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.
Relais & Châteaux continues its development in Asia-Pacific and launches its first international Guide in Chinese.
After the launch of the Relais & Châteaux website in Chinese - www.relaischateaux.cn - in May 2009, the Association continues its development in Asia -Pacific and presents its first Guide in Mandarin.
With a print-run of 780,000 copies in five languages (English, French, German, Italian and Spanish) in 60 countries, the Guide is now completed by a Chinese version, published in 20,000 copies. These will be available in the properties of that country, at travel agents and partners of the edition.
For Jaume Tàpies, Chairman of the Board of Relais & Châteaux “The Chinese market is a growth market undergoing massive changes. The taste for travelling and fine-dining is evolving. Asian travellers are looking for unique places where authenticity is essential and they do so not only in Shanghai or Beijing, but in all the cities throughout China.”
Relais & Châteaux bets on the Chinese potential. Amongst the 10 countries with the highest tourism spending, China has moved to the third rank in 2010.
Moreover, national or “domestic” tourism is a major phenomenon in China. For this reason the presence of Relais & Châteaux members in China is increasing. Relais & Châteaux now has 6 members in China and a total of 51 in Asia.
In addition, Relais & Châteaux will open a new sales office for the Asia-Pacific region in Singapore in October. This office will co-ordinate all the promotion activities in the region.
Meet our members in China:
Pousada de São Tiago - China, Macau
Hotel and restaurant on a river Originally a fortress built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century to defend Macau against hostile European nations and local pirates, the Fortaleza da Barra was transformed into an enchanting Portuguese hotel known today as Pousada de São Tiago. The hotel, overlooking the Inner Harbour of Macau and the Pearl River Delta, is one of Macau’s most charming and exclusive historical landmarks. It is also the only hotel in China with a chapel built in the 17th century. The Spanish restaurant La Paloma presents an exquisite selection of specialties of authentic Spanish cuisine and is the perfect venue for intimate and romantic dinners. The picturesque Pousada de São Tiago and the Chapel of St. James are the ideal places to celebrate special occasions and weddings. ...Read more
Villa 32 - Taiwan, Beitou
Hotel and restaurant in town It has been over one hundred years since the first hot springs hotel opened in Taiwan, and it became a destination thanks to the healing properties of the water. Villa 32 builds on this tradition of well-being and enhances it further by drawing on the delights of nature that surround it. Located in Beitou, tucked away between impressive mountains in a geothermal valley, this spacious villa has only five guest rooms – each with its own natural hot springs tub. Guests are welcomed into a private atmosphere in the midst of lush vegetation covered in mist from the hot springs. The late owner Ming-Hong Chiu has succeeded in crafting a delicate and relaxing atmosphere by artfully combining the surrounding natural elements of water, wood, trees and stone into the décor. ...Read more
Jing’s Residence - China, Ping Yao
Hotel and restaurant in town Located in a renovated 260 year-old mansion of a silk merchant from the Qing dynasty, Jing’s Residence consists of a series of pavillions set around courtyards, in the authentic architectural style of northern China. Its unique setting in the heart of the fortified town of Ping Yao, a Unesco World Heritage site, makes it the ideal place to explore the culture and traditions of Shanxi province. In its rooms evocative of the past, its modern, subtly integrated facilities allow you to enjoy the unspoilt charm of the original décor. Listen to traditional music, sample local cuisine, and soak up the remarkable history of this fascinating place. ...Read more
Le Sun Chine - China, Shanghai
Hotel and restaurant in town Travel back in time to the heyday of Shanghai in the 1930s at Le Sun Chine, one of the few remaining historic dwellings from Shanghai’s French concession area. Listen to the gentle hum of ceiling fans and admire the period architecture with its columned balconies, antique furniture, embroidered hangings and high ceilings. Once the home of Shanghai’s famous Sun family, and listed as a historic site by the local government, the building has been lovingly restored. Each of the 1,200 furniture pieces were designed and crafted specifically for the hotel and the owner personally collected many of the antiques and books that line the shelves. The terraces, pool and exotic garden round off this living testimony to the turbulent history of the concessions in a truly unique atmosphere. ...Read more
Family Li Imperial Cuisine - China, Shanghai
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town The Family Li restaurant is heir to the prestigious imperial cuisine. Under the direction of Grand Chef Ivan Li, the family is proud to use only natural ingredients and flavours, and have upheld the cooking traditions of the Empress Cixi, of the late Qing dynasty. There are no modern cooking appliances in the kitchen and the recipes and techniques remain faithful to ancient practices. To secure a table in one of the nine private dining rooms, eight of which are designed in Chinese style, one in Western style, you have to book at least 24 hours in advance, as the preparation of each dish takes a great deal of time. There are two set menus to choose from for lunch and four for dinner. ...Read more
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in town
