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.
This exquisite XVIth century colonial manor is one of the first Spanish buildings in Cusco and is located just steps away from the picturesque main square. This exclusive boutique hotel was once occupied by the Conquistadors of Peru and has been carefully restored to retain its historical heritage and décor. With 11 suites around a Spanish courtyard, the manor offers sober elegance without sacrificing authenticity. Inkaterra La Casona is the perfect place to explore the Incan Capital.
Perched on a hillside, less than three hours from Quito, you will find the hidden secret of Ecuador: a hotel mixed with the native flavor of the Andes. Each room, with fireplace and sitting area, has a beautiful view of the mountains and gardens. This former hacienda is a paradise of plant life filled with a thousand fragrances from its bougainvilleas, hibiscus, roses and orchids that you will also find in freshly cut bouquets in your room. The sumptuous Spa offers many treatments, including the healing powers of a female shaman. La Mirage is distinctive for its elegant fusion of traditions, cuisines, decor and services from Ecuador and further afield.
It was in Porto Seguro that the first Portuguese colonists arrived in 1500 and it was here that the slaves created the martial art dance of Capoeira. And it is here that you will discover some of the most stunning beaches on the South American continent… Facing one of them is this little village of spacious rooms - a condensation of the vibrant colours of Brazil - where the only dilemmas facing you are “hammock or lounge chair?”, “turquoise pool or emerald sea?”, “golf or scuba diving?”, “spa or a stroll in the tropical garden?”… And when you have finally made a decision, another inevitable question arises: “Caipirinha or Caipiroska?”
On a stretch of the Brazilian coastline,you will find a series of bungalows nestled amongst tropical nature. From the large veranda of your room, as you swing gently in a hammock or relax in an outdoor Jacuzzi, you will enjoy stunning views of the emerald sea. The private beach is just below, and on a little island linked to the peninsula by a long wooden bridge, you can have the most romantic dinner ever in a gazebo. Discover the a la carte menu, which changes every day, at your leisure, and taste the world famous Santa Catarina oysters with a drizzle of lime juice, accompanied by the very best South American wines.
This old colonial fazenda in the heart of the historic part of Rio, the Santa Teresa welcomes you in an atmosphere combining authenticity with “tropical chic” design. From the green-tiled pool or the tropical gardens of the Santa Teresa, discover the exceptional panorama views of the Bay of Rio. The unique décor of your room features jacaranda, cinnamon or Ipe wood, natural fibres and golden slate. The Spa Natura invites you relax to the rhythm of the Xingu massages and essential Amazonian oil baths. The young Chef, voted by the Rio press “Chef – Revelation of 2010”, reinterprets the cuisines of the world –from Africa to Brazil, from Chile to Morocco whilst highlighting the Mediterranean and the South-West of France.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux on the seafrontView details
In the heart of the most exclusive seaside resort in Uruguay, between pine forests and fine sandy beaches, the chef Jean-Paul Bondoux has recreated a piece of his native Burgundy. His “touch”: authentic French cuisine enhanced by products from his own farm. “My cuisine is close to the land. I love thyme, bay leaves, sage, rosemary, garlic, onions, tomatoes… everything that comes from the earth”. His “courgettes flowers stuffed with chicken and virgin olive oil” or his “rack of roast lamb in garden herbs” create delicious moments of pleasure and freshness. In the boutique next to the restaurant, tribute is paid to the terroir of France with brioches, croissants and cheeses that you won’t find anywhere else in Uruguay.
Nestling in a unique landscape, across from the coastal Cordillera covered in lush green vegetation, the Lapostolle Residence is located on the site where the Clos Apalta wines are produced: these 100% organic wines are one of the flagships of Chilean winemaking. The cellar that is carved out of the hill testifies to outstanding architecture and technical installations. The four suites, whose decor is inspired by the four grape varieties of Clos Apalta, offer a serene and intimate ambience in unspoilt nature. The cuisine showcases the flavours of Chile and uses vegetables and herbs from the organic garden that guests may pick themselves.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
Situated in one of the chicest parts of the Argentine capital, this contemporary restaurant boasting minimalist lines has become an absolute must for gourmets. “Portenos” - the inhabitants of Buenos Aires - and expatriates flock there to savour elegantly classical French cuisine reflected in the “noisette of venison and mousseline of vanilla flavoured sweet potatoes”, “pheasant cooked two ways with Beaumes-de-Venise muscat” and “mini” mounted layers of whole strawberries… All of this washed down with the greatest wines from Argentina and Burgundy - the chef’s native region.
