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.
After nine hundred years standing proud in the unspoilt county of West Sussex, known as “the garden of England”, this fortress with its 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 your slumber that little bit more. Indeed you will be sleeping in a princely suite with a four-poster bed and mullioned windows overlooking gardens full of blossoming trees. The food is also fit for a king and is served in a dining room with vaulted ceilings and decorated with tapestries and suits of armour. Take a journey back in time in this uniquely romantic setting.
This imposing white manor house used to belong to Queen Victoria who left her imprint on the decor and gardens and loved this part of the kingdom because of the abundance of birds flying in from the nearby estuary and beaches. Located in Machynlleth, 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. And now it is your turn to enjoy a royal welcome…
Not far from Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Mallory Court will charm you with its understated beauty and the dedication of its staff. This country manor house cultivates British elegance down to the slightest detail, as you will immediately notice on seeing the perfectly cut lawns. This is an ideal place to recharge your batteries among games of croquet and in room beauty treatments. Another must is a visit to the house where Shakespeare was born. And you never know, perhaps a woodland creature will even whisper into your ear a verse composed by the great man himself– “With this field-dew consecrate, Every fairy take his gait” - so that your time here will forever remain in your mind like a midsummer night’s dream…
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on a river
While Michel Roux, the father, now takes the time to “inhale the sweet aroma of grapes and write books”, Alain - the son - has brilliantly taken over at the helm of the Waterside Inn. Resolutely creative French cuisine like roasted scallops on sliced baby artichokes, infused with honey, orange and lemon and sprinkled with crab meat; or the salmon en papillote with pine needles and a star aniseed sauce. On the terrace, in the shade of a willow tree, or in the inn's cosy rooms, let yourself be soothed by the calm of the River Thames… And if you feel a desire to explore the surrounding area, you can visit Windsor castle or stroll around Savill Garden, one of the finest in England.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
This beautiful Tudor style country house hotel is set in an idyllic location within Dartmoor National Park on the banks of the North Teign River. Gidleigh Park is a magnificent 107 acre estate of mature woodland and grounds. From here you may enjoy walks on the moors, horseback riding, guided tours, or venture further afield and visit Cornwall and Dorset by car. Savour the culinary delights prepared by award-winning, Executive Head Chef Michael Caines MBE, using the finest local produce. The wine cellar accommodates some 1,200 wines from around the world.
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. You will succumb to the charms of the sumptuous interior decor and savour 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!
Renowned for its hot spring baths dating back to Roman times, Bath is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating towns in Europe. The equally impressive Royal Crescent Hotel invites you to journey back in time to the 18th century. This majestic residence is one of the major works of the architect John Wood who in 1767 was commissioned by the Queen to give the medieval town a facelift. With its splendid manicured gardens and its chic, opulent interiors, staying at The Royal Crescent Hotel is like stepping straight into the pages of a novel by the famous local writer Jane Austen. The hotel has a highly reputed spa of its own and charming, supremely elegant rooms. Venture out and explore this fascinating Georgian town, with marvels like the fan vaulting in Bath Abbey, the temple of the Goddess Sulis Minerva, the arcades of Union Passage, and the typical charm of George Street, Milsom Street and Queen Street. On your return, retire to the Spa for the very best in pampering and relaxation!
Lower Slaughter Cheltenham (Gloucestershire), United Kingdom
Hotel and restaurant in a village
In one room, the decor is a deluge of crystals. In another, a sea of cushions. Opulent, gently lit, with wall hangings and sofas everywhere, Lower Slaughter Manor envelops you in its warmth and romanticism. An address that is all about elegant hedonism, with cooking lessons, tennis, beauty treatments, fishing, horseback 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.
Animated by the hospitality of the Cunliffe family, Gilpin exerts its natural charms in an extraordinary setting: the Lake District national park. Drop your bags in the modern suites - some with their own private gardens and cedar wood hot tubs - or perhaps one of the 6 Lake House suites set on the shore of a private lake with spa. Make time for the simple pleasures of the stunning surroundings, between soothing body treatments and invigorating sporting activities.
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 ever so exclusive Mayfair. To perpetuate the family tradition, Michel Roux Jr. took over in the kitchen in 1991. A new look, a fresh take, 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. A seasonal cuisine in which he doesn’t hesitate to showcase the very best of French produce - Challans duck, lamb from the Pyrenees - and the finest vintages. A truly unique diner experience in London.
The Bath Priory offers a serene base from which to explore the city of Bath. Proud of a long held reputation offering genuinely warm hospitality, reminiscent of a wonderful country home where you would be welcomed by the gentleman host. Linger in the delightful gardens and muse over our fascinating Art Collection. Under the direction of Michael Caines MBE, the culinary experience is a truly memorable part of your stay. Why not spend some time unwinding in our contemporary Spa, enjoying totally relaxing and sumptuous treatments.
