Relais & Châteaux welcomes new members

PARIS. The Relais & Châteaux association has welcomed eleven new members. They are based in Africa (Botswana), the United States (Louisiana), Europe (Spain, Romania and France), the Middle East (Israel and Egypt) and Asia (China and India). "I am delighted that these eleven establishments have become part of Relais & Châteaux and complement us. With each of these members, we share a passion for authenticity and terroir, as they are committed to showcasing, sharing and preserving the culinary, cultural and architectural heritage of their regions," says Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux

Relais & Châteaux Sitatunga Private Island, Okavango, Botswana: The famous Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the largest inland deltas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This extraordinary natural area of interconnected waterways and wildlife-rich islands is known for its enormous biodiversity and unique ecosystem. Here, on a remote island, on the "river that never reaches the ocean" and in the midst of a natural biome that is unrivalled worldwide, is the Relais & Châteaux Sitatunga Private Island. An exclusive retreat surrounded by narrow, crystal-clear waterways that meander south towards the vast Okavango swamps.

Sitatunga Private Island is the perfect base from which to explore the delta's natural waterways and discover the fascinating wildlife, including antelope, elephant, crocodile, hippo and a colourful array of birdlife. With an expert guide, guests can go on safari aboard a flat-bottomed boat or a traditional fishing canoe, the mokoro, and capture every moment with a professional camera set with various lenses and high-quality binoculars provided by the safari camp. For the construction of the two guest suites and the two-bedroom villa, Dereck and Beverly Joubert - the famous wildlife photographers and co-owners of Great Plains - used recycled wood wherever possible to protect the environment and preserve local traditions. The canvas suites, each with a private veranda and pool, have been designed to be framed by giant "fishing baskets" - a nod to the local representatives of this trade. The interiors feature natural woods, linen and soft accents that convey a sense of calm, luxury and relaxation. After a massage or beauty treatment in the privacy of your own suite, dinner awaits by starlight on the floating terrace or at the foot of an ancient baobab tree.

Relais & Châteaux Emeril's, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Only a visionary could decide to open a restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street in the late 1980s. In those years, it was an industrial warehouse district, soulless even without urban street lighting. But it was here that chef Emeril Lagasse set out to conquer New Orleans and America. Three decades later, as a successful American celebrity chef and author of numerous works on Creole cuisine, Emeril decided to hand over the management of Relais & Châteaux Emeril's to his son Emeril John IV. He spent his childhood in his father's kitchen, completing a classical cookery apprenticeship, followed by internships with famous names in international cuisine, such as Daniel Boulud in New York.

In the cosy ambience of Emeril's gourmet restaurant and relaxed wine bar, the young chef conscientiously continues his father's work by creating seasonal menus with ingredients sourced from carefully selected local farmers. Guests are welcome to take a tour of the kitchen for a glimpse behind the scenes. This friendly and open style is his recipe for success and earned E.J. Lagasse the New Talent of the Year Award 2024 from La Liste, the restaurant guide and ranking that selects the best 1,000 restaurants in the world.

Relais & Châteaux F inaLa Donaira, Montecorto, Spain : Not far from the famous road of white villages, the pride of southern Andalusia, lies the Relais & Châteaux Finca La Donaira, in the middle of over 1,700 hectares of farmland. The landscape in this corner of Spain is characterised by meadows as far as the eye can see, thousands of old oak trees and Roman and Arab ruins - all of which create an atmosphere of contemplative serenity. Finca La Donaira was conceived as a holistic, eco-friendly retreat that offers an all-inclusive experience. The property consists of a restored farmhouse and outbuildings that have been carefully renovated with natural materials, preserving the original beams and frames. The nine rooms and suites of the farmhouse are located in whitewashed stone houses with direct access to the medicinal herb garden and Andalusian courtyard. Colourful, rustic carpets brighten up the polished floors and the furniture is a mixture of rustic and modern. Nature lovers will be delighted by a stay in one of the two yurts on the hillside. The property's organic farm and selected local producers supply the healthy products used in the kitchen. For relaxation and personal well-being, there is a spa with swimming pool, hammam, massages as well as yoga, meditation and Pilates classes. The finca is also the largest equestrian centre in the region: 100 magnificent Lusitano horses make your stay even more interesting.

