ballyfin Bar.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in the country
At the iconic Gleneagles Hotel in beautiful Perthshire, Grand Chef Andrew Fairlie operates his eponymous restaurant. Located an hour from the coast, and surrounded by many small farms, Fairlie is in a unique position to source the very best local produce, whether wild salmon from the pure waters of the river Tay, red grouse from the local moors or world famous Aberdeen Angus Beef. Restaurant staff can be found foraging on hotel grounds where they might discover morels or wild strawberries. The style of cooking combines classic French cuisine and techniques with contemporary ideas, such as the “Ballotine of Foie Gras with Rhubarb Carpaccio”. The restaurant provides an elegant yet intimate atmosphere for an exquisite fine dining experience. Elegant dark paneled walls are adorned with the artworks of renowned Scottish artist Archie Forrest. Floor to ceiling silk drapes add a sense of theatre, and the use of rich, textured fabrics lend the room a touch of tasteful opulence.
Buckland near Broadway (Worcestershire), United Kingdom
Hotel and restaurant in a village
This is one of the finest manor houses in the Cotswolds, set next to a 13th century church, amidst beautiful gardens which create an oasis of tranquility. William the Conqueror even mentioned this establishment in his private diary. It is the perfect place for relaxation, with the opportunity for horse riding, golf, tennis, hunting and walks. Crackling log fires warm the cosy lounges. Bedrooms with large bathrooms have a country house feel, giving the comfortable impression that you’re spending some quiet, relaxing time in your own home.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
Just outside Oxford, the Grand Chef Raymond Blanc presides over a magnificent manor house, renowned for its hotel, cuisine and stunning gardens. For Blanc, “if the work itself is transient, the memory of the flavour remains”. In his vast garden, amongst the abounding lavender, Blanc grows almost 90 varieties of vegetables and over 70 aromatic herbs, which you are bound to find on your plate, in one way or another. Blanc swears only by “bio” and organic produce. This sublime food is matched by the suites of the hotel, which all have evocative names and distinctive feels, the exoticism of Opium, the haven of tranquillity that is Blanc de Blanc, the exuberance of Vettriano. Let yourself be enchanted in the native land of Lewis Carroll and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Cheerful sage shutters and immaculate sweeping lawns welcome visitors to Chewton Glen. A luxury country house hotel and spa set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside on the edge of the New Forest National Park, and just a few minutes' walk from the sea. No two rooms are alike, the bedrooms and suites of this family friendly luxury hotel share décor that reflect the epitome of aristocratic artistry. Hidden away in a wooded valley you will find the hotel's brand new luxury tree houses. Vetiver restaurant is a nexus of beautiful conservatories, intimate dining spaces and a stunning wine room, Vetiver is as formal or relaxed as the mood takes you. The luxury health spa is dedicated to personalised service and indulgent spa experiences.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on a river
Creative and definitely French cuisine: pan-fried lobster medallions with a white port sauce, or fillet of salmon cooked “en papillote” with pine needles and served with a star aniseed sauce. On the terrace, in the shade of the willow tree or in the inn’s cosy rooms, let yourself be soothed by the calm of the River Thames. And if you ever wish to explore the surrounding area, you can visit Windsor Castle or stroll around Savill Garden, one of Britain’s greatest ornamental gardens.
After 900 years standing proud in the unspoilt county of West Sussex, known as “the garden of England”, this Medieval Castle with a working portcullis, 18 meters high walls and storybook battlement towers, has weathered the attacks of enemies and of time itself. Today, the battles of the past have made way for an enchanted peace, but certain historic traditions remain. Every night, just before midnight, the impressive portcullis is lowered ever so silently, as if to protect slumber that little bit more. The suites are princely, with four-poster beds, and windows overlook gardens full of blossoming trees. The food is also fit for a king and is served in a dining room with vaulted ceilings and walls decorated with tapestries and suits of armour. Take a journey back in time in this uniquely romantic setting.
Not far from Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Mallory Court is charming for its understated beauty and dedicated staff. This country manor house cultivates British elegance down to the slightest detail, from the perfectly mown lawns to the organic herb garden and traditional herbaceous borders. This is an ideal place to restore yourself with in-room beauty treatments and games of croquet. Another must is a visit to the house where Shakespeare was born. Perhaps a woodland creature will even whisper into your ear a verse composed by the great bard himself: “With this field-dew consecrate, Every fairy take his gait”, so that your time here will forever remain a memory like a midsummer night’s dream.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
Two hours from London, the Cotswolds is an enchanting world of wide-open countryside and honey-coloured stone buildings. It is known as the Heart of England, not because of its geographical location – it is in the Southwest – but because of the emotion that in inspires amongst its visitors. It is here that you will find Whatley Manor, a beautiful private manor house hotel set in twelve acres of English country gardens that are divided into 26 areas with different themes. There is also a private cinema and contemporary spa.
