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.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel on a riverView details
This former house of the fishermen’s guild has been standing on the banks of the gently-flowing Rhine for almost four centuries. Jana Zwesper and Grand Chef André Jaeger have given their hotel a modern interior without compromising any of its charm or intimacy. A stay here appeals to all the senses, particularly time spent on the fragrant, flower-filled terrace. The modern, light cuisine with an Asian influence is delightful and rooms feature zen-inspired lines. Boat excursions, golf and other outdoor activities are a wonderful way to see this region that has so much to offer.
Escape to a small paradise on the banks of Lake Lucerne, surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. At Park Weggis, guests enjoy a complete wellness experience and excellent hospitality. Watch stress levels dissipate as a new sense of calm and tranquility settles in at the hotel’s spa. In the middle of the Japanese garden with ancient Bonsai trees, six exotic wood and natural stone cottages have been designed as individual private spas where guests can enjoy different types of baths, saunas and treatments. Gourmets will have a treat choosing from the three restaurants and several bars, including a caviar bar, beach bar, and wine bar with an exceptional cellar.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
At Lampart’s guests can combine wellness of the soul with the pleasures of the palate. Grand Chef Reto Lampart and his wife Anni invite diners to savour culinary delights and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere at this restaurant, formerly a depot dating back to 1836, elegantly transformed into an English country house-style space. Dive into a world of Mediterranean tastes and experience a cuisine truly in harmony with the seasons. Dishes are a celebration of colour and aromas, artfully presented. Live in the moment while enjoying a spectacular meal in the delightful garden or the elegant restaurant. The spacious lounge is perfect for a cocktail or a nightcap as the finale to an excellent dinner.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in the countryView details
This Mecca of fine dining, in the heart of the Franches Montagnes in the Swiss Jura, just a few kilometres from the watch-making town of La Chaux-de-Fonds, a Unesco World Heritage site, is the epitome of relaxed elegance. Everything here simply exudes authenticity. Grand Chef Georges Wenger serves a seasonal cuisine that is light, creative and full of flavour. A cuisine based on ingredients, pairings and contrasts, which constantly seeks to invent anew its rich local heritage. Morels, asparagus, trout, rhubarb, game, truffles and wild berries have pride of place on his table. Georges Wenger is also a true wine enthusiast: he has built up an outstanding cellar with more than 1,000 wines, which alone is reason enough for a visit.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
Imagine a candy-cane balanced atop a scoop of vanilla, which is delicately positioned on a disc of chocolate. Gilles Dupont and Thomas Byrne are both the tightrope walkers and choreographers of gastronomy. Their cuisine is characterised by superimpositions and refined lines, as harmonious as those of Lake Geneva, where you can take a stroll before dining within clear view of the Jura. Choose from oven-roasted back of cod, young vegetable pesto and ziti, tapenade tartine, crispy garlic petals, or fillet of Scottish Angus beef. There is no limit to the talent of these artistic Grands Chefs.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a villageView details
Bernard, Ruth, Nathalie, Isabelle, Guy, as soon as guests put their bags down in this family home, they are already on first-name terms with the entire Ravet family, and feel right at home. The Ravets are exceptionally welcoming and have a knack for getting things just right. In the kitchen, Grands Chefs Bernard and Guy Ravet conjure up masterpieces. Isabelle is the pastry fairy. The 16th century winery is classified as a historic monument and, in the boutique, Ruth and Nathalie, renowned sommeliers, select the finest local specialities.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
Carlo Crisci’s cuisine provides endless joy. This Grand Chef’s passion for innovation pushes him to look with unflagging curiosity for everything that could serve his imagination. Wild herbs, exotic spices and molecular gastronomy have all inspired him without ever detracting from his respect for products. He has been at the Cerf for 30 years and never stops innovating, whilst always remaining loyal to the classical basis of his great cuisine. His passion for the arts is reflected in the china specially designed in collaboration with great craftsmen and in his compositions which are a delight both for the eyes and the taste buds.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
Benoît Violier deploys his creative talents in the transformed town hall of Crissier. After the renovation of the kitchen and the two dining rooms, the chef-proprietor can now express his art of refinement of the produce. Benoît Violier has three sources of inspiration for his philosophy: Fredy Girardet, Joël Robuchon and Philippe Rochat. “My objective is to refine the produce through perfect preparation and a corresponding seasoning.” In pursuit of this goal, he has developed a very personal style, marked by the flavours of the region, as for the first “Fillettes” and “Bourgeoises” asparagus from Pertuis, served with a mimosa with imperial Ossetra caviar. The sumptuous Adour salmon is a pure delight you should not miss.