Relais & Châteaux Matca Hotel, Transylvania, Romania: Although Transylvania certainly owes part of its fame to Bran Castle, which is inextricably linked to the legend of Dracula, this region of central Romania with its plateaus, valleys and countless medieval towns and castles has much more to offer. The Relais & Châteaux Matca Hotel is surrounded by forests and meadows, a breathtakingly beautiful landscape that seems to have escaped civilisation. The architecture of the traditional farm blends in perfectly with the surroundings and symbolises a grounding and terroir-focused stay with long walks in the mountains and relaxed dinners. Creative cuisine that reinterprets traditional Romanian recipes is served. The 16 rooms are housed in small outbuildings with pointed shingle roofs and are furnished in light-coloured wood and warm fabrics. The highlight of each room, however, is the breathtaking view of the rolling hills and peaks of the Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Bucegi Nature Park. The two villas also have a veranda and a private whirlpool from which this view can be enjoyed. There is also a spa for all guests with an indoor pool, cold-water sauna, whirlpool, halotherapy room, yoga classes, massages and facial treatments.

Relais & Châteaux Les Lumières, Versailles, France : The Relais & Châteaux Les Lumières is located in two 17th century pavilions directly opposite the Palace of Versailles, which were donated by the Sun King Edouard Colbert and Antoine de Gramont. When you cross the threshold of this elegant architectural ensemble, you realise that a historic building can harmonise perfectly with a well-chosen contemporary design. The modern elements and colour accents skilfully combine the charm of days gone by with the sophistication and comfort of today. The tranquil garden, just a stone's throw from one of France's most prestigious and historic sites, allows you to relax after a long day in France's capital.

The 31 spacious rooms and suites bear the names of important figures from the Age of Enlightenment: scientists, philosophers, writers and explorers ensure that 21st century travellers find the peace and quiet they need. Chef Erwan Le Thomas serves creations born of culinary excellence and a deep love of the region. In the spa, the gentle murmur mingles with the delicate scent of treatment oils and promises guests moments of well-being: sauna, hammam and two treatment rooms for massages equipped with immersive sound systems. As a special highlight, the concierge offers a range of unusual experiences at the Château de Versailles: private tours, meditation in the gardens, horse or carriage rides and even courses in specialised arts and crafts (gilding, embroidery, stained glass, leather).

Relais & Châteaux Le Clos Vauban, Langres, France: After around three decades and just as many stars in the Michelin Guide for the Relais & Châteaux Le Clos des Sens in Annecy, Laurent Petit returns to his native Haute-Marne. He is opening his own Relais & Châteaux Le Clos Vauban in Langres and putting the Grand-Est region back in the gastronomic spotlight. His wife Martine accompanies him on this new adventure and both work closely with old companions from Le Clos des Sens: head chef Valentin Loison and head sommelier - his partner - Anaïs Bercegeay become the maîtres de maison. In Diderot, on the ramparts of the largest fortress in Europe, Laurent and Martine Petit have acquired a historic house from the 19th century. A herb and vegetable garden surrounds the property and when you raise your gaze, it sweeps over forests, lakes and valleys. The perfect retreat to enjoy nature and culture.

For over a year, Valentin Loison has been travelling the valleys of the southern Haut-Marnais with those who know the land and its treasures: the fishermen of the Saône, the wood gatherers, the hunters and the cheese makers of Langres. The essence of the terroir that they cultivate and preserve is the inspiration for the poetic, intense cuisine of the Bulle d'Osier. The Brasserie Mirabelle offers equally unusual but more affordable dishes. These are accompanied by wines from Champagne, Burgundy, Jura and Alsace, as well as extracts from Anaïs.

The ensemble of Le Clos Vauban, with just eight rooms and suites, is an ode to creative basket weaving, as the region is home to the only basket weaving school in the country

Relais & Châteaux Château Sainte Sabine, Sainte-Sabine, France: Burgundy, just a three-hour drive from Paris, is a region full of warm hospitality, excellent cuisine and lush nature. This can be felt everywhere at the Relais & Châteaux Château Sainte Sabine. The magnificent 16th century residence still retains the elegance that its Renaissance architects gave it. Outside the small village, the house is set in 20 hectares of wooded grounds, home to thirty free-roaming deer. Venerable furniture from antique shops, Toile de Jouy and prints from bygone times lend the 23 rooms and suites the understated charm of the aristocratic houses of yesteryear. Each room is a special retreat with large windows overlooking Sainte-Sabine and its 16th century church and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. The former Salle des Gardes has recently been transformed into a sumptuous suite with period woodwork and a stately neo-Gothic fireplace in the master bedroom, a replica of the fireplace in the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy in Dijon. In the Lassey restaurant, chef Benjamin Linard prepares his own interpretations of Burgundian cuisine, always using ingredients from the terroir. He sources them from selected family farms that are committed to environmental and animal protection.

