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.
Singita was voted second best hotel in the world and first in Africa by the readers of Travel + Leisure! Londolozi and Le Quartier Français were voted among the best hotels in Africa.
Travel + Leisure has just unveiled its annual list of the most beautiful properties in the world, selected by its readers. As every year, Relais & Châteaux dominated this prestigious selection with no fewer than 27 properties making the list.
Ranked among the top hotels in South Africa was Singita Lebombo & Sweni & Ebony and Boulders Lodge situated in Claremont in the Kruger National Park which was also voted the best hotel in Africa and the Middle East, and the second best hotel in the world. Londolozi Private Game Reserve in Johannesburg and Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek both earned places on this prestigious list.
This listing was compiled by Travel + Leisure Magazine between January and March 2007 with the expert support of Harris Interactive. 930,000 of the magazine’s subscribers awarded the hotels a score out of 100 in a secure questionnaire.
Singita Lebombo Hotel and restaurant in a game reserve Your suite raised on stilts overlooks the stunning scenery of Kruger National Park and its extraordinary variety of wildlife. Located on the border with Mozambique, this part of South Africa is one of the most blessed in terms of biodiversity. A pane of glass is the only thing between the foot of your bed and the wild so that you fall asleep looking at the stars and listening to the roar of the lions… in total safety! These beautifully elegant lodges offer something that you won’t find anywhere else: complete immersion in one of the planet’s most pure and wild demonstrations of the beauty of nature. A sensational experience is guaranteed. ...Read more South Africa, Claremont
Londolozi Private Game Reserve Lodge and restaurant in a game reserve This Private Game Reserve, endorsed by Nelson Mandela is situated in the heart of the Sabi Sand game reserve. It is everything Africa ought to be – pulsing with the deep rhythm of the untamed Bushveld. The Reserve has been family run for eighty-six years where the fourth generation of the Varty Family welcomes you to this lodge situated in perfect harmony with the environment. It consists of three camps – Tree, Pioneer and The Private Granite Suites on the banks of the Sand River. The style is elegant and chic with the class of history. The cuisine highlights fresh, local ingredients and is served with flair surrounded by nature. ...Read more South Africa, Johannesburg
Le Quartier Français Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a village This vibrant, luxurious retreat in the centre of Franschhoek is superbly furnished, with oversized beds, understated quirkiness and lots of warmth, with a dollop of romantic charm that is unmatched in the region. There is an in-house private cinema and a variety of extraordinary experiences with an African influence to select from. Choose from innovative culinary experiences, wandering round the contemporary art gallery, an indigenous and unusual herb and sculpture garden as well as other sensational, tailor-made adventures. In the restaurant, Grand Chef Margot Janse and her team serve African-inspired dinners in the award-winning Tasting Room. Here they create acclaimed, cutting-edge cuisine using rare indigenous ingredients. ...Read more South Africa, Franschhoek
Singita Boulders Lodge Lodge and restaurant in a game reserve Singita Boulders Lodge offers you luxuriant nature on the doorstep of the Sabi Sand wildlife reserve, which is one of the finest in all of South Africa. Its twelve sumptuous, authentic and refined suites offer stunning views of the banks of the river Sand. Each boasts its own pool and private terrace, guaranteeing you total harmony with nature. You can set off to track leopards, lions and elephants by night or by day. And when you get back from your safari, you will find a delicious meal waiting for you to enjoy in the shade of centuries-old trees. Then you might want to take some time out to recharge your batteries at the spa, and pamper yourself with traditional African treatments and hot stone massages. ...Read more South Africa, Claremont
South Africa, Claremont 
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a village