The famous interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has restored the elegance of this majestic 19th century residence on the shores of Lake Geneva. Rochon has created a universe that celebrates the historic past and combines it with subtle contemporary flourishes. The rooms look out on the lake and the Alps, the spa is exceptional and there is an oriental lounge where rare teas can be savoured. The cuisine gives pride of place to fresh produce, featuring fish from the lake and spices from all over the world. This is an inspirational place; Anita Brookner wrote her novel Hôtel du Lac within these very walls.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux in a villageView details
On the heights of Montreux, between the lake and the mountains, Le Pont de Brent has delighted gourmets for several decades. In this inviting village residence, Grand Chef Stéphane Décotterd passionately continues the work of Gérard Rabaey. Witness the art of carving poultry tableside with masterful dexterity and sample inventive cuisine that features the very best of local produce. Dishes such as crayfish vinaigrette from Lake Geneva and the composition of Boltus mushrooms with fresh almonds are accompanied by smooth Swiss wines, including greats from the Lavaux vineyard.
For Toni and Barbara Mittermair, “guests don’t come to the hotel, they come to our home”. This home is beautifully located on the banks of Lake Geneva, with snowy mountain peaks behind. It is a pleasure to sip aperitifs on the terrace, whilst watching the beautiful sunset. This is the very panorama that inspired Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s novel The New Heloise. In the hotel’s restaurant, the chef and his team create simple cuisine inspired by the south of France, such as the rack of Sisteron lamb with herbs accompanied by straw potatoes and ratatouille nicoise.
The Saint-Pierre Cathedral, the Reformation Wall, the fountain, the English garden… The discovery of Geneva’s cultural wonders begins with a stay in this hotel located in the heart of the city. The golden stork which stands above the door sets the tone of this stunningly decorated palace, with its baroque fountain, Belle Epoque fresco and tall stone columns… In the kitchen, original dishes accentuate the enchantment, with the roasted catfish served with thinly sliced marinated pumpkin and chopped nuts. Geneva, I love you…
Close to Gstaad and its 250 km of ski slopes, there is a quiet chalet with breathtaking views of the mountains and the glittering glaciers. In summer as well as in winter, the Hostellerie Alpenrose is incredibly charming and is the ideal starting point for excursions into truly unspoilt landscapes. After some brisk outdoor activity, the cosy rooms, pampering in the wellness-center and delicious gourmet cuisine guarantee ultimate well-being at alpine altitudes.
In a picture-postcard setting with unbelievable views of snowy peaks, Le Chalet d’Adrien seems to cling to the mountainside. It overlooks Verbier, one of the most charming high altitude resorts in Switzerland. In winter it is an unrivalled ski paradise, and in summer the high mountain pastures are the perfect place for magnificent hikes. Matching wood panelling and fabrics, antique furniture, books and objets d’art scattered around in a homey way all combine to create a charming, cosy atmosphere from which the pristine beauty of the landscape can be enjoyed. The pool looking onto the mountains, and the spa are an invitation to well-being. The restaurants feature the culinary flavours of nearby Italy and showcase Valais products and wines.