Country house living at its very best. The very name conjures up images of trees and tranquility, of stately nature and magnificent settings. A country retreat where five-star luxury invites and indulges with sumptuous bedrooms and outstanding cuisine. The grand ambience of The Park restaurant to the contemporary and stylish all day dining of The Brasserie. Luxuriate in The Spa now regarded as one of the finest in the UK. Enjoy a beautiful horse ride over the estate, all levels of riders from beginners to advanced are catered for or simply enjoy the 500 acres of gardens and walking trails and perhaps a tour of Bath just 6 miles away. You will leave wanting to return very soon….
Situated in the secluded heart of the New Forest National Park, only 90 minutes from London, the Lime Wood look is the emblematic English country house of your dreams but with a dynamic and contemporary approach. On the site of a former 13th century hunting lodge, the classic Regency building has been carefully refurbished and a new wing added. The décor gives pride of place to local materials, combining antiques with individual design pieces. Sculptures in the garden, game and mushrooms from the forest on the menu all add up to the charm of an aristocratic residence combined with modern laid-back luxury.
The cheerful sage green shutters and immaculate sweeping lawns are a welcome sight for visitors to Chewton Glen. This sets the tone for what is certain to be a pleasant and relaxing stay in an elegant and modern setting where you instantly feel at home. Captain Marryat, the legendary Englishman of letters wrote his most famous novel “The Children of the New Forest” here. It was the charm of Chewton Glen that inspired this wonderful story and that continues today to permeate the hotel rooms, lounges and the exceptional fitness centre - the fame of its' spa has long since spread beyond the borders of the United Kingdom.
Standing high above a dramatic coastline overlooking the Irish Sea, in the south west of Scotland’s historic lowlands, Glenapp is the perfect example of a Scottish Baronial castle set in an area of outstanding and unspoiled natural beauty. Its fairytale turrets and towers shelter a timeless world of oak panelled rooms, rich fabrics and fine antiques, as well as the modern luxuries of fine cuisine and service. The castle is hidden from the rugged landscape by 36 acres of magical gardens filled with specimen trees and plants, including a fine collection of rare and unusual rhododendrons.
Buckland near Broadway (Worcestershire), United Kingdom
Hotel and restaurant in a village
One of the finest Manor houses in the Cotswolds, set next to a 13th Century church, amidst beautiful, mature gardens which create an oasis of tranquillity. Perfect for relaxation with horseback riding, golf, tennis, hunting and walks. Crackling log fires warm the cozy lounges. Bedrooms with ample bathrooms have a country house feel; you will have the impression that you’re spending some quiet, relaxing days in your home.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
Two hours from London, a visit to the Cotswolds will make you feel as if you have stumbled into an enchanted world, of wide open countryside and honey-colored stone buildings. It is known as “the Heart of England”, not because of its geographical situation - it is in the Southwest - but because of the emotion that it inspires amongst its visitors. It is here that you will find Whatley Manor, a beautiful private manor house hotel set within 12 acres of English country gardens with a contemporary spa. A place to restore and revive.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the country
It is in a sumptuous manor, just outside of Oxford, that the chef Raymond Blanc displays his sensory universe. For him, “if the work itself is transient, the memory of the flavour remains”. In his vast garden abounding with lavender, he grows almost ninety varieties of vegetables and more than seventy aromatic herbs which you are bound to find on your plate, in one way or another. If he swears only by “bio” and organic, it is because “good doesn’t interest him, but sublime does”. Sublime like the suites of this hotel, small lofts with evocative names: The exoticism of Opium, the haven of tranquillity of Blanc de Blanc, the sobriety of Vettriano... Let yourself be enchanted, in the native land of Lewis Carroll and of J.R.R Tolkien.
The mysterious waters of the lochs, surrounded by the misty mountains that rise out of the earth in this part of Scotland, never fail to plunge the visitor into a gentle dreaminess and an atmosphere of deep restfulness. With its very own loch, Inverlochy Castle offers one of the most stunning Scottish panoramas. Queen Victoria used to come here and she described it as “one of the loveliest and most romantic spots” that she had ever seen. At the foot of Ben Nevis – the highest peak in the United Kingdom – this charming castle with its snooker room and its princely interiors is also a great place to enjoy the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, Fort William and the surrounding areas in the West Coast of Scotland.
Set on grounds populated by hundred-year-old trees, this beautiful 17th century manor 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, and only the little lake occasionally betrays its presence by revealing its reflection. You will love the traditional country house interiors. For fans of extreme sensations, a local aero-club will teach you the basics of flying above the many historical sites in the area. Enjoy the bird’s eye views of abbeys and castles and be sure to watch out for Hadrian’s Wall, the stone fortifications crossing the width of England.
