Alongside partners who share our values, we are proud to recognize hospitality professionals throughout our network as recipients of Relais & Châteaux Trophies for 2025.
Alongside partners who share our values, we are proud to recognize hospitality professionals throughout our network as recipients of Relais & Châteaux Trophies for 2025. These awards celebrate all those who are truly dedicated to their profession, inspiring passion in others across multiple disciplines, including gastronomy, well-being and environmental responsibility.
Savoir-Faire Trophy
Molly Greene, Saison, USA
In recognition of her rare talent, Relais & Châteaux is thrilled to give the 2025 Savoir-Faire Trophy to Molly Greene, Beverage Director and Assistant General Manager at Saison restaurant in San Francisco. As Beverage Director, Molly has developed a wine program that focuses on the finest bottlings from Burgundy and Bordeaux, and is often among the first to discover exciting new, niche producers. As Assistant General Manager, her energy and charm can help even experienced wine lovers discover something new to enjoy.
Heritage Trophy
Team members, Longueville Manor, United-Kingdom
Relais & Châteaux and Taittinger award the 2025 Heritage Trophy to the entire team at Longueville Manor in Jersey for its passion for hospitality, collective expertise and exceptional service. Since 1972, the property has cultivated a reputation for excellence, proudly perpetuating the values of Relais & Châteaux, thanks to its team of 75 which is recognized for the sheer diversity of its talents and roles. Some members have worked here for over 20 years (and some for up to 40) and continue to pass on their know-how to the next generation with the same dedication.
Woman of the year Trophy
Kaitlin Ross, Sonora Resort, Canada
Relais & Châteaux and Pommery present the 2025 Woman of the Year Trophy to Kaitlin Ross, General Manager of Sonora Resort in British Columbia, who oversees 11 managers and 120 employees and is known for approaching her job with kindness and sincerity. She began her career here in 2005 as a dock hand for the Fishing Guides, before being promoted to Marine Operations Manager and then General Manager. At every stage, she has excelled in roles historically not held by women and blazed a trail for all those that follow her. Her success stems from her dedication to her craft and is exemplified by her curiosity and radiant personality.
Cocktail Trophy
Kieran Klein Nulend, Château Neercanne, Netherland
Relais & Châteaux, Absolut Elyx and Monkey 47 are pleased to name Kieran Klein Nulend, mixologist at Château Neercanne in Maastricht, as the recipient of the 2025 Cocktail Trophy in recognition of his creativity. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Relais & Châteaux, he created the Last Cocktail to showcase the rustic flavors of Château Neercanne’s gardens and orchards. Starting with Monkey 47, he adds estate-grown rosemary and pear before finishing with a local sparkling wine, resulting in an evocative taste profile with a sense of freshness.
Well-Being Trophy
Anne-Laure Nussbaumer, Les Prés d'Eugénie, France
Relais & Châteaux and Orlane award the 2025 Well-Being Trophy to Anne-Laure Nussbaumer, General Manager of Les Prés d’Eugénie, for her devotion, organizational skills, creativity and goodwill. First spotted by owner Christine Guérard, she joined the property in 1996 to manage the newly launched Ferme Thermale spa. Her passion, expertise and sense of customer service then led on to the direction of Les Grands Thermes d’Eugénie, which she managed until 2017. More recently, she co-created a program dedicated to women in remission from breast cancer, which has been formally recognized by health authorities. In 2018, Michel, Adeline and Éléonore Guérard named her General Manager of Les Prés d’Eugénie, which she runs with mastery, kindness and delicacy.
Sustainability Trophy
Anjajavy Le Lodge, Madagascar
Relais & Châteaux and Duval-Leroy award the 2025 Sustainability Trophy to Anjajavy le Lodge for its commitment to protecting natural spaces, preserving endemic species and sustaining local development. In partnership with the Duke Lemur Center (part of Duke University in North Carolina, USA), Anjajavy Le Lodge led a scientific study of the world’s only hibernating primate, having created a purpose-built research station in the middle of the forest. The property also participated in the reforestation of around 25 acres/ 10 hectares of mangroves with the help of local communities.
Rising Chef Trophy
Elia Calcinotto and Riccardo Celeghin, Agli Amici Dal 1887, Italy
Relais & Châteaux and S. Pellegrino award the 2025 Rising Chef Trophy to Chefs Elia Calcinotto, Chef de Cuisine, and Riccardo Celeghin, Pastry Chef at Agli Amici dal 1887 in Udine, for their dedication and promising future. Riccardo and Elia (respectively 29 and 31 years old) are representative of a new generation of chefs trained to the highest level. Their culinary creativity and ability to anticipate trends through their own gastronomic research have ensured their work is both renowned and inspiring. They share their values and vision with the youngest members of the team with passion, often involving them in their creative process.
Delicious Career Trophy
Thomas Rückhörmann, Hotel Singer, Austria
Relais & Châteaux is delighted to award the 2025 Delicious Career Trophy to Thomas Rückhörmann, Maître d’hôtel at Hotel Singer in Berwang. Having joined the team as Chef de Rang in 1994, before becoming Maître d’hôtel in 2001, Thomas has been unshakably dedicated to guests, remembering returning visitors and often addressing them in their native language. His remarkable professionalism, passion and pride embodies Relais & Châteaux values exactly. This year is also an important anniversary, as Thomas celebrates 30 years with the Singer family.
