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.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Only 270 km from Cape Town, this natural haven of tranquility allows one to surrender one’s senses, while reconnecting with nature. This retreat is recognised for its splendid accommodation and facilities, world-class service, exceptional spa treatments, authentic South African cuisine and generous hospitality. With one hundred thirty ancient bushman paintings dating from ten thousands years ago, and abundant flora and fauna, this malaria and predator-free wilderness sanctuary is a magical playground in which to interact with nature. Activities include hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, archery, meditation, picnics, nature drives, and swimming in rock pools.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a villageView details
This vibrant, luxurious retreat in the centre of Franschhoek is superbly furnished, with oversized beds, understated quirkiness and lots of warmth, with a dollop of romantic charm that is unmatched in the region. There is an in-house private cinema and a variety of extraordinary experiences with an African influence to select from. Choose from innovative culinary experiences, wandering round the contemporary art gallery, an indigenous and unusual herb and sculpture garden as well as other sensational, tailor-made adventures. In the restaurant, Grand Chef Margot Janse and her team serve African-inspired dinners in the award-winning Tasting Room. Here they create acclaimed, cutting-edge cuisine using rare indigenous ingredients.
Hotel and restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in townView details
“Cape Town’s heritage: beautifully preserved buildings, gardens and local culinary experiences in South Africa’s oldest, most famous city and wine region”
Located in Cape Town’s historical Constantia Valley, on the breathtaking slopes of Table Mountain, all the rooms and suites of The Cellars-Hohenort boast panoramic views of the impressive mountain and the beautiful grounds. Set in nearly 9.5 acres of world renowned gardens, this historic and beautiful country escape in the city offers guests far more than just incomparable scenery. A fifteen minute drive will take you to the centre of Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest city, famous for its natural beauty, cuisine and wine. Back at the hotel there are three award-winning dining experiences, including The Greenhouse, where cuisine focuses on regional flavours with modern interpretations. All of this is the result of owner Liz McGrath’s more than twenty years of hard work, love and endless inspiration.
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and situated in the heart of one of the most exclusive suburbs, Bantry Bay, this elegant mansion is just ten minutes away from the V&A Waterfront and walking distance to Clifton and Camps Bay beaches. Whether you choose the opulent atmosphere of Ellerman House or the modern art gallery style of its annex, Ellerman Villa, you too will fall under the spell of this address that combines all the pleasures of Cape Town. Enjoy the gourmet cuisine, tasting fine vintage wines and surveying the impressive private art collection, plus a view of the Atlantic that is quite simply spectacular.
The Marine is one of the southern hemisphere's most spectacular seaside Relais & Châteaux properties. Perched on the cliffs, overlooking Hermanus' Walker Bay, The Marine boasts 42 individually decorated bedrooms and suites. This unforgettable property overlooks South Africa's most pristine whale sanctuary, and it is just a stone's throw from one of the greatest densities of the endangered Great White Shark, and selection of fynbos species in the Cape. The Marine offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. From June to September guests are able to view these majestic creatures from the comfort of their beautiful sea view room. The attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of this remarkable owner managed property - from the personal service to the exceptional cuisine which is overseen by The Collection by Liz McGrath's Grand Chef, Peter Tempelhoff, the perfect-for-sundowners Sun Lounge and the in-house Carchele Beauty Spa. Each piece of The Marine story adds another element to an unforgettable stay.
The Plettenberg, situated on a rocky headland in Africa’s most spectacular coastal resort town, is the ultimate escape. The rooms, suites and villas showcase some of the most breathtaking vistas in Southern Africa. With views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden beach, The Plettenberg is situated in the heart of the adventure-rich Garden Route. This region is world-renowned for its excellent selection of outdoor activities, from dolphin and whale sightings to bungee jumping, treetop canopy tours and other exhilarating pursuits. The Plettenberg is the ideal place to both relax and unwind, or recharge and reinvigorate, through a series of sensational endeavours. The charming service, superb cuisine and the setting of this hotel combine to create the ultimate story, one of a South African seaside property unlike any other.
