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.
A wide range of sports activities and sublime walks, combined with the breathtaking landscapes, are all very good reasons for pushing open the wooden door of the Hotel Bellevue nestling in the famous national reserve of Gran Paradiso. You will discover an authentic mountain property renowned for its cuisine inspired by the aromas of the kitchen garden and for the diversity of its beauty treatments. Here, the spa is located in a cave and old mountain chalets: hay baths, baths of milk and mountain honey, wine baths… Traditional methods are revisited, between massages and cleansing immersions in the purifying valley water. This is an exceptional experience in the ideal setting for a romantic break.
Situated on the south side of the Matterhorn, the Cervinia ski resort is one of the highest in the world (peaking at 4,000 metres) and one of the few to cross the Italian-Swiss border. You can choose between slalom on the Swiss side or a descent down the trails of the Aosta Valley. Your passport to dual nationality: a grand chalet in the purest of mountain traditions with interiors of warm brown wood and equipped with a spa for those relaxing moments after a day of intense skiing.
Succumb to the charm of the mountains and enjoy the après-ski!
Wake up across from the golf course, explore the medieval villages of Liguria, sunbathe on its sandy beaches, enjoy a shopping spree along the paved alleys of Alassio or simply unwind beside the pool. La Meridiana is a dream place for an unforgettable stay, with gourmet cuisine and a collection of great Italian wines in the restaurant “il rosmarino” and local cuisine in the “Bistrot”. This charming property on the Italian Riviera between Monte Carlo and Portofino, a Relais & Châteaux since 1978, will delight you with its warm welcome and its discrete, attentive service.
In the heart of the Piedmont vineyards, in the white truffle region, this former monastery is now the Relais San Maurizio, a place dedicated to the wellness of body and soul. The Medical & Beauty Spa “La Via del Sale”, with its saltwater baths and its former salt cave, skilfully combines avant-garde medical knowledge with water and salt-based treatments. The Relais’ restaurant “Guido da Costigliole” has been the undisputed benchmark for fine dining in the region for 50 years.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a villageView details
At the foot of the Alps, close to Lake Orta - one of the most romantic places in the Padan Plain - Luisa Marelli has created a stellar reputation with her celebrated cuisine. This self-taught former humanities student has forged her own culinary culture by scouring recipe books and experimenting along with her husband, Angelo Valazza. Incredibly gifted, she could now write the books herself! She describes her style as “a combination of Piedmont, Mediterranean and international influences, brought together as a tribute to the mountains where I love to walk”. The high-altitude ingredients - the white tartufi d’Alba , Funghi porcini and Wildernes - are the heroes of this celebration.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on a lakeView details
Davide Brovelli was given the keys to the cuisine of Il Sole di Ranco by his father, Carlo. This family heritage was create more than 150 years ago on the banks of Lake Maggiore (which you can explore in a private boat). Davide’s “touch”: a fusion of regional specialities like risotto alla milanese and audacious recipes where fish from the Lake are the star performers - sturgeon cooked in hay perfumed with ginger and ginseng, smoked trout with brazed leeks, capers and confit lemons… Sunshine cuisine to be savoured under the arbours whilst taking in the exquisite panorama.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the countryView details
Just half an hoaur from Milan, with its fashion temples and irresistible shopping temptations, the Cerea family has created a residence that has lived- up to excellence and Italian style. Da Vittorio is first and foremost a charming villa with its gardens and two nearby lakes. Just ten minutes from Bergamo, it also extends an invitation to a gourmet journey to savour Lombard specialties such as polenta, cheese and meat. The chefs, Enrico and Roberto Cerea, treat cuisine like designers. The hotel, which also has a traditional patisserie and an exquisite wine cellar, has launched a “Gourmandise Line” so you can even take some of the treats home with you.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the countryView details
Press a button and, like magic, the ceiling of your room will disappear: contemplate the stars from your four-poster bed. This is just one of the many enchanting features which delight guests staying at the Albereta, a former manor tucked away in a century-old park in the heart of the Franciacorta vines. You might have to choose between the customized wellness treatments in the 1,400 m² Henri Chenot spa and the delightful pleasures of the palate conjured up by maestro Gualtiero Marchesi, the father of modern Italian cuisine. Unforgettable.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in the countryView details
When the grandparents of Antonio Santini opened the Pescatore in 1926, it was a small family restaurant. Today it is one of the most renowned restaurants in Italy. Between Cremona and Mantua, in the Parco dell’Oglio nature reserve, the members of the family share the tasks. At the stoves, Nadia and Giovanni prepare nostalgic, abundant cuisine: frogs legs gratineed in fine herbs, pike in virgin olive oil from Umbria, with parsley, anchovies and capers or tortellini with goat’s cheese, ricotta and white Alba truffles. In the dining room, Antonio, Alberto and Valentina instill a warm atmosphere and uncork their best bottles - grands crus from France and Italy.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
“I love to move beyond the regionality of a product, to create new associations, even if - at first sight - they may seem rash”. The cuisine of Gianni d’Amato is a passionate and creative way of revisiting the numerous specialties of Reggio Emilia - just a few kilometres away - and of giving free rein to tasty fantasies: ravioli stuffed with pumpkin, pork cheek in a Lambrusco sauce, crème brûlée served with a splash of balsamic vinegar, of course the traditional balsamic vinegar from Reggio Emilia… A “journey” in the true sense of the word to the heart of a private 18th century residence, brimming with character.