One of London’s most loved fine dining destinations; Hibiscus is renowned for Grand Chef Claude Bosi’s intelligently creative cuisine. Marrying seasonal produce with modern, yet grounded techniques Bosi delights guests with a myriad of flavourful dishes. Located in fashionable Mayfair, Hibiscus has received multiple awards and accolades. The entrance on Maddox Street leads through the reception into the stylish and contemporary interior. Italian crystal chandeliers and French oak panelling add a gentle light to the room. Service is paced and attentive, yet informal. The wine list, created by Master of Wine Isabelle Legeron, is authentic and exquisite.
There is a certain magic about staying on a private island and Eriska is no exception. Located on the West Coast of Scotland, Eriska has gorgeous views overlooking Loch Linnhe and the Morvern Mountains. The island is solely dedicated to the guests of the hotel, offering a truly unique experience. With over 120 hectares of land, Eriska is a celebration of nature where Highland cattle graze, badgers visit, grey seals and otters swim in the surrounding waters and countless birds, including the Golden Eagle, can be observed. The hotel offers unique levels of personal service, with décor masterfully blending the old with the new. Distant islands form a stunning backdrop to Eriska’s golf course and guests can enjoy a spot of sailing, shooting and many other activities during their stay. After an active day, visit the outstanding ESPA spa to be pampered, followed by an exceptional meal at the hotel’s renowned restaurant.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Founded in 1967 by Albert and Michel Roux, Le Gavroche quickly became a benchmark for fine dining à la française in London’s exclusive Mayfair. Continuing the family tradition, Michel Roux Jr. took over in the kitchen in 1991. A new look, a new burst of creativity, combined with the incomparable recipes of his father and uncle, such as the Soufflé Suissesse, all further cemented the restaurant’s international renown. Grand Chef Roux Jr. showcases the very best of French produce with his seasonal cuisine, with dishes that feature Challans duck and lamb from the Pyrenees, making this a truly unique dining experience in the heart of London. Ava Gardner, Charlie Chaplin and Robert Redford have all dined here, the clientele being as brilliant as the menu.
Standing high above a dramatic coastline overlooking the Irish sea, in the south west of Scotland’s historic lowlands, Glenapp is a family owned and occupied baronial castle set in an area of outstanding and unspoiled natural beauty. Underneath its fairytale turrets and towers there are oak-panelled rooms, rich fabrics and fine antiques, as well as modern award winning cuisine and impeccable service. The castle is hidden from the rugged landscape by 15 hectares of magical gardens filled with specimen trees and plants, including a fine collection of rare and unusual rhododendrons.
Deep in the heart of the rolling Wessex countryside and only a short drive from the dramatic rocks and fossils of the world renowned Jurassic Coast, little has changed from the days it was immortalised in the novels of Thomas Hardy. Summer Lodge remains a magical escape from the prosaic realities of the 21st century. Set in nearly two hectares of idyllic gardens, with a croquet lawn, indoor pool, health spa, and a collection of richly furnished guest rooms and suites, it’s a small world in itself. Add in a restaurant of international repute, one of the best cheeseboards in the UK, and the 200 whiskies and 100 brandies that are on offer, plus service that manages to be wonderfully discreet yet impressively thoughtful, and it’s easy to see why guests come from so far and wide.
Gravetye Manor is a truly enchanting place; both close to the pleasures of London, yet far from its hustle and bustle. This beautiful Elizabethan manor sits proudly amongst the winding pathways and abundant flower beds in the English natural and wild gardens created by William Robinson, the father of the English natural garden. This quintessential English country house’s charm is evident in the wood panelled restaurant with crackling log fires. All year round, the sweeping countryside views, first-class cuisine and attentive yet unobtrusive service ensure an unforgettable experience.
Deep in the secluded heart of the New Forest National Park, only 90 minutes from London, Lime Wood is the traditional English country house of your dreams, but with a dynamic and contemporary feel. On the site of a former 13th century hunting lodge, the classic Regency building has been carefully refurbished and a new wing has been added. The décor gives pride of place to local materials, combining antiques with individual design pieces. Local game and mushrooms are on the menu and you can go foraging in the forest and return your findings to the chef before you taste his delicious cuisine. Experience the charm of an aristocratic residence combined with modern luxury. The renowned Herb House Spa offers a complete range of treatments and therapies.
From the moment of arrival, the genuine friendliness of the team, warm ambiance and elegant interiors assure that a stay here will exceed expectations on every level. This traditional country house has a contemporary spa, relaxing terrace and nearly two hectares of stunning walled gardens, including a kitchen garden and wild meadow. The Bath Priory is renowned for its unique approach to fine cuisine and for producing an unforgettable dining experience in which every course offers home-grown ingredients, and exquisite flavours. There are many outstanding characteristics that mark the Bath Priory out as one of the finest country house hotels in the south west of England, and all of them combine to make it the perfect base from which to explore the historic city of Bath.
