In celebration of her professionalism, Relais & Châteaux awards the 2026 Passion Trophy to Joanna Wilgierz of Hotel Copernicus in Krakow. As Maître de Maison, Joanna inspires her peers to deliver a high level of service thanks to her relentless energy and enthusiasm. She creates a welcoming atmosphere and takes as much care of her team as she does of guests, striving to cultivate a special connection with each single person. Her outstanding work ethic, leadership and skills as a mentor have carried her through 20 years with Relais & Châteaux.
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Krakow was once the capital of Poland and it still has many impressive monuments from this period, such as the Royal Castle overlooking the Wawel Hill, where the country’s monarchs lived. Copernicus Hotel is located on Kanonicza, the city’s oldest street. For centuries, this building was a part of the cathedral chapel and hosted the intellectual and financial elite of Krakow. It owes its name to the famous Polish astronomer Nicolas Copernicus, who was one of the guests of the house. He, too, must have admired the precious polychrome paintings and inscriptions dating from the 1500s and, in the evening, the flaming sunsets that seem to set the city alight. After visiting the city, relax at the Copernicus Spa by L’Occitane with a range of custom treatments. ... Learn moreless
