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.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in townView details
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.
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.
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.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
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.
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.
In the heart of Asturias, between the Sierra del Sueve and the Cantabrian sea, in an 8-hectare park boasting gardens and unspoilt nature, discover this 16th century palace which has been tastefully refurbished in complete harmony with its historic setting. The piano bar and the pool also extend invitations to relax and the ideal location between the sea and the mountains is conducive to the many, diverse activities on offer. Everything here – from the generous spaces down to the decor, not forgetting the traditional Asturian cuisine served in the “Mirador del Sueve” with breathtaking views – contribute to your well-being and tranquillity.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in the countryView details
“Successful creations start with the best products; each dish must be approached with the daring of a young chef, the experience of a mature man and the wisdom of an elder”. The personality of Pedro Subijana, his determination to always do better and his constant quest for innovation have made him an ambassador of new Basque cuisine. He takes traditional recipes and always adds his own “twist”, such as in his turbot with “kokotxka” or his strawberry cream with frozen yogurt pearls for dessert. So many delicacies to be savoured, while looking out over the immense Atlantic, located just five minutes from the centre of Saint-Sebastian.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in the countryView details
“Good cuisine, which is written in capitals, is not the property of any one person. It belongs to all those who have worked behind the stoves since the dawn of time…” Martin Berasategui has the wisdom of men born between land and sea. He has turned this restaurant in the Basque Country, close to the pilgrimage route of Compostela, into a culinary temple. His audacious creations feature cheese bonbons with Carabaña oil, chicory, red onion juice and pork cheek or roasted Araiz pigeon, fresh pasta with mushrooms, spring onions and touches of truffle cream. The wine list is equally exceptional.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
Juan Mari and his daughter Elena are inventors of dishes, but also of movements. It was Juan Mari who in 1977, with other great chefs, founded the new Basque cuisine - the vanguard in terms of creativity and techno-cuisine and a revolutionary way of inviting the region to take pride of place on the plate. His daughter Elena accompanies him on this gourmet adventure, adding her own touch to all the recipes. “I’m an old rock’n’roller and she’s more heavy metal”, jokes Juan Mari. Their “musical” collaboration produces marvels culminating in dishes featuring local hake, line-caught calamari or beef from the region, as well as a delicious array of aromas from across the world - tamarind, hibiscus, rhubarb, mango, molasses, coconut, roasted chocolate, star anise or liquorice powder.
“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.
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.
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 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.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux on the seafrontView details
On the Catalan coast, between Girona and Barcelona, Carme Ruscalleda crafts creative, natural and modern cuisine inspired by landscapes and Catalan culinary traditions. In this beautiful garden setting bordering the beach of Sant Pol de Mar, a charming commune full of character, Carme has developed her very own, original gourmet style. Her cuisine, showcasing Maresme produce - a region famous for its fishing ports, its specialised crops and its wild mountains - is based on balance, the respect for natural flavours, contrasts and the texture of the dishes. Since 2004, following professional exchanges with Japan, Carme’s cuisine has drawn on Nipponese influences which marry naturally with the culinary style at the Sant Pau. Simply delicious!
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a villageView details
This century-old Catalonian mas, a family heirloom, has been converted into a gourmet temple combining modernity, art and culture, to breathe new life into culinary creations. Drawing on regional produce, Santi Santamaria injects character into the simplest, most traditional elements, rendering them universal. Tradition and modernity come together in the quest for even greater culinary delights. Prawns from Palamos, pig cheeks, forest mushrooms, truffles and foie gras are, along with the fish from the Blanes market and Montseny lamb, the main ingredients in authentic cuisine that pleases the senses and strives to make the world a better place. At Can Fabes, the great kitchen team and the exceptional dining room staff invite you to discover truly authentic Catalonia, due to author’s cuisine that stimulates the palate.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
Wild turbot with onion shoots seared in thyme. Lamb with a fine aromatic herb and anchovy crust. Tartar of spider crab and prawns. Filet of venison with rhubarb… Born in Alsace, Jean-Louis Neichel is widely deemed to be one of the best ambassadors of French gourmet cuisine in Spain. In the fashionable district of Pedralbes, he creates light, aromatic, resolutely Mediterranean cuisine. You will enjoy the southern garden with its lemon trees, the bar with its collection of old armagnacs and the large wine cellar.