Skiing on the world-renowned slopes of Crans-Montana is not the only pleasure in store for you at this delightful chalet. The suites and junior suites have open fireplaces, jacuzzis and views of the snow-covered mountain peaks, and the chalet has a Spa. The beautiful interiors feature wood and stone walls. Everything here is truly charming, especially the painting of Felix, Pas de l’Ours’s former resident donkey. In a cosy atmosphere, the Bistrot des Ours gives pride of place to local flavours, whilst in the gourmet restaurant the chef invites you to savour a selection vegetables, milk-fed lamb, bass, sea bream, mullet, venison and other culinary treats.
A revitalizing bath in this property’s very own thermal hot springs in the open-air is one of those experiences that are simply unforgettable. All around the springs lies virgin white snow. Hot-stone and essential oil massages, fango, and slimming or sculpting body treatments complete the extensive menu of spa treatments. Moreover, individual slimming diets are proposed. The spacious and welcoming rooms have been refurbished in 2012. In the restaurant, fresh, well-balanced cuisine highlights the flavours of surf and turf. The chef’s personal motto - “be a wise gourmet” - rises to the occasion in this temple of health and well-being.
The Saas-Fee valley is also called the pearl of the Alps, and the Waldhotel Fletschhorn, which has just celebrated its centennial anniversary, is the pearl of this valley. This hotel is unique and even has its own art gallery. The restaurant is the perfect place to stop for gourmet food and great culinary experiences, such as the delicious buffalo steak with green pepper jus and Anna potatoes or the Saas lamb. Meals are served on one of the most beautiful forest terraces in the world accompanied by a wine selection from the cellar with more than 42,000 bottles collected from expertly selected vintages.
Imagine a grand, charming residence in the lakeside landscapes of the Fribourg Jura, with its extraordinary sunsets and magical plays of light. At Le Vieux Manoir, delight in an exceptional setting and the same dedication to hospitality that this hotel has been renowned for over one hundred years. Take part in the numerous activities on offer and discover the gentle pleasures of staying here, whether they be culinary or cultural.
Located in a historic mansion built in 1862, the hotel is a veritable haven of peace magnificently situated on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel. An ideal starting point to discover the prehistoric pile dwellings, added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 2011 as well as enchanting scenery and the secrets of the Watch Valley, the cradle of Swiss watchmaker know-how. Authentic cuisine based on local produce can be savoured at the restaurant “O’Terroirs” with a panorama view of the lake and the Alps. And you should not miss the largest selection of traditional Swiss absinthe in the Veranda Bar. You are very close to the picturesque city of Neuchâtel, whose beautiful yellow sandstone buildings made Alexandre Dumas write that the “city was like a town carved in butter”.
Restaurant of a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux and hotel in a vineyardView details
From the age of seven, Philippe Chevrier knew that he would be a cook. His childhood dream was nourished by the dishes created by his mother and aunt, who gave him a passion for good food. Philippe’s dream has become a reality, and this rising star of the culinary world is one to watch. His food is one of many reasons to stop off at this gourmet paradise in the heart of Satigny, Switzerland’s largest wine-producing municipality. In a beautifully renovated old vineyard farmhouse, Grand Chef Chevrier produces such delights as perch flavoured with lemongrass and cooked in coarse salt, and fried langoustine tails with peas and dried ham.
There is a very special canton in Switzerland; a canton where the people speak Romansh, Italian and German. A canton where the famous author Johanna Spyri drew inspiration for her famous novel, Heidi. A canton whose railway line from Thusis over the Bernina pass to Tirano has been added to the Unesco World Heritage list. It is the canton of Graubünden. This is the location of Hotel Walther, a fairytale castle that appears out of nowhere. Walther has been an elegant hotel for over one hundred years. The “wellness oasis” has a waterfall and the Cristallino stone grotto is unique in Europe. This grotto is an extraordinary sauna in an igloo made of Andeer granite. Another speciality is Hotel Walther’s own recipe, marinated Bernina-Bresaola served in the restaurant La Stüva.
