Founded in France in 1954 as an association of independently owned hotels and restaurants, Relais & Châteaux has become synonymous with exceptional experiences. Now a collection of 580 hotels and restaurants set across five continents, the brand continues to champion charming, family-owned properties, often in heritage buildings. A strong commitment to sustainability and community growth is essential, as is a focus on gourmet cuisine showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re dreaming of honeymooning in Paris, a family holiday to Sri Lanka or a magical adventure in Marrakech, choosing a Relais & Châteaux hotel ensures an experience unlike any other. We’re huge fans; you’ll find marvellous restored manor houses, beautiful lodges and cutting-edge vineyard properties on our list of the best Relais & Châteaux hotels in the world.
Agrari [Mykonos] — Mykonos Island, Greece Show the map
34 rooms 
Alassio — Liguria, Italy Show the map
15 rooms 
Albernoa — Portugal, Alentejo Region, Portugal Show the map
24 rooms 
Anglet — French Basque Country, France Show the map
63 rooms 
Antwerp — Antwerpen Province, Belgium Show the map
37 rooms 
Bale — Croatia Show the map
40 rooms 
Bangrak Beach — Koh Samui, Thailand Show the map
15 rooms 
Blois — Loire Valley, France Show the map
44 rooms 
Bouillac — South-West France, France Show the map
18 rooms 
Calvi — Corsica, France Show the map
49 rooms 
Calvi — Corsica, France Show the map
24 rooms 
Cape Town — South Africa Show the map
13 rooms 
Chamonix — Upper savoy, France Show the map
35 rooms 
Champillon — Champagne & Ardenne, France Show the map
49 rooms 
Cognac — Poitou Charentes, France Show the map
13 rooms 
Colmar — Alsace Lorraine, France Show the map
21 rooms 
Colroy-la-Roche — Alsace Lorraine, France Show the map
38 rooms 
Crans-Montana — Swiss Alps, Switzerland Show the map
16 rooms 
Crozet — Rhône-Alps, France Show the map
34 rooms 
Mikonