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.
If you’re coming from Dublin on your way to this part of Ireland, you will pass through the magical countryside of Wicklow nestled between sea and hills and some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Otherwise you can take the ferry from France or England to Rosslare, which is very close to your final destination. It is in this region, unspoilt and yet easily accessible, that the Bowe family chose to create their gem of a hotel, a model of conviviality that combines Irish elegance - you will love dining under the glass roof of the Victorian conservatory - and the sweet surprises of Celtic life like the delightfully copious breakfasts. Here, life is about enjoying yourself: don’t we call the Irish “the Latin people of the North”?
Overlooking Ardmore Bay, the Cliff House Hotel boasts truly extraordinary architecture: the hotel is literally built on to the side of the cliff . The bar and outdoor terrace, the House Restaurant, the Spa and each guest room - most with a private balcony - on this relaxing islet enjoy exceptional views of the bay. With its direct access to the sea, the Hotel offers numerous outdoor activities like ocean kayaking, surfi ng, diving, walking, fi shing and rock climbing but also visits to historical sites like St Declan's Well situated nearby on the famous Cliff Walk and nearby beaches for a refreshing walk. Local attractions such as Lismore Castle, Midleton distillery and Waterford crystal are easy to reach from Ardmore.
Surrounded by purple heather-coloured mountains and cascading blue waters, the town of Kenmare is one of the spots in Ireland that the Irish themselves like best. Sheen Falls Lodge is not only perfectly placed for exploring the southwest of Ireland, the world famous Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry and the famous Killarney Lakes, but it is also known for its piano-jazz ambience, its collection of old Irish whiskeys, its selection of fine wines as one of Irelands’ largest wine cellars and the dishes prepared with the salmon caught in the nearby river. All of this combined with outstanding Irish Hospitality and Celtic legends creates the magic that seems to float over this land.
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 this year 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 executive chef Fred Cordonnier, take part in wine and whiskey tastings in the cellar, enjoy atreatment in the spa, swim, or simply spend an afternoon in the large library, finishing with a fireside cocktail in the house’s cosy Ballyfin Bar.
