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.
Designed in authentic Polynesian style, Le Taha’a is situated on a beautiful islet, a five minute boat ride away from Taha’a island, famous for its lush vanilla plantations and its black pearl farms. Idyllic, intimate and wonderfully preserved, this retreat is in the heart of a natural setting of fascinating beauty, where an enchanting vanilla fragrance fills the air. The lagoon has crystal-clear waters and splendid colours and there is an exceptional coral garden.
Situated in the heart of Australia’s famous wine region, Tower Lodge provides ten spacious rooms and two suites with elegant interiors that complement the picturesque surroundings of the Hunter Valley. Sleep in the three-hundred-year-old hand-carved Rajisthani bed, dine underneath the stars or explore the vineyard. The food is delightful: the signature nine course degustation menu served in Restaurant Nine is paired with wines from the cellar three metres underground.
An iconic destination for Sydney vacationers, Jonah’s overlooks fabulous “Whale Beach”, one of the most beautiful ocean stretches in Australia. Jonah’s is perched on the cliffs between the Pacific Ocean and Pittwater; it is an oasis of tranquillity and luxury with its spacious rooms and a private residence with balconies and Jacuzzis. Boasting 180-degree panoramic views of the ocean, Jonah’s is renowed for its contemporary cuisine. With the emphasis on finesse and freshness, the chef invites you to savour simple yet inventive cuisine, showcasing the best of Australian produce and seafood. To accompany this, a simply divine wine list of more than 1000 stunning wines. Guests staying during July, August and September will delight in seeing the magnificent Humpback Whale migration. Jonah’s… stunning, breathtaking, brilliant.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
In contrast to its bustling central location, Grand Chef Tetsuya Wakuda’s serene, Japanese-inspired building and exquisite gardens work in harmony with the perfectly balanced dishes on his celebrated degustation menu. From a delicate sashimi of kingfish with black bean and orange to a chocolate pave with cinnamon twigs, Tetsuya is inspired by flavours of Japan, French techniques, and an abundance of extraordinary Australian produce. Tetsuya’s signature dish is confit of Petuna Ocean trout with konbu, celery and apple. Consistently cited as one of the greatest chefs of his time, Tetsuya has created a world-renowned restaurant.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
It is in Melbourne that Grand Chef Jacques Reymond put down his suitcases and set up his stove. The French chef has been able to demonstrate his own personal style. Reymond’s cuisine is contemporary, creative and multi-faceted, much like Australia itself. Reymond is a visionary soul who married French flavours with Asian influences even before fusion food became fashionable. The nine course degustation menu takes you through a tasting sensation from a contrast of ocean trout, slow cooked and smoked Flinders Islands Wallaby to Highland Venison tataki. The wine cellar is just as exceptional as the Victorian manor, in perfect harmony with the creations of this chef who is passionate about his art.
Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offers spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and overlooks a championship golf course. The beautiful panoramic view encompasses Cape Brett, and the Cavalli Islands. This splendid plantation lodge has a spacious living room, two private day rooms and a beautiful dining room with outdoor decks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent spa facility is nestled in a native Totara forest, while the cottages are nestled on the edge of the forest overlooking the ocean and golf course and have been designed to offer the same stunning 180 degree vista as the main lodge from the private room verandas.
Situated on the secluded northern-most tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is owned by Bob Oatley, a winemaker and award-winning sailing enthusiast who is passionate about showcasing his country’s superb natural beauty. Among the eucalyptus trees, individually designed pavilions look out on the expansive sea and the landscaped Australian bushland. qualia’s activities team is on hand to organise catamaran tours, sailing lessons, sunset cruises, snorkeling trips and private charters to the breathtakingly beautiful Whitehaven Beach and the legendary Great Barrier Reef. Back at qualia, the blissful spa offers hot stone “Bularri Yarrul” massages. In the romantic restaurant eyes are drawn to the Coral Sea outside, where the island-dotted horizon is mirrored in the infinity pool edging the length of the room. The restaurant specializes in imaginatively presented modern Australian cuisine, featuring superb local organic produce and complemented by Bob Oatley’s wine from the extensive cellar.
