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.
In the west of Majorca, the Sierra de Tramontana is a paradise of olive and almond trees which inspired Frédéric Chopin, on his romantic travels with George Sand, to write his Preludes. Close to the Carthusian Monastery where the couple stayed, the Hotel Valldemossa invites you to savour moments of grace and purity comparable to the famous barcaroles of the pianist. Behind the stone walls affording protection from the glare of the sun, there are very charming rooms with four-poster beds dressed in white netting. On the agenda, Mediterranean dinners on the terraces overlooking the burnt landscapes of the island, the gentle pleasures of the spa and an exceptional swimming pool, golf, nautical sports… and other preludes.
“And from here onwards, all the paths that lead to Santiago de Compostela come together…”. At the entrance to Puente la Reina, a plaque reminds visitors that this charming city close to Pamplona is born from the convergence of the pilgrimage paths. There is something religious in the air in this corner of Navarra and its aura spreads to the cloister of El Peregrino. It is here that the Cambero family has created a romantic, highly attractive palace. Against the backdrop of the beautiful stone, they have daringly gone for a decor which breaks with traditional canons: elegant dialogues between glass and wood, a rococo loft atmosphere in the rooms… Around the swimming pool, meals are taken in large wicker chairs and the cuisine is perfumed with herbs from the botanic garden.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
Santi Santamaria went to Madrid to open a gourmet restaurant that has since become one of the finest in the Spanish capital. In the kitchen, Óscar Velasco delights guests with his dishes featuring fish and shellfish from the Costa Brava, exceptional vegetables like young Maresme peas or delicious Morella truffles or with his flagship creations like braised shank of suckling veal with potato purée or crispy suckling pig from Segovia. His cuisine expresses a culinary philosophy that is both traditional and contemporary with a wild flourish. In the dining room, the maître d’hôtel, Abel Valverde, and the sommelier, David Robledo, are the epitome of politeness and elegance and offer unique, stylish service - the prelude to a gourmet celebration that will truly delight the senses.
Between the mountains of the Sierra de Mariola, in a unique vegetation with aromatic herbs, this 19th century farm has been converted into an elegant haven of peace. The innovative treatments in the spa and the pool with its azure blue reflections are the ideal setting to unwind in a tranquil atmosphere. Tennis enthusiasts will appreciate the lessons given by the personal trainers of the owner, Juan Carlos Ferrero: a golden opportunity to improve your game. In the restaurant, the avant-garde cuisine and a selection of more than 400 wines from all over the world are the guarantee for a voyage for all the senses.
The masterpiece, a rainbow of colours, is called the Garden of Earthly Delights. This triptych by Hieronymus Bosch enjoys an excellent position in the Museo del Prado, among the paintings of Vélasquez, Goya, Greco, Raphael, Titian and Rubens… Just five minutes from the museum, in the heart of cultural Madrid, another garden of delights awaits you. The Hotel Orfila, a small palace built in 1886, immerses you in an art gallery with its period furniture and feature marble. In the 1920s, it was made famous by the plays staged within its walls. Today, its tearoom and cocktail bar are imbued with English chic and its flowered patio invites you to dine under the stars. The best place to set off and explore Madrid at its own rhythm, step by step.
Between the Gredos mountains and the majestic Tagus river, this 19th century manor house modestly displays its terracotta facade behind tall cypress trees. The spacious bed rooms (50 and 90 m2) offer grandiose panoramas. The 600 hectare domain has exclusive activities in store for you such as the spa, horseback riding, hunting, a golf academy and photo safari. In the surrounding area you will find cultural attractions like the Guadalupe monastery, the castle of Oropesa and the Yuste abbey. The magnificent Tierra restaurant offers products from its own farm and kitchen garden.
In 2003, the Lorenzo García family fell in love with an 18th century paper factory and decided to restore it in line with the principles of environmental sustainability. On more than 1 hectare, they have created a unique eco-hotel that meets all the expectations of the hedonist traveller. About 2 kilometres from the centre of Santiago, this haven of peace characterized by the attention to detail, and tasteful décor with works of art and antiques, offers excellent cuisine and a spa that combines the best of occidental and oriental traditions with attentive, personalised service.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in town
Located inside the walled town of Cáceres with its extraordinary testimony to Alhohad, Gothic, Renaissance and colonial architecture. In the heart of the medieval town, Jose and Toño propose cuisine with unique, authentic flavours in a dream setting. Tomatoes stuffed with frogs’ legs, Iberian filet mignon with potato purée and boudin, truffle pâté en croûte with red berries and other gourmet creations testify in complete harmony with the splendid building that the substance remains when everything else changes. No-one could feel like a stranger in this experience with the flavour of eternity.