It was on the island of Jersey that exiled French author Victor Hugo wrote some of his most beautiful poems. This is readily understandable upon visiting this magical island edged by wild beaches. A poetic atmosphere envelops you the moment you pass through the gates of this 14th century manor house. In the grounds there are majestic fountains and delightful little wooden bridges, and the suites boast silky soft fabrics and state of the art bathrooms. The old crypt is now a smoke house for the kitchen’s own smoked fish and meats. If in need of a self-imposed exile, tranquility can be found between a game of lawn tennis and a stroll through the woodland amongst hundred-year-old sycamores and oaks.
This imposing white manor house used to belong to Queen Victoria, who left her imprint on the décor and gardens, and loved this part of the kingdom because of the abundance of birds flying in from the nearby estuary and beaches. One of Britain’s finest bird reserves adjoins the grounds. Located in Machynlleth, the ancient capital of Wales, the house is now run by Joan Reen and her husband, the painter Rob Reen. They have made it their own without losing sight of the influence of Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria, whose favourite trees still stand where she planted them.
Gilpin is a charming hotel in an extraordinary place: the Lake District National Park. In the main hotel the rooms are exquisitely designed and six have their own private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs. At the beautiful Lake House (a mile from the main hotel) there are just six suites, exclusively sharing 40 hectares of grounds including a private lake, swimming pool, sauna and cedarwood hot tub. Make time for the simple pleasures of the stunning surroundings, between soothing body treatments and invigorating sporting activities.
This beautiful 17th century manor house stands in grounds populated by 100 year-old trees and the experimental track for the first steam engine locomotive, “The Rocket”, invented by the “Father of Railways”, George Stephenson, once ran through the garden. The house is a chameleon of sorts. Covered in ivy and climbing vines that change colour with each passing season, it blends marvellously into its surroundings. Its presence is only occasionally betrayed when the little lake reveals the house’s reflection. The interior design reflects that of a traditional country house. A local flying club is on hand to teach the basics of flying above the many historical sites in the area. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of abbeys and castles and be sure to watch out for Hadrian’s Wall, the stone fortifications crossing the width of England.
With its breathtaking landscapes and incredible views of the loch, Airds Hotel is the perfect spot for those who want to soak up the beauty of Scotland. The remote and peaceful setting epitomises classic west coast scenery and aptly, Port Appin, where the hotel is located, provided the dramatic opening for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Kidnapped”. This exquisite 18th century lochside inn with charmingly decorated rooms represents the very best of Scottish elegance and sophistication. Excellent service is combined with the finest cuisine and a wine list that is just as impressive. A highlight of any stay at the Airds is to enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant whilst admiring the spectacular views of the atmospheric loch and iconic mountains behind. The Airds is the perfect base from which to explore the Hebrides, starting with Lismore, a remote and wild paradise that is only a five-minute boat trip away.
Lower Slaughter Cheltenham (Gloucestershire), United Kingdom
Hotel and restaurant in a village
In one room, the décor features a torrent of crystals. In another, a sea of cushions. Opulent, gently lit, with wall hangings and plush sofas, Lower Slaughter Manor envelops you in its warmth and romanticism. A Norman Knight, Philip de Sloitre (translated to “Slaughter”), was granted this land by William the Conqueror. Today, this is an address that is all about elegant hedonism, with tennis, beauty treatments, fishing, horse riding or bike rides in one of the most beautiful and untouched parts of England. Hope that it rains and that the earth exhales the perfumes that make this country so bewitching.
Greywalls Hotel and Chez Roux is situated on the edge of the Muirfield championship golf course with breathtaking views over East Lothian and the Firth of Forth in Scotland, just a short drive from Edinburgh city. Overlooking the world-famous greens of the ninth and 18 holes, and with 10 golf courses nearby, it is a golfer’s paradise. Greywalls was originally designed by Edwardian architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1901 as a “dignified” holiday home for his clients and today is renowned for retaining its original charm. Explore Greywalls’ grounds and Lutyen’s expert eye is immediately clear. The building still has all of its Arts and Crafts’ period charm. Guests can also explore the hotel’s historic walled gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll, its tennis courts, croquet lawn and putting green or simply relax with an indulgent dinner at Chez Roux.
Renowned for its hot spring baths dating back to Roman times, Bath is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Europe. The equally impressive Royal Crescent Hotel invites you to journey back in time to the 18th century. This majestic residence is the only hotel on the famous Royal Crescent, the architectural masterpiece created by John Wood, who was commissioned by the Queen in 1767 to give the medieval town a facelift. The splendid manicured gardens, opulent interiors at this hotel make guests feel they have stepped straight into the pages of a novel by the famous author Jane Austen. The hotel has an award-winning spa of its own and charming, supremely elegant rooms. Venture out and explore this beautiful Georgian city renowned for its World Heritage status, historic sites and world-class shopping.