At the heart of a 19th century Victorian estate, Otahuna Lodge seamlessly knits past and present together: period woodwork, stained glass windows and fifteen working fireplaces combine with a host of modern comforts and a rich collection of contemporary New Zealand art. Outside, Otahuna, which is Maori for little hill among the hills, has striking views over the Canterbury Plains and the Banks Peninsula. The song of native bellbirds invites guests to discover hidden glades, ponds and more than 120 different kinds of organic fruits, vegetables, nuts and mushrooms in the historic gardens.
Lake Wanaka is an ecological sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s best-preserved sites. On its banks stands this modern retreat with glass architecture that ensures it blends discreetly into the landscape. Go salmon or trout fishing, lakeside walks, horse riding, relax in the hot tub or have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It is also possible to take a short helicopter ride to the nearby mountains and utilise Whare Kea’s private chalet. Experience absolute privacy at this mountain chalet on the edge of Mt Aspiring National Park.
On splendid, mysterious Lake Wakatipu, the cradle of ancient Maori legends and one of the most serene landscapes in the world, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views of the mountain ranges. Each of the beautiful suites has a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, a walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. Eight of them are outlying, the three other are housed in the main lodge, which also boasts a spacious lounge, dining and living areas with views of the lake. A magnificent spa with pool, sauna and fitness centre all combine to make this the ideal retreat, just seven minutes from Queenstown.
It is just a short crossing from the main Fiji Island to Dolphin Island, a tiny private island with lush green vegetation surrounded by the crystalline waters of the South Pacific. Three terraced pavilions, tucked away amongst the palm trees, form a harmonious ensemble in the shade of their palm-thatched roofs. The pool with the ocean as a backdrop, the colonial-style lounge and the cool rooms open to nature, all invite you to enjoy the rare feeling that you are in harmony with the world. A thatched pavilion on a promontory at the end of the island offers a romantic hideaway for a night spent under the stars. The meals are prepared by the Fijian Maîtresse de Maison who serves the catch of the day, along with local specialities and an abundance of tropical fruits.
Saffire stands proudly on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, a protected national park, where migrating whales and dolphins come to play; local farms produce succulent oysters and fishing boats bring in their daily catch of rock lobster, scallops and deep sea fish. Every window has a view of the pink-hued granite of the Hazards Mountains, providing a spectacular backdrop from morning until nightfall. Saffire’s design has been conceived to connect with its environment and provide a seamless experience between in- and outdoors. The approach to hospitality is bespoke, dedicated to providing memorable service; indulgent dining options; inspiring accommodation spaces and an overall sense of well-being. Experiences range from cookery classes, remote island adventure cruises, quad bike excursions, oyster farm exploration, and canoeing through local Pelican reserves. A world-class culinary team, several dining areas, an incredible cellar, the Saffire library, and a wellness-center complete the embracing warmth of this extraordinary sanctuary.
Leave the real world behind at Huka Lodge, a place of unrivalled beauty on the banks of the Waikato River with its hypnotic turquoise green waters, located just upstream from the mighty Huka Falls. This part of the world enjoys a gentle climate, a leisurely pace and a spectacular landscape of snow-capped volcanic mountain peaks, wild tussock, lush wilderness and clear blue lakes and streams. Founded in the 1920s, Huka Lodge has become one of New Zealand’s most iconic retreats. Comfort, ambience, gourmet cuisine, fine wine and attentive service all ensure extraordinary hospitality. On its approximately seven hectares of manicured grounds, guest rooms provide secluded accommodation. Guests can choose from an array of activities, including the “Huka Experience”, a scenic helicopter flight over the magnificent Kaimanawa Ranges, the Unesco World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park and a scenic boat cruise on New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo.
This lodge is a golfer’s paradise but it also has a whole lot more to offer. The golf course meandering along the top of the green cliffs is just one of the many reasons to stay at this lodge with its modern and inviting interior design. Nestled in a great wine region, the lodge is an ideal base from which to discover the surrounding estates and find out more about the country’s wines. Outside, lucky visitors may have the moving experience of getting up close and personal with the endangered Kiwi bird. Rafting and fishing in the rushing torrents, galloping along the immense beaches on horseback, relaxing in the spa, and embarking on helicopter and hot air balloon rides are just some of the many pleasurable ways to spend the days here.
