To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Restaurant and hotel in town. Thomas Henkelmann is the most French of German Chefs. Born in the Black Forest, this devotee of French gastronomy learned his trade in Alsace before moving his pots and pans to this beautiful 18th century Italianate manor house near the Connecticut coast. Inspired by his travels, Chef Henkelmann likes to break down boundaries and create surprising combinations, like his champagne sauerkraut accompanied by a seafood mousseline. Each of his recipes makes a subtle reference to his origins. Thomas’s partner Theresa, an interior designer, has created a décor worthy of his cooking, ensuring the hotel’s recognition as one of Greenwich’s most tasteful addresses. ... Learn moreless
Established in 1701, Yale is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is a member of the renowned Ivy League and welcomes more than 11,000 students each year. Coming to experience the atmosphere on campus is an experience in itself. Book lovers will want to visit the great library which houses some 11 million volumes, including two ancient Gutenberg Bibles.
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Spicer Mansion has been a fixture in historic Mystic, Connecticut, a waterside community steeped in rich tradition, since 1853. Once home to renowned sea captain Elihu Spicer, this luxury boutique inn pays homage to the Gilded Age of refined hospitality alongside contemporary touches and uncompromising white-glove service. After years of meticulous restoration, the Mansion opened its doors to guests in 2016 and offers impeccably appointed guest accommodations, a world-class food and beverage program with nightly changing menu, entertaining space and manicured gardens. Enjoy a cocktail in one of three grand salons, or relax in the belvedere with its sweeping views of the town, river, harbor and hills. ... Learn moreless
This museum is a real representation of America: dedicated to the sea, it houses an impressive collection of boats and other vessels - including a famous whaling ship made entirely of wood. Located on the banks of the Mystic River estuary, it enables pleasure boaters to dock near the historic ships. The site is also notable for all the work around the preservation and restoration of old boats. A village has been restored in order to allow visitors to discover the ancient trades related to the maritime world.
Before being a museum, this national institution was a library dedicated to the world of submarines. The current collection consists of some 33,000 items and 30,000 photographs. Since 1964, the Submarine Force Museum has been operated by the prestigious Navy Corps. It provides a discovery of the underwater world from Alexander the Great to the present day, via Jules Verne and The Beatles. An entertaining and informative approach for young and old alike.
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront. First built in 1875 as a summer residence for a noted Harvard University marine biologist, this magnificent inn on an exclusive sixteen hectare peninsula bordering the ocean is a romantic haven. Whether you are in a cottage on Castle Hill’s private beach, relaxing on the terrace or sitting at a table in the restaurant, you will be guaranteed panoramic views of the Atlantic and its many maritime activities including sailing, fishing and regattas. The menu features local and regional dishes, with a focus on organic ingredients paired with exceptional wines. Castle Hill is the perfect base from which to explore the beauty of Newport with its Gilded Age mansions, sandy beaches and rich history. ... Learn moreless
Located at the foot of Newport Hill, the historic Bowen Wharf is one of the unmissable meeting points for the people of Newport. Sheltered from the old warehouses that bear witness to the major trade exchanges of the olden days, this wharf serves as both a place for walking and meeting. Art galleries, bars and restaurants have replaced the old garages. The atmosphere is both relaxed and friendly here.
This 5.6 km trail runs along the eastern side of the peninsula: from one side, it offers stunning views of the ocean; from the other, it makes it possible to discover the outstanding mansions located on Bellevue Avenue (Rosecliff, Marble House, Elms, Château-sur-Mer, etc.). Literature fans will recognise the setting of The Great Gatsby by F.S. Fitzgerald.
Hotel and restaurant in a village. At the heart of Martha’s Vineyard, the former haunt of whale hunters, you’ll find a captain’s house in the traditional British style. Built in 1864, The Charlotte Inn transports you to another time, and you can’t help but be swept away by its romantic atmosphere. The staff is courteous and alert to every detail. There is a new kind of luxury here: no computers or cell phones are allowed except in guest rooms. The suites have been exquisitely decorated with antique lamps and silk or linen fabrics. Between glasses of iced tea on the flower-filled patio, discover the beautiful island and explore its famous lighthouses and beaches, ideal for water sports and sailing. ... Learn moreless
Particularly impressive in the late afternoon, at sunset, the cliffs of this classified site rise almost 50 metres above the waves. The orangey shades of red dominate a beautiful sandy beach. You will feel like you're in a painting…
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront. The Wauwinet is a quaint, elegant retreat built in 1860 on the northeastern shore of Nantucket, at the edge of the Great Point Wildlife Sanctuary. It boasts a beautiful private bay and ocean beaches, so guests can choose between the lively Atlantic surf or the calm warmer waters bayside. Spend time just relaxing, whale spotting, going on lobstering excursions or taking surfcasting or cooking lessons. Drive the scenic back roads to Great Point, or tour nearby Siasconset in the hotel’s prized 1948 Woody (a vintage Chevy Fleetmaster station wagon). The Wauwinet’s restaurant, Topper’s, with its expansive bay views, is accessible by land or by sea aboard the Wauwinet Lady. ... Learn moreless
The island of Nantucket is certainly the most beautiful of the New England Islands. With its rich past, it was once home to the largest whaling port in the country. Time seems to have stopped when you stand and look at the old houses of the captains. A visit to the Whale Museum (13 Broad st, nha.org) located in a former whale oil candle factory, provides a great insight into the unique history of this island.