The Mas de Torrent is located in the heart of Empordà, the most authentic and chic region on the Costa Brava, with its beautiful beaches and little medieval villages, in between olive and cypress trees. A charming, unique setting where each detail is imbued with exclusivity and elegance. This 18th century masía delights guests with its spectacular views, delightful gardens and impeccable, attentive service. The welcoming interior is home to both classical and contemporary suites, some with their own private pool. Two extraordinary restaurants and the “Mas Spa” are the additional components of a magical stay. Don’t miss the other treasures in this beautiful region, so beloved by Dalí: Cadaqués, Pals, Peratallada or Martí d’Empuries.
Far from the madding crowd, La Torre del Visco is the ideal place to recharge batteries in completely unspoilt, rural surroundings. The estate house with its tower dating from 1449, is surrounded by its own 220 acre farm and romantic gardens full of roses and olive trees bordered by the river Tastavins and the mountain range known as “Los Ports de Beceite”. The owners grow their own organic fruit, vegetables and olive oil for the restaurant. In the beautiful interior spaces of the labyrinthine buildings, immerse yourself in a novel by the fireside, play chess, try one of the excellent wines from the cellar or join the chefs in the kitchen. For music lovers, the grand piano awaits. After sundown observe the clear night skies from the terrace.
This 16th century manor house is situated at the foot of the impressive Sierra Tramuntana mountains, in the heart of Mallorca. Surrounded by 20 hectares of palm, olive and almond trees, the Reads Hotel also has its own vineyard. Savour the delicious author’s cuisine under the vaulted ceiling in the prestigious restaurant Bacchus with its beautiful frescos. The relaxed atmosphere and the cuisine in the “Blues Bistro” are the guarantee of an equally satisfying experience. The spacious suites, with their harmony of bright colours, combine minimalist lines with oriental flourishes. In the Vespasian Spa, a palace of delights spreads over 650 m², unwind and rediscover the natural harmony between body and spirit.
Flying over the unspoilt valleys and mountains of the Pyrenees in a hot-air balloon, plane or helicopter is a fascinating experience and one of the numerous surprises in store for you at the hotel of Josep Maria and Loles. They fell in love with this majestic residence in 1988 and took great pleasure restoring it as a palace for enjoyment and well-being, with its elegantly furnished interiors and wide range of activities. However you decide to spend your time; setting off on the trail of the Cathare Knights, trout fishing in a wild river or a round of golf on the 18-hole course of the Real Club, your magical stay is sure to leave lasting and fond memories.
The owners of this “masía” nestled in an orange grove have made the citrus fruit their philosophy. 20 kilometres from Valencia, the “city of oranges”, this fruit is the source of inspiration for an extensive wellness programme in a property boasting contemporary, inventive decor. Between Zen lines and Moorish flourishes, you will dine in an Eden of orange trees, stay in a room called “gentle orange” or “honey mandarin” and savour the sweet pleasures of the “Orange Spa”. A vitamin cure awaits you between baths bubbling with quarters of lemons, oranges and grapefruit and facial treatments based on citrus zest. Paul Eluard was right, “the Earth is blue like an orange”...
El Castell de Ciutat is located on a small hill overlooking La Seu d’Urgell, the town of the Prince-Bishops. With the Pyrenees as the backdrop and only a few kilometres from Andorra, this hotel is surrounded by a landscape of great natural beauty. Welcome to Cadi-Moixeró, Catalonia’s biggest nature reserve. You can be sure of a warm welcome from the Tàpies family when you arrive at their mountain chalet, located at the foot of a fortress dating back to the 16th century. Discover the pleasures of exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in the restaurants and savour great wines from all over the world. Enjoy adventurous mountain sports or sail over the valley in a hot air balloon. Afterwards, a visit to the magnificent wellness centre is recommended. Don’t miss the delights of a magical breakfast in the morning sun on the panoramic terrace.