Ambassador to the finer things in life, Kurland is the ideal family and couples retreat close to Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route. Situated in the foothills of the Western Cape Mountains within a vast and beautiful estate, this family-run hotel offers splendid rooms in manicured garden settings, within a pristine seven hundred hectare polo estate. Glorious vistas are enjoyed from all rooms, which overlook the Tsitsikamma Mountains, paddocks, pool and gardens. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it the ideal year round destination. Kurland is within reach of secluded beaches and a great variety of activities, is full of character, has fine cuisine and staff that know the true meaning of the word “hospitality”.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Experience the adventure and romantic mystique of authentic African safaris of centuries-past at Gorah Elephant Camp, a luxurious tented camp in the heart of Addo Elephant National Park and a Hunter Hotels property. This is an incomparable wilderness teeming with game, boasting Africa’s Big Five, the densest population of elephants on earth and the first ever private concession in a National Park in South Africa. After exhilarating game viewing, enjoy sundowners on the old-fashioned verandah overlooking the waterhole, before savouring gourmet cuisine in the elegant colonial candle-lit dining room of Gorah House.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
A vast wilderness flanking the banks of the Great Fish River in South Africa's Eastern Cape region, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife including the Big Five, as well as cheetah, hippo, springbok and giraffe. The soul-stirring beauty of the landscape lends its charm to all four of its modern, yet intimate lodges. The reserve is a delight to travellers young and old and provides superb game and bird viewing as well as providing habitat for protected species such as the Black Rhino and Blue Crane. After a day out on a safari vehicle or boat cruise, enjoy an in-suite massage or refreshing cocktail. Visit Kwandwe’s community centre to see first-hand how responsible tourism is enriching the lives of everyone touched by Kwandwe.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
This Private Game Reserve, endorsed by Nelson Mandela is situated in the heart of the Sabi Sand game reserve. It is everything Africa ought to be – pulsing with the deep rhythm of the untamed Bushveld. The Reserve has been family run for eighty-six years where the fourth generation of the Varty Family welcomes you to this lodge situated in perfect harmony with the environment. It consists of three camps – Tree, Pioneer and The Private Granite Suites on the banks of the Sand River. The style is elegant and chic with the class of history. The cuisine highlights fresh, local ingredients and is served with flair surrounded by nature.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Deep in the heart of the private reserve, this camp is named after the first baby elephant which was abandoned and brought to the owners for rehabilitation. He was subsequently adopted, along with another twelve elephants from Zimbabwe. This lodge is also a sanctuary for endangered species and a marvelous refuge for travellers in search of an authentic experience. The deluxe suites and the presidential Zindoga Villa open onto their own private terrace and outdoor pool overlooking the dry riverbed. Go on safari on the back of an elephant to spot the Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and elephants –, explore the bush on foot or safari vehicle. Experience unforgettably unique moments, enhanced by attentive service and sophisticated cuisine.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Tswalu Kalahari, owned by the Oppenheimer family, is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, a spectacular wilderness in the heart of the Southern Kalahari where natural beauty and authentic hospitality reign supreme. Here, in the splendour and beauty of this magnificent malaria free a hundred thousand hectares private reserve, guests have their own private vehicle to discover the elusive desert black rhino, the magnificence of black maned Kalahari lions, or go in search of other rare and endangered species. Take a horseback safari, explore unique archaeological sites, sleep out under Africa’s biggest skies. Then indulge in more modern pleasures, as Tswalu offers well-being treatments and exquisite cuisine. Tswalu means “new beginning” and you can find yours here. This game reserve offers maximum flexibility and guests have a dedicated team of field guides and butlers to help choose how to best spend the day.
Hotel and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Your suite raised on stilts overlooks the stunning scenery of Kruger National Park and its extraordinary variety of wildlife. Located on the border with Mozambique, this part of South Africa is one of the most blessed in terms of biodiversity. A pane of glass is the only thing between the foot of your bed and the wild so that you fall asleep looking at the stars and listening to the roar of the lions… in total safety! These beautifully elegant lodges offer something that you won’t find anywhere else: complete immersion in one of the planet’s most pure and wild demonstrations of the beauty of nature. A sensational experience is guaranteed.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Welcome to Singita Ebony Lodges, situated in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, one of the most reputed and beautiful in South Africa. Singita offers two superb lodges: the colonial-style Ebony and the Boulders, a contemporary model of African elegance. Each lodge has 12 suites, all with their own swimming pool. Guests delight in the abundant wildlife and the exceptional cuisine. By day or by night you can set off on the trail of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos. After your safari, take the time to unwind in the spa where you can experience African massages with hot stones and body wraps.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Experience the magnificent spectacle and emotional experience of being immersed in the luxuriant vegetation and miraculous environment surrounding the lodge.–. From the terrace of your suite, elevated on stilts, you commune with the lush green forest and animals in the wild. This lodge, in the heart of Kruger Park on the banks of Sweni River, is a diamond in the rough, a true gem with an authentic soul. It is ultra-sophisticated and boasts a contemporary designer décor with attention given to every detail. It is built of wood and glass throughout and carefully designed to pay tribute to an indigenous Africa, one that is truly exceptional. The pool, the spa treatments and the sports facilities offer an open invitation to rest and relax in the open air and to take-in all the natural beauty. All this to do before setting off on safari into the spectacular landscape.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
Singita Boulders Lodge offers you luxuriant nature on the doorstep of the Sabi Sand wildlife reserve, which is one of the finest in all of South Africa. Its twelve sumptuous, authentic and refined suites offer stunning views of the banks of the river Sand. Each boasts its own pool and private terrace, guaranteeing you total harmony with nature. You can set off to track leopards, lions and elephants by night or by day. And when you get back from your safari, you will find a delicious meal waiting for you to enjoy in the shade of centuries-old trees. Then you might want to take some time out to recharge your batteries at the spa, and pamper yourself with traditional African treatments and hot stone massages.
Perched on the slopes of the magnificent Stellenbosch mountains and surrounded by sweeping views across the estate’s vineyards, this prime location provides a sense of escape and privacy. Each sumptuously decorated lodge, with their own private decks and heated plunge pools, invite complete relaxation. Discreet décor, skilfully blending indigenous influences and contemporary design, is complemented by a number of works by South African artists. Here, guests delight in heartfelt hospitality and taste exceptional cuisine at a choice of the two restaurants and hand-crafted estate wines. The spa offers an exclusive range of sophisticated treatments by Swiss Perfection and Aromatherapy Associates. Enjoy evening canapés whilst watching the sun set over Table Mountain or languish in the lodge’s private cinema. Time spent here is all about relaxing and indulging.
Lodge and restaurant in a game reserveView details
The property, tucked away in the heart of the Madikwe reserve and, one of the largest reserves in South Africa, is named after the lofty trees which lend it their shade. Three superb villas accommodate families and groups of friends who want to share some special time together, far from everything and be able to do as they please, on an exclusive-use basis. Fishing, bird or animal watching, walking or simply relaxing beside the pool which overflows into the vegetation – people are free to spend their days as they like, enjoying activities dreamt up just for them, and for all ages. The stone and timber villas are superbly decorated, and open out onto immaculately preserved luxuriant nature: the perfect place if you want to observe wildlife and the numerous “Big Five” animals on the reserve.