This luxury hideaway is located in an idyllic landscape with an exceptional panorama of the blooming meadows and snow-covered peaks of the Dolomites. The interior has been furnished with precious works of art and antiquities of reputed Engadine Valley artists. The three restaurants offer diverse pleasures – ranging from Swiss specialities in the antique Bauernstube down to gourmet cuisine in L'Autezza. Extensive wellness offerings and pure relaxation can be enjoyed by guests in the hotel’s spa – complete with magnificent views of the Silvretta summit. Far away from mass tourism, the hotel is the ideal starting point for extensive walks and bicycle tours. One of the most beautiful golf courses in Switzerland is nearby and in winter, the 60 km tracks and pistes are a delight for alpine and cross-country skiers.
Schlosshotel Chastè is brimming with character and set in particularly peaceful surroundings, at the foot of Tarasp Castle in the Engadin, a region renowned for its national parks. This former inn, managed by the Pazeller family, embodies all that is gentle about Switzerland: the warmly welcoming living and guest rooms are panelled in Alpine pine in traditional fashion. Its inventive cuisine is served with superb wines from the cellar in bright, friendly dining rooms.
At the Walserhof, hospitality, personal service and joie de vivre have been elevated to a completely new level. This is an intimate hotel, located in one of the most beautiful sites of the region, which combines the atmosphere of a ski resort and the idyllic charm of a village in Graubünden. A place where you can leave all your cares behind. The culinary delights at the restaurant Walserstube are based on a cuisine that is both traditional and creative, reinvents itself permanently, is a feast for the eyes and the palate, highlights the flavours, accompanied by excellent wines from the region and further afield.
A first spa hotel, called Bad Lenk, had been built at the end of the 17th century, downstream of the richest Alpine sulphurous source, Balmen. Today, this spring is an integral part of the architecture of Lenkerhof gourmet spa resort which is a magnificent hotel, with superbly elegant amenities and an extensive range of well-being treatments. The “7 sources beauty & spa” is named after the spot where the river Simme rises and draws its inspiration from its flowing water. It offers true rejuvenation in harmonious natural timber and stone surroundings. This hotel provides, amidst fabulous landscapes, the perfect opportunity to enjoy all that the mountains have to offer whatever the season, before savouring the delights of delicate, creative cuisine.
A wonderful mountain landscape provides the backdrop to this beautiful inn, which has retained the typical style of the Engadine over its 450 years. The new buildings blend in harmoniously, with their modern lines clad in natural wood inspired by the surrounding pine and larch forests. The spring-water organic pool is located on a small plateau directly in front of the hotel. This peaceful, silent and hospitable spot is the work of a family whose members have, for several generations, coupled their complementary talents perfectly to each other. Whether hotelier, cook, or carpenter, what is most important to them is to focus all their efforts on the guests to offer elegant comfort, a warm welcome and fine cuisine based on fresh seasonal ingredients. The result constitutes a graceful, well balanced framework and thus creates a wonderful harmony.
This oasis of tranquility is set in 11 hectares of expansive space, making it the hotel with the largest grounds in Tessin, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The authentic architecture of a southern manor house, refined details like the seating in the park, the private beach on Lake Maggiore and the delightful inner courtyards all contribute to a sense of well-being. The two suite pavilions with the luxurious junior suites and suites are the stuff of which dreams are made. In the gourmet restaurant, Locanda Barbarossa, the chef delights guests with his Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Total relaxation is guaranteed in the exclusive new spa.
Ticino, Switzerland, is blessed with a balmy climate, stunning scenery and the infinite pleasures of “la dolce vita”. It is a land of lakes and mountains, fabulous food, fine wines and endless leisure pursuits. The elegant Villa Principe Leopoldo Hotel & Spa is situated on the “Collina d’Oro”, with stunning views over Lake Lugano Bay and the mountains. The villa is characterised by its strong Italian spirit and Mediterranean style, accommodating spacious newly-renovated rooms and suites. The gourmet temple Restaurant Principe Leopoldo offers a cuisine that reveals authenticity, passion and respect for its ingredients, not forgetting tradition and territory. The jewel of the hotel is Kiso, a heavenly, exclusive spa offering privacy and tailor-made treatments.