At the heart of the Argentinean pampas, Stéphanie and Raoul Fenestraz welcome you to a hacienda that plunges you into the heart of the superb scenery and life on a traditional farm with the Cordoba mountains as a background. Pale wood parquet flooring and big white vaulted ceilings are the hallmarks of the spacious, elegant and luminous suites and rooms . Your time can be shared among treks on horseback, games of polo, turtledove hunting, spa, yoga, and the pleasures of the table. Beef, mutton, eggs, milk, fruit, herbs and home-grown vegetables are just some of the ingredients for unforgettable barbecues and feasts of fresh produce.
Patagonia is the last inhabitable land before the South Pole and continues to fascinate all of those who come here... And Las Balsas is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to stay in this far flung part of the world at the tip of the South American continent. This romantic hotel with its blue facades offers a superb view of the magnificent lake and surrounding mountains. To enjoy you time here, you can go for a romantic boat ride, venture out canoeing or on horseback or even just relax being pampered in the soothing and revitalizing spa. And to complete your day, delight your palate with our first class restaurant’s sophisticated menu of local flavours.
Of all the Wine Routes in the world, the one that runs through Mendoza is one of the most charming, due to the beauty of the landscape and the quality and variety of the vineyards. At the foot of the Andes, in an estate spreading over 14 hectares, Cecilia Diaz Chuit and Martin Rigal have created a splendid hotel built in a Spanish colonial style and devoted to the joys of wine. In the rooms, the spa and the Arabian feel of the patios, the burgundy coloured cushions, paintings and pottery are a constant reminder of what the place is all about. Regardless of the season, the wine country of Mendoza offers a myriad of activities and attractions that beckon you to explore the region famed for sunny skies and nature’s blessings. Let yourself be tempted by visits to the local wineries or stroll through the historic Mendoza.
At the foot of the Andes, in the spellbinding town of Salta (“beauty” in Quechua), the elegant House of Jasmines cultivates the art of receiving. On the 100-hectare grounds, guests can listen to nature quietly breathing under the 100-year-old trees. Travellers enter an intimate world. There are 14 rooms spread over 3 buildings and a new restaurant “La Table de House of Jasmines” with its large open fireplace, old earthen oven where guests can watch meat grilling and enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes… The simple, tasty cuisine showcases fresh produce from the garden. The 300 m² spa comes with a promise of rare relaxation and fulfilment.
Eolo is a unique place that embodies the spirit of Patagonia, its indigenous roots, the personal experiences of the first European and Criollo settlers and those of the adventurers from across the world who still head for this legendary land even today. This lodge is situated 30 minutes from El Calafate, on the route to the Perito Moreno glacier, on an estate that stretches over 4,000 hectares in the incredible Patagonian steppe. Here, in the valley of La Anita, nothing will disturb your stay… Set off and explore resolutely unspoilt nature, relax in the indoor pool and savour delicious cuisine whilst taking in the incredible views of Lake Argentino, the desert steppe and the Andes mountains..
There’s nowhere else on earth quite like Awasi, |set amid Chile’s legendary Atacama arid landscape with eternal blue skies, sprawling desert and natural wonders including the Licancabur volcano, magnificent sparkling white Salar de Atacama salt flat, and world famous El Tatio geysers.| The hotel is located in the oasis village of San Pedro de Atacama, itself a historic landmark widely considered to be the archeological capital of Chile. Awasi is a small and quaint hotel built unobtrusively as a series of low lying thatched adobe-rendered villas with a unique concept: to stand out from the rest by providing guests with personalized services and tailor-made experiences. It is the only lodge in South America where one can enjoy private excursions, with an assigned jeep and tour guide.
Algodon Mansion is a jewel in the heart of Buenos Aires’ most beautiful residential neighbourhood, Recoleta, known for its broad tree-lined avenues, fashionable boutiques, restaurants, cafés, galleries, and gorgeous Belle Epoque architecture. The hotel’s 1912 French classical landmark building has been impeccably restored and re-imagined with stylish contemporary elegance. Attended by 24-hour butlers, each of the 10 suites overlooks the shady residential street as well as an exquisite interior light-well and waterfall cascading into to the lobby. Rooms are exceptionally spacious and offer superior amenities and comfort. |The restaurant reinterprets traditional regional dishes, taking Argentine gastronomy to a new level. Wines and fresh farm products are sourced from the hotel’s sister property in Mendoza’s wine country|. On the rooftop, teak decking and loungers surround a swimming pool, perfect for summertime tanning, with a small bar for afternoon cocktails.