If Romeo and Juliet had enjoyed a happier ending to their story, you could easily have imagined it being played out here. 20 minutes from Verona, the two lovers would have met secretly on the banks of Lake Garda - one of the largest and most charming in Italy. Like you, they would have strolled along the pontoon and private beach of Villa Fiordaliso, a neoclassic marvel with its facades of Siena stone, its long hedges of lemon trees and its lounge decorated with Venetian stained glass. They would have taken refuge in a delightfully romantic room named after a flower: Iris, Mimosa, Orchid, Magnolia… and would perhaps have lingered in the elegant piano bar in the San Marco Tower which overlooks the water. And then? Well, you write the rest…
Nestling in the heart of the Valpolicella vines, the Villa del Quar, just 5 minutes from Verona, reflects tradition, conviviality and romanticism. You will be fascinated by the soft murmurings of the countryside, the atmosphere in the guest rooms and public areas, the fine wines… not forgetting the haute cuisine combining the traditions of Veneto with Mediterranean flavours. The clover-shaped pool brings a pleasing freshness to this sun-drenched Villa and its elegant atmosphere delightfully immerses you in the gentle embrace of the Italian Renaissance. In 2010 Villa del Quar was further enhanced with the addition of a conservatory with tropical plants, an ideal setting for the staging of events.
Immersed in the idyllic scenario of the soft slopes of Merano, with stunning panorama views of the little town in the Alto Adige, Castel Fragsburg emerges with all its splendour. This exclusive hunting manor has been completely refurbished to make its guests live through sublime experiences in an elegant and charming atmosphere. Warm welcome and hospitality, individual service, absolute discretion, love of detail, in the heart of pure and pristine nature for gentle sensations and unforgettable emotions: Castel Fragsburg is the ideal place to recharge one’s batteries.
For a long time called the Monti Pallidi (“Pale Mountains”), the Dolomites with their pastel shades have fascinated all those who have had the fortune to discover these legendary mountains. A paradise of vie ferrate, they are also a favourite resort for winter skiers and summer hikers. In this garden of extraordinary rocks, more than 1,500 different plant species are to be found, including various types of orchids. After a full day, you will appreciate the chic and warm atmosphere at Gardena Grödnerhof. This hotel has a superb spa, beauty and fitness centre extending over more than 1,300 m2, and guests like to gather in the Bar & Habana Lounge. The “height” of relaxation and wellness.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the mountainsView details
In the heart of one of the most beautiful winter sports resorts in the Dolomites, the village of San Cassiano (700 inhabitants) is a truly exceptional and charming setting. It is here, at an altitude of 1,535 metres, that the Hotel Rosa Alpina welcomes you for a stay devoted to fitness and relaxation. Its spa offers treatments worthy of the best beauty centres, and the panoramic views of the Dolomites are unmatched. After a day on the slopes, a hike or a climb, you can enjoy the cuisine of chef Norbert Niederkofler. Cuisine is his passion and his joie de vivre, and he creates dishes featuring local produce that artfully marry tradition and modernity.
This 17th century palazzo reveals its charms with a discretion which will capture your heart as at first sight. Tranquil and intimate, the Villa Abbazia has another ace up its sleeve: a unique location at the crossroads of numerous treasures. At the juncture of the rose-coloured peaks of the Dolomites, the Prosecco route - a delicious white wine from the region - and the romantic splendours of Treviso and Venice, there's only one thing wrong with this residence: your choices are too vast. For golfers, the 18-hole course in Asolo - christened “the town of one hundred horizons” - will merely make this dilemma even more difficult…
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
In an informal atmosphere, marked by an elegant sobriety, Massimiliano (in the kitchen) and Raffaele (in the dining room) continue to make you dream. In February 2010, Le Calandre has been renovated so that you will find a new look both in the decor and material. Far more than a simple restyling, it involves a new dining room concept matching the philosophy of Massimiliano's meticulous cuisine which finds its roots in the authenticity of the products.
