Unique experiences of Relais & Châteaux
This upcoming Friday we will officially be entering March and with it, a lot of non-working days are on the way. It’s the perfect time to welcome spring with some well-deserved time off. To help you make the most of it, we present to you the dreamiest of places, the unique experiences of Relais & Châteaux.
Relais & Châteaux is more than just an association of hotels, it is a movement with meaning. Both names derive from French. “Relais” signifies a place of respite or a stop along a journey, often implying a high standard of accommodation and service. While Châteaux, French for “castles,” typically refers to grand, stately residences, but in the context of Relais & Châteaux, it denotes properties of exceptional quality and character, often historic or architecturally significant
Relais & Châteaux, founded in 1954, comprises 580 distinctive hotels and restaurants globally. These establishments, typically run by independent, often familial entrepreneurs, prioritize craftsmanship and fostering enduring connections with guests. Hotels embody a sense of warmth and hospitality, making guests feel truly at ease. Each establishment holds its own unique story, deeply rooted in history and connected to its surrounding region, whether it be the vineyards of Napa Valley, the charm of French Provence, or the tranquil beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Dedicated to upholding culinary and hospitality traditions worldwide, the “fleur-de-lis” symbol members also advocate for the preservation of local heritage and the environment, a vision they have also presented to UNESCO.
Want to make this experience yours?
You can book from:
Petra Segreta Resort & Spa
In San Pantaleo – Olbia, nestled within five hectares of forest, charming traditional stone cottages await, providing a serene retreat amidst juniper bushes and holm oaks. Each cottage has been transformed into elegant accommodations, inviting you to unwind and rejuvenate. The air is filled with the fragrant essence of the surrounding garrigue, offering delightful vistas of the Gulf of Arzachena and the Maddalena Archipelago. The châteaux is pet friendly and suitable for kids above 12 years old.
At Petra Segreta Resort & Spa, guests can savor gourmet cuisine in two distinctive restaurants, set within a welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Emphasis is put in blending high-quality natural ingredients with local inspiration. A core objective is to showcase the freshest seasonal produce sourced directly from the resort’s organic kitchen garden and farm, employing entirely organic methods devoid of preservatives, herbicides, or medications. The resort’s own goats roam freely among the hills, contributing to the production of organic cheeses. If you are lucky enough you can also enjoy a festival. In a commitment to promoting local, organic fare, the hotel hosts a Sustainable Gourmet Festival, comprising a series of three events celebrating high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable cuisine. The restaurants offer vegeterian and vegan options. Chef Alessandro Menditto takes inspiration from the scents. The essence guiding him as he crafts a dish stem from his earliest recollection of the flavor of its primary ingredient. Frequently, it evokes memories of a cherished meal prepared by his mother, or the taste of poultry raised on the farm of his upbringing. At times, it’s reminiscent of the aroma of a sun-ripened tomato plucked from the vine on a balmy summer evening.
If you are planning your wedding, this is the perfect place, as awarded the “Most Romantic Hotel 2012” by Condé Nast.
Hotel features a spa with Sauna, aromatic showers, humid and dry zone 40 sqm. Balinese cabin of 50sqm for body and facial treatments
The classic room with a traditional farmhouse style starts from 275$/night
View availability and book here:
https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/hotel/petra-segreta-resort-spa/
Palazzo Seneca
In the town of St. Benedict, nestled in the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains stands Norcia, else known as the Italian capital of the black truffle. And in it, the Palazzo Seneca is located, not as a hotel, but as a storyteller of the region’s history. With more than 160-year-old tradition of hospitality, the châteaux is detailed by the best Umbrian artisans who used unique materials and decorative objects to create perfect harmony between colours and lights, tradition and design. The hotel is pet friendly and very comfortable for children of all ages.
The Palazzo includes the Verspasia restaurant; a place with a philosophy, rather than a typical restaurant, built on the principles of “Salus Per Cibum”. With this philosophy, one goes beyond the mere act of dining. Putting human well-being, the local community, quality healthy nutrition, and respect for the environment and animals at the forefront, is a fulfilling, and dare-to-say, life-changing experience. While being surrounded by fragrances of the herb garden, the atmosphere is made more majestic.
But the spiritual rejuvenation at Palazzo Seneca is not reserved only in the restaurant, as the mystical silence of the Wellness Center offers the ultimate tranquility. The serene ambiance with its barrel-vaulted ceilings and antique stone tiles, is perfect for indulging in a rejuvenating massage or unwinding with a herbal tisane sourced from the Monte Sibillini National Park. For a more secluded experience, a private room features a stone hydromassage bath accommodating up to six people, alongside Turkish bath and sauna facilities.