Relais & Châteaux The Drisco Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel: Located on a quiet street in the German-American colony of Tel Aviv, Relais & Châteaux The Drisco Tel Aviv is a charming destination that is proud of its heritage. The recently renovated property is one of the oldest hotels in Israel - centuries-old frescoes still adorn the walls of the lounge and bar, once frequented by some of the great writers of the 19th century. The elegant décor of the 40 rooms gives the hotel a special atmosphere. Whether it's a treatment in the Daria Spa, the hotel's quiet, shady terrace or the roof terrace with sea views, it's a wonderful place to relax. At George & John, chef Tomer Tal's creative cuisine is inspired by Tel Aviv's famous multiculturalism. Local and seasonal produce is transformed into gourmet dishes, which are served in the elegant dining room or at a private dinner with a view of the kitchen. Breakfast is served on the terrace and bicycles are available during your stay for exploring Jaffa and Neve Tzedek.

Relais & Châteaux La Maison Bleue, El Gouna, Egypt : Relais & Châteaux La Maison Bleue stretches along a private lagoon, just a stone's throw from the blue waters of the Red Sea in the lively seaside resort of El Gouna. The property was originally intended as a guest house for a building contractor, who used it to accommodate his family and friends. Over time, however, it became an adults-only boutique hotel that is unrivalled in the region. The architecture is inspired by Italy and North Africa, with allusions to the Golden Age: towering colonnades crowned by Corinthian capitals, marble floors and precious parquet and coffered ceilings richly decorated with frescoes. The balconies of the 13 suites overlook the sea or the mountains of the western desert. The rooms feature the finest interiors: sumptuous silk fabrics, antique furniture, a remarkable collection of antiques and works of art. The restaurant is the domain of Vincent Guillou, a French chef who has lived in Egypt for two decades. He finds the ingredients for his dishes at the market and in his own garden, creating a symbiosis of the flavours of France and Egypt. La Maison Bleue is a peaceful retreat where you can relax on the soft sandy beach, in the lagoon, by the swimming pool or in the wellness centre.

Relais & Châteaux Sitara Himalaya, Himalayas, India: Travelling to the Himalayas may take time and commitment, but the rewards are sure to come. The Relais & Châteaux Sitara Himalaya nestles on the hillside 2,500 metres above the Kullu Valley, inviting you to reconnect with nature and the cosmos. Here, opposite Mount Meru - the place where the Indian sages are said to have received the teachings of the Vedas, which form the basis of the Hindu religion and many Eastern philosophies - everything revolves around living in harmony with the elements. Stargazing, hiking, yoga, meditation and massages - there are many paths to this higher way of being.

The local and seasonal cuisine draws on culinary traditions and techniques, such as Kashmiri Thali or trout from the Himalayas for dinner. Ten rooms with views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers offer a majestic and spiritual atmosphere. The interior design is a blend of fine local craftsmanship and English influences: Tibetan rugs, hand-woven brocade panels and hand-painted murals sit alongside comfy sofas in floral chintz or tartan. It's a sophisticated ambience that perfectly complements the Vedic-inspired offerings (yoga, fire ritual, reiki, marma) at the Paro Svasthi Spa. This tranquil wellness area promotes deep relaxation on all levels with a steam bath, sauna and a small plunge pool with panoramic views

Relais & Châteaux King's Joy, Beijing, China: King's Joy, a Relais & Châteaux restaurant in Beijing, is the definitive proof that vegetarian cuisine and haute cuisine are not mutually exclusive. In fact, it was the first vegetarian restaurant in the world to be awarded three stars and a green star for sustainability in the Michelin Guide. The creative and innovative talent Gary Yin, who is supported by his two sisters Mia and Lilian, has truly earned this recognition. The restaurant is located in the historic district in the north of the Chinese capital. Here you will find some of the country's most important sights such as the Forbidden Palace and the Lama Temple. The restaurant is nestled in an ensemble of traditional buildings around a central courtyard and has become a centre of fine dining in China in just a few years. Dishes are served in a hall with a large glass roof that bathes everything in natural light or in charming rooms overlooking a bamboo forest, all designed by Professor Yung Ho Chang, former head of the Department of Architecture at MIT. The classic menu, as well as the bi-weekly changing Solar Term menu, provide an opportunity to taste the chef's inventiveness and commitment to working with organically grown, seasonal ingredients. An exceptional experience to savour this ethereal cuisine or enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea in the traditional Beijing courtyard.