This splendid 16th century residence, located in the town centre, provides an atmosphere of exceptional beauty. With 16th century doors, colorful frescos by masters from the Ferrara school, period fi replace columns, and a dining room, enhanced by a coffered ceiling embellished with pure gold friezes, you shall truly feel that you have received a “gourmet invitation to Este’s Court” – Isabella d’Este, a lover of sympsia and banquets, commissioned the first service in engraved porcelain by Nicola da Urbino in 1490. This stunning residence includes a private park, bar, lounges, meeting rooms, restaurant, hotel and parking garage. The bedrooms and suites are each individually decorated, the unique style of each reflecting the name it was given.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
French by birth, Italian at heart, Annie Féolde brings the best of both cultures to her dishes. In relationship with sommelier Giorgio Pinchiorri, she originally prepared light dishes to accompany his fine wines: today she has become one of the most highly regarded chefs in Italy. In a Renaissance palace in Florence, her creative and fine cuisine now takes center stage. Her spaghetti “I pici con le briciole” are hand-made as the farmers in Tuscany used to prepare them. However, there is also a touch of unmistakable modernism, which is as welcome in Italy as elsewhere around the world.
In the heart of Florence, the former Ciofi Jacometti palace, restored in a manner that faithfully respects its architecture and original frescoes, is home to the Relais Santa Croce. The charm of this extraordinary place is immediately apparent, an ideal setting full of charm and intimacy just a stone’s throw from the city’s main attractions. The magnificent rooms and suites with views of the rooftops and Basilica combine period furniture with contemporary design, elegant details and a sumptuous finish. The attentive, impeccable service gives you the impression of being welcomed into a private residence. The restaurant Guelfi e Ghibellini offers a seasonal menu midway between tradition and innovation.
Located at the foot of the green hills of Tuscany and the golden beaches of Forte dei Marmi, this 17th century old oil mill is now an elegant country inn. Its eight exclusive suites provide the perfect, harmonious setting to enjoy the delights of Versilia, so beloved by artists. With its unique collection of furniture and paintings and the subtle flavours of the cuisine, Il Bottaccio evokes a world of sensations and emotions. The spa and the indoor pool, the sunny, Mediterranean cuisine combining the flavours of the mountains with the aromas of the sea, the wine and the grappa treasures found in the cellar elegantly round off Il Bottaccio’s offering.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in the countryView details
Gaetano Trovato trained with the very best chefs in Europe and in his native Tuscany he prepares contemporary cuisine featuring natural, organic products. “Territory and Quest” and “Contemporary Moments” are two seasonal menu suggestions: fresh pasta of the day, milk-fed veal and other products from animals raised in the hills of Sienna, and langoustines, prawns and fish from the Tyrrhenian coast follwed by the “Grande Dessert” – a feast for the eyes and the palate. The sommelier Giovanni Trovato will guide you expertly through a wine list featuring 600 vintages from Tuscany and further afield.
In 1975, the oldest Carthusian monastery in Tuscany became a privileged place for an exceptional stay. Step across the threshold and discover courtesy, charm, character, calm and a cuisine that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. 17 rooms, each with a different style and decor, boast panoramic views of the gentle Tuscan landscapes. In the vicinity lies the cathedral, museums and fountains of Sienna, medieval villages, vineyards and the castles of Chianti, Brunello and Val d’Orcia.
Just a few steps from the enchanting Lake Orta, Villa Crespi is a spectacular Moorish villa built in 1879. The |villa’s arabesque architecture, stunning gardens and the hospitality of Grand Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and his wife Cinzia| mingle to make a stay here magical. Antonino's superb innovative Mediterranean cuisine is deeply influenced by the places and flavours experienced during his professional journey. One of the menus is an itinerary from southern to northern Italy, starting with a brochette of scallops and scampi and ending with main course of pigeon and foie gras. The period bedrooms with their canopy beds and marble bathrooms enhance the romantic atmosphere. Villa Crespi is an excellent base from which to explore this beautiful corner of Italy, particularly the medieval village of Orta and the Island of San Giulio, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sacro Monte, and the ancient town of Varallo.