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.
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”...
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.
A 19th century Lord’s manor, the Mirador de Dalt Vila was until recently a family property. When it was converted into a high-quality, intimate and welcoming hotel, none of its historical values were lost. Located inside the famous walled city of Dalt Vila (declared a Unesco World Heritage Site), the building offers a magnificent view from all of its balconies to the port of Ibiza and the Mediterranean sea. Far from the bustle of the town, you will sample the charms of this peaceful haven with its excellent service and highly dedicated staff.
Monastic life sometimes has its advantages. In this former hillside monastery in the north of Majorca, a feeling of asceticism is still obvious in the décor, marvellous pure lines which allow the white walls to shine forth against the backdrop of the deep blue sky. The spa is a water and teak paradise with essential oils derived from the island flora. The chic swimming pool provides large white parasols to ensure your deck chair is in the shade. In your room, a Jacuzzi and views of the olive tree orchards and the Bay of Pollença. Some hotels are so comfortable and inviting that you don’t feel inclined to venture out unless it is to head for the stunning beaches or a superb golf course…
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.
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.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
Just minutes from the city’s shopping hotspots, right next to Serrano Street, Ramon Freixa Madrid |has a peaceful inner garden courtyard, perfect for alfresco dining and outdoor aperitifs|. Spanish-born Grand Chef Ramon Freixa is one of the leading lights in Mediterranean cuisine. His food takes Mediterranean flavours to new levels thanks to his inventive touches, daring and humour. Dishes include creamy codfish and parsley omelette paired with disappearing potatoes and squid; tuna belly cooked “à la minute” with tuna soup with apples, and turnip stew with wasabi, rabbit, and fennel minestrone. The restaurant itself is modern without being minimalist, it is spacious and appointed with wide tables and comfortable chairs, and there is a focus on personalised service and attention.
In the Basque Country’s Urdabai Reserve, a landscape characterised by lush green and narrow valleys merging into estuaries, Arteaga Castle rises dramatically, with its neo-gothic tower made of limestone stone and marble from Ereño. The original tower dates back to the 13th century, however the current structure was built in 1856 when Napoleon III and his wife Eugenia de Montijo restored the tower because their son was proclaimed an honorary citizen of Biscay. In 2000, Garbiñe Azkuenaga acquired the castle, with its |unique combination of history and natural surroundings|, and spent three years transforming it into a stunning hotel, masterfully combining period features with modern elements. Spend the days exploring the surrounding reserve, taking in the sheer cliffs, coastal landscapes, rivers, marshes and meadows. In the evening, savour a superb meal at the castle’s restaurant or enjoy a wine tasting in the well-stocked cellar.
The stunning facade of this hotel in Barcelona’s romantic Gothic quarter faces Plaza Sant Felip Neri, with its fountain and the church where Gaudi prayed every day. Two buildings, |a 12th century medieval palace and a stone house dating from the 18th century, were joined together to make this marvellous hotel|, which combines echoes of history with contemporary style. The tranquil rooftop terrace, with its panoramic views and the scent of jasmine flowers, is the perfect place from which to contemplate the mystical city; basking in the Mediterranean warmth over breakfast or admiring the sunset whilst enjoying an aperitif. In the intimate restaurant, Benito Iranzo serves creative Mediterranean cuisine using seasonal produce, herbs and fresh fish and there is outdoor seating in the atmospheric square. Lovers of fine wine will be delighted by the wine list, which features the finest local cava.
