Relais & Châteaux, an association of independent luxury hotels and restaurants, welcomes eight new members to its portfolio, scattered across the globe.
Founded in 1901, the Relais & Châteaux association now has 560 independent members, with luxury hotels and restaurants, in 70 countries across five continents. The eight new properties it is integrating today are at the crossroads of cuisine, culture and nature, while rethinking luxury and well-being.
“I’m delighted that these eight new properties have become part of Relais & Châteaux, complementing our existing establishments. 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, architectural and natural heritage of their regions,” says Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux.
Between city, nature, desert, sea and countryside, these eight new establishments are sure to delight travellers in search of new discoveries.
Morikuru Family Madikwe, Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa.
Madikwe is more than a hotel. It’s a game reserve where people and wildlife live together as a community. Located 1 hour’s flight from Johannesburg, it’s one of the world’s most sought-after safari destinations. It consists of three villas tucked away in the bush, with personalized luxury services such as a private chef, butler and staff on hand to respond to the slightest request.
Each residence is solar-powered, to preserve the ecosystem, and features a contemporary décor where wood and natural stone take pride of place. To complete your trip, the establishment also offers personalized safaris led by a guide and private trackers.
Fyn Restaurant, Cape Town, South Africa
Located in the historic heart of Cape Town, Fyn restaurant is the place to be in terms of African gastronomy. Included in the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants for three consecutive years, it has also been awarded the title of best restaurant in Africa. Its cuisine is a perfect symbiosis of African and Japanese culinary art. Surprise your taste buds and delight your palate. Chef Ashley Moss focuses on sustainable, local, seasonal ingredients, with a strong emphasis on provenance and terroir. And because there’s something for everyone, pescatarian, vegetarian and vegan menus are available on the menu. The wines on offer feature old and rare South African vintages. The warm, designer decor was designed by interior architect Tristan du Plessis.
The Ponant
This establishment sails the waves, introducing novice and seasoned explorers alike to uncharted landscapes, with stops in little-known ports of call. This elegant 16-cabin sailing yacht offers week-long cruises across the seas of the world. It advocates responsible tourism, with sailing only, waste sorting and the elimination of single-use plastics. It offers exceptional, tailor-made service and a variety of nautical activities. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to reduce emissions of polluting gases by 90%. The cabins and suites, spread over three decks, feature refined interior design. The ship’s chef offers guests delicious menus, working with first-rate local ingredients.
Saga, New York, USA
Perched atop 70 Pine Street in New York’s financial district, Saga is a restaurant that dazzles all 5 senses, starting with sight and taste. Spread over three floors with exceptional panoramic views and three outdoor terraces, it is unlike any other gastronomic establishment in the Big Apple. The cuisine is cosmopolitan, with two stars in the 2022 Michelin guide. Some dishes are served in the middle of the table, for a moment of sharing. Chef James Kent draws on his childhood memories and extensive travels to offer a creative seven-course gourmet menu. For those in a hurry, it’s also possible to discover these fabulous dishes in a four-course Short Story version. Two further floors are reserved for private events, while one floor up, Overstory welcomes mixology enthusiasts for unparalleled cocktails with breathtaking views.
Eliamos Villas Hotel & SPA, Kefalonia, Greece
Head for Greece with this establishment featuring 12 villas, all with private pools or Jacuzzis. Perched above a secluded beach, it’s the ideal place to relax under Kefalonia’s arid sun. Elliamos features chic, contemporary architecture with a Mediterranean flair. In homage to its location, the interiors are decorated with natural materials such as wood and terracotta tiles, with a neutral color palette. The restaurant revisits Mediterranean cuisine, in dishes prepared with organic and local ingredients. If you’re in search of escape, well-being or spiritual retreat, Eliamos is the place for you. You can practice yoga, pilates or indulge in a massage, with treatments inspired by nature.
Providence, Los Angeles, California, USA.
The City of Angels is famous for its palm trees, beaches and sunsets, but also for its exceptional restaurants. Located on the famous Melrose Avenue, Providence has become one of the city’s most sought-after culinary experiences since its creation in 2005, with two stars in the 2023 Michelin guide. American chef Michael Cimarusti offers tasting menus featuring seafood as fresh and sustainable as possible. Enjoy delicious vermilion grouper, Alaskan halibut or local sea urchins, oysters and shrimp, fished directly off the Californian coast. The restaurant also offers a vegetarian tasting menu. Last but not least, the warm decor, in marine blue and green tones, makes the experience even more immersive.
Liss Ard Estate, West Cork, Ireland
Located in West Cork, Liss Ard Estate is a 26-room Georgian-style manor house surrounded by some 80 hectares of lush grounds. The rooms and suites, all furnished in a modern country style, are divided between several buildings: the manor house, the outbuilding and the Lake House, a waterside pavilion. The Garden at Liss Ard Estate restaurant offers a menu featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Vegetables are picked directly from the estate’s kitchen garden, and meat and fish are sourced from local producers. A wide range of activities are on offer, including country walks, kayaking and paddle-boarding on the calm waters of the private lake. You can also unwind with outdoor yoga classes, followed by a relaxing massage in the wellness center.
Esplanade Saarbrücken, Saarbrücken, Germany
Located in the border triangle between Germany, France and Luxembourg, the Esplanade Saarbrücken is in the trendy Nauwieser Viertel district, right in the heart of the city’s cultural center. This former 19th-century school has been transformed into a rustic yet elegant 16-room establishment. The common areas, bathed in sumptuous natural light, combine clean lines and noble materials. The restaurant, which boasts two stars in the Michelin Guide 2023, is a perfect match for the decor. Chef Silio del Fabro offers a reinterpretation of French cuisine with Mediterranean and Japanese influences, with a gourmet menu of five, six or eight courses.
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