Located at the center of the Italian “boot”, the Borgo San Felice combines all of the pleasures of la dolce vita. The property is made up of an entire village including its old chapel, large pool, cellars and the Chianti vineyard which surrounds it. The infinite pleasures of this inn can be discovered through the authentic Mediterranean cuisine and exceptional wine cellar, as well as in the Wellness Center. Exploring the surrounding area during delightful bike excursions only adds to the enjoyment. Amongst other things, the medieval beauty of the picturesque villages of Chianti, just a few kilometres away, will guarantee your eternal attachment to this property and this region of Italy which is overflowing with light and magic.
The splendid 17th century residence is located between Umbria and Tuscany in the beautiful countryside of Cortona. It is an exclusive and well restored jewel, formerly home of the poet Antonio Guadagnoli and then owned by the Baracchi family since 1860. The rooms reflect the elegant style of simplicity, typical of Tuscan villas. Some of the rooms are located in the Villa, others by the Chapel, overlooking the vineyards or inside the Thesan Etruscan Spa. The sublime cuisine with sunny flavours is matched with great wines, like the ones produced in the Baracchi Winery with its vineyards and the wine cellar situated in the estate. Many pleasant moments of intimacy, relaxation and wellbeing will make your stay unforgettable.
Norcia, the town of St. Benedict, in the National Park of Sibillini Mountains is the Italian capital of the black truffle. The Palazzo Seneca tells the story of this region from the 16th century onwards. Umbrian artisans have created a perfect harmony between colours and lights, tradition, design and the special settings like the serene tranquillity of the SPA. The fragrances of the herb garden and the quality of the local products are the guarantee of culinary delights in the restaurant Vespasia.
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Childhood friends Maurizio Menichetti and Valeria Piccini opened this restaurant in 1987 on the very premises where Maurizio’s parents once had a trattoria. Valeria’s outstanding cuisine quickly became one of the most renowned in the country due to dishes which sing the praises of the region. In Italy where female chefs are increasingly prominent, this unusual gourmet stop-over is an absolute must.
In this property that was the first Italian hotel to join the Relais & Châteaux Association in 1973, the Gallia-Ansaldi family has welcomed guests for three generations in an elegant, family atmosphere. They instantly fall in love with the fine sandy, private beach where the “Pagoda” reigns supreme, a restaurant with its singular architecture overlooking the sea. The wellness centre with its gym, Turkish baths and pool extends an invitation to complete relaxation. Golfers appreciate the 18-hole golf course in a centennial pine forest. A yacht awaits enthusiasts for memorable excursions to the Tuscan archipelago.
White sandy beaches, blue seas and water sports… The programme at Cala del Porto will only interrupt your leisurely pace for a good reason: sports, pampering (body and face treatments and other massages in the Beauty Centre of the hotel) and culinary delights. The views from the swimming pool are impressive: it looks onto the Island of Elba where Napoleon was exiled for 300 days. Like him, you will have the time to admire the deep blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Other pleasures to ponder: the small port of Punta Ala, a highly appreciated stopover for sailors in Tuscany, or excursions to nearby Pisa, Florence and Siena, plus there is a superb 18-hole golf course just three kilometres away.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on the seafrontView details
In its setting cocooned by the beauty of nature, tucked away between the blue sea and the lush Mediterranean vegetation, where luxury and serenity join forces with attention to detail, and impeccable service comes with a sincere smile. IL PELLICANO extends an invitation to a memorable stay that makes you remember the words of the French poet Charles Baudelaire: “ There all is harmony and beauty, luxury, calm and delight”. The heated salt water pool overlooking the horizon, the private beach, the two restaurants, one of wich is starred, the panoramic terraces, the rooms and suites with minimalist elegance, the gym, and the wellness centre are all guarantees of a truly unforgettable stay.
On the waterfront, the clink of cutlery and the murmur of conversation mingle with the gentle lapping of the Tyrrhenian Sea… Welcome to La Posta Vecchia, a breathtakingly splendid house that used to belong to J. Paul Getty. The American billionaire transformed it into a temple of art, which preserved all of its natural splendour. Bathtubs in Carrara marble, Renaissance furniture, Gobelins tapestries… This is the perfect address for those who like spacious artistic and sophisticated interiors, sumptuous gardens, and who want to enjoy a sea view without straying too far from the artistic beauty of Rome. Dining on a beautiful evening on the outdoor terrace of The Cesar Restaurant, which serves the very best Mediterranean cuisine, is a moment of pure pleasure.
From its facade covered in ivy, the Raphaël immerses you in a charming universe, just a stone’s throw from the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica: the ideal starting point to experience the elegance of Rome. A small museum itself, come and discover this magnificent residence and its works of art including sculptures, paintings, lithographs, antiques and a collection of Picasso ceramics and Mayan art. Above the rooftops, the Bramante terrace is the place to savour gourmet cuisine whilst contemplating the magnificent views of the city. Be the first to discover the two new, modern and original Executive floors bearing the signature of the renowned American architect, Richard Meier.
This hotel is the dream child of Carlino Cinque who was passionately in love with this place and commissioned a villa on a promontory with breathtaking views. In the course of time, this dream grew as did the hotel. Today, it boasts 61 rooms, each with a private terrace and a wonderful sea view. The fine terracotta floors with ceramic decoration and the doors, adorned with frescoes and other marvels, enhance the interior. From the terrace, the view of Praiano, Positano, the coast and the rock formations of Capri are spectacular. A unique hotel of great charm.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a villageView details
Where the Gulfs of Naples and Salerno meet, on a headland with stunning landscapes, Alfonso Iaccarino’s cuisine is a declaration of love to this small slice of Italy dotted with lemon groves, vineyards, olive trees and antique remains. With his wife and two sons by his side, the chef creates Mediterranean marvels from simple recipes: swordfish with chick peas and thyme, goatfish with rosemary and cucumber, pasta with cockles and courgettes. His skill and the selection of exceptional produce are what make the difference. To be sure of the origin and quality of the produce, Alfonso created his own organic farm; for love of the land.
The Hotel, perched on a cliff over the sea in a breathtaking position in Capri, offers from everywhere one of the most beautiful view of the world. Once the summer house of a Russian prince, now a boutique hotel with exquisite décor much loved by King Farouk of Egypt who used to book his suite for the year. Here you can enjoy the stunning infinity pool, the flavors of the restaurant with the best view of the island, the piano on the terrace at the sunset and the most wonderful gardens. Feel welcome to the land of esthetes and start descovering the blue legend of Capri.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a villageView details
Located on the magical island of Ischia, the Terme Manzi Hotel is an architectural gem built in the 19th century. Situated in the village of Cassamicciola, on the site of the renowned Gurgitiello spring – well-known since Antiquity for the regenerating and healing properties of its water. In this elegant, sophisticated palace, with its harmonious furnishings and decor, guests fall in love with the calming atmosphere of the spa, the visual feast of the garden and the staff who simply love to satisfy the guest`s needs... With the remarkable cuisine that has surprises in store for even the most sophisticated palates, this is indeed a romantic haven imbued with charm, fragrances and impeccable service for discerning guests.
Tucked away in the heel of the Italian “boot”, Il Melograno welcomes you to its delightful setting, just 3 kilometres from the adorable little fishing port of Monopoli. You will succumb to the charm of this 17th century “masseria” (working farm) renovated in the 1980s by the antique collector Camillo Guerra. White-washed walls, Persian carpets, vaulted ceilings, orchards and an Oriental-style spa - this hotel invites you to embark on a mini-tour of the world and a journey back in time. Visit the town of Bari on the Adriatic coast, Ostuni, the “white city”, and the numerous cathedrals and crypts in the surrounding area.
The Relais San Martino is an old villa surrounded by gardens, on the edge of the baroque town of Martina Franca, in the heart of the region of Apulia with its rich art treasures, history and mysteries. Ideally situated to explore the cultural heritage of the town and the “trulli”, the typical architecture in the region. It boasts 21 utterly charming rooms spread over the two buildings. The traditional cuisine in the restaurant “Duca di Martina” has treats in store for gourmets. The wellness centre offering massages and an aquatic course is the guarantee of complete relaxation. Guests are assured of a sincere and warm welcome.
From the antique theatre, one of the best preserved Greek treasures in the Mediterranean, the views of the sea and Etna are unforgettable. Some evenings, there are concerts under the stars in this arena where others have sat on your seat since ancient times. Welcome to Taormina… The hotel is the ideal base to discover this land of historic ruins and steep cliffs. Treat yourself to a relaxing experience in a beautiful setting. Enjoy the panoramic swimming pool, beauty treatments, water sports on a private beach, clay tennis courts and an easily accessible 18-hole golf course, wine cellar, tours to the family estate on the etna slope… Experience a stay simultaneously devoted to culture, sports, gourmet delights and recharging your batteries.
