Relais & Châteaux, a collection of the world's finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants, announced its newest members at its annual Congress in Biarritz, France. A total of 31 properties have been accepted, bringing the total membership in the travel association to 475 members in 57 countries
Five of the newest Relais & Châteaux members are hotels located in North America: Windham Hill, in West Townshend, Vermont; Trout Point Lodge of Nova Scotia, Canada; Esperanza, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Hôtel St. Germain, in Dallas, Texas; and Sonora Resort in British Columbia, Canada. In addition, current member Hôtel Le Toiny, in St. Barthélemy, was named a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.
The addition this year of the Hôtel St. Germain in Dallas, along with Hotel Raphael in Rome and The Connaught in London -- represents a shift in strategy for Relais & Châteaux, which traditionally has had its roots in country hotel properties. The Association is in the process of identifying additional hotels in locations such as Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago as part of an initiative to expand its presence in cities worldwide.
"Our expansion into city hotels will enable us to offer more travelers a true Relais & Châteaux experience," said Jaume Tàpies, international president of Relais & Châteaux. "For many travelers, a city is often the first stop on their itinerary, and a Relais & Châteaux city hotel will welcome them to a new destination in a unique and extraordinary way. Our city hotels, like our other members, will be selected for their ability to convey a true sense of place to our guests, allowing them to recognize where they are in the world in a way that chain hotels cannot."
In addition to the North American properties, other new Relais & Châteaux members include 17 properties in Europe, two in Africa, five in Asia, one in South America, and one in Australia. Three countries, Hungary, Macao and Taiwan, are newly represented this year. Additionally, four of the 21 members have been awarded the title of Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux. All members are listed in the newly published 2010 Guide, which has been enhanced this year to include a section dedicated to family travel, highlighting activities for children.
Source: Relais & Châteaux
Leave a comment