5 Relais & Châteaux winners at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
Readers of the US magazine Travel + Leisure have rewarded the unique character of Relais & Châteaux; 5 Relais & Châteaux members are amongst the winners of the World’s Best Awards 2009, based on rankings by the travellers themselves. An international selection that encourages holidaymakers to embark on the Routes du Bonheur…
Best Hotel in the World
South Africa
The Relais & Châteaux property Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat has been voted the Best Hotel in the World. Guests at this magnificent lodge in a game reserve have an opportunity to visit 130 rock paintings by bushmen dating back more than 10,000 years. A memorable stay in an oasis offering every possible urban comfort.
Best Hotels in the Region
Europe
Italy - Il San Pietro di Positano was voted the best hotel in the “Resorts” category in Europe and 47th in the world. Its private beach accessible by a lift hewn out of the rock and its exceptional views of Positano Bay are quite simply exceptional.
France – Domaines des Hauts de Loire was voted the best hotel in the “Inns” category in Europe. On the Route of Wines, in the Loir-et-Cher, this hunting lodge built in 1860, offers the most sophisticated of “classic-modern” cuisine.
Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
New Zealand - The readers of Travel + Leisure voted Kauri Cliffs the best hotel in the “Lodges + Resorts” category in the region. This Relais & Châteaux property overlooking the sea offers a unique iodine and oxygen cure.
USA and Canada
Canada – The Inn at Manitou in Canada was voted the best hotel in the “Inns” category in the USA and Canada. This Relais & Châteaux on the shores of Lake Manitouwabing north of Toronto is the ideal destination to relax with its tennis and golf activities and a luxury spa.
For Jaume Tàpies, International President of Relais & Châteaux, “These awards for Relais & Châteaux properties confirm the trend: far more than a stay in an ordinary hotel, the appealing feature here is the ultimate experience offered by an attractive living environment. Privileged moments to be enjoyed in each and every Relais & Châteaux.”
To discover the properties singled out at the World’s Best Awards 2009 by Travel + Leisure, visit the Relais & Châteaux website.

- 5 Relais & Châteaux winners at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards
About Relais & Châteaux:
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.
Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.
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.
The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition:
“ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD”.
About the World’s Best Awards de Travel + Leisure
These awards are presented to the best hotels, towns, airlines... voted by travellers.
Between January and March 2009, they evaluated a selection of hotels on the basis of the following criteria: rooms and amenities, location, service, restaurants and food, values, business and leisure.
To find out more, visit: www.travelandleisure.com/awards