Some other must experiences that are very hard to choose from offered in the hotel are: exploring the Truffle Cave (home of the black truffle), take some cooking classes, discover the origins and secrets of the old art of Norcineria through the “Norcineria” tour, or take some cheese classes.
The Romantic Double Room is called “Romantic” for a reason or two; small balconies overlooking the roofs of Norcia’s old town and the mountain and the “Cardinal” style chairs, the same used in the Vatican, strictly produced in Umbria.
You can make all this experience yours for only 215$/night.
View availability and book here:
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
Located closely than you can imagine, in Istria, Croatia, it is a place infused with peace and wholesomeness. The melodic chirping of crickets, the tranquil charm of vineyards and olive groves, the gentle embrace of the sea breeze, and the captivating ambiance of the Mediterranean; isn’t it the heaven in the form of a white stone mansion?
A cornerstone of Meneghetti’s vision is the steadfast commitment to local, organic cuisine. The hotel’s philosophy revolves around sourcing ingredients from within a 50km radius. Collaborating closely with regional suppliers, Meneghetti procures an array of fresh organic vegetables, artisanal pasta, acclaimed cheeses (such as those from the esteemed local dairy – Latus), yogurt, and the coveted Istrian delicacy, milk truffles.
As for the dining experience, chef Damir Pejčinović describes it as a memorable story along the way. The premium ingredients serve as the building blocks for the chefs’ culinary creations, as they meticulously craft Istrian haute cuisine, breathing new life into traditional recipes. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with the estate’s own selection of wines and one of their four varieties of olive oils, elevating the dining experience to unparalleled heights. For chef Damir, simply put, it is what nature has to offer in Istria with a seasoning of creativity and imagination.
This hidden gem could not be completed without the spa experience. Spa specialists from the Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery have crafted signature experiences that embody the Mediterranean spirit, inspired by the healing properties of indigenous herbs and plants. Their exclusive vinotherapy and olive oil therapy treatments, are carefully formulated with ingredients sourced from the winery’s own produce. These treatments nourish, hydrate, and revitalize your skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.
The Superior Room suitable for 2 people offers a vineyard view and is available for only 254$/night. But if you want a more traditional experience, the Vintage Room is available for the same price.
View availability here:
https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/hotel/meneghetti-wine-hotel-winery/
Myconian Korali
A true Greek mythology place. Situated in the famous island of Mykonos, perched in a privileged location it offers Mykonos’s most iconic views of the historic port of Alefkandra and 16th-century windmills. Passed down and revitalized by the youngest son, Korali embodies the essence of boutique luxury, weaving together the richness of its familial history as the first guesthouse with the renowned service excellence of the Myconian Collection. With unobstructed views of the sea, Korali serves as the ultimate vantage point to surrender to the passage of time and marvel at the splendor of the Aegean Sea’s deep blue hues. Its panoramic terrace summons guests for sunset libations and segueing into lavish dinners.
The hotel features the Baos Restaurant, with an inventive gourmet cuisine that challenges classicism with differentiating techniques while cultivating groundbreaking freshness. For chef Panayiotis Tsoukatos it is a passion for perfection. After a day at the beach, one wants some relaxing at the spa. The highlights of the wellness-spa: The Thalassotherapy pools and the unique Salve in Terra steam cabin for couples.
It offers a wide range of rooms and kids from 3 months old are welcomed. Price starts from 221$/night and you can check availability here:
Auberge des Templiers
Nestled amidst the enchanting Loire châteaux and the picturesque vineyards of Sancerre and Pouilly, the property was transformed in 1954 by the Dépée family, from a former post house into one of the pioneering Relais & Châteaux establishments. The châteaux is pet friendly and of course families with children are welcomed as it offers great facilities for kids and a children menu at the restaurant.
You can immerse yourself in the rare charm of the châteaux, of sleeping under a thatched roof, or surrender to the culinary artistry of Chef Kevin Stroh.
Dine in the 1 Michelin Star restaurant, overlooking ancient oak trees. Taste the delicious ravioli of wild mushrooms with velouté and truffle jus, or savor the John Dory encased in a La Ratte potato crust, accompanied by a sweet red onion sauce. Complementing this gastronomic journey is a selection of wines from the renowned cellar, ensuring a truly unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant offers also a lot of vegetarian and vegan options, certified by Kosher Products.
Each room is individually decorated and includes exclusive furnishing and artwork pieces. You can be part of the experience for only 234$/night.
View availability here:
https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/restaurant/auberge-des-templiers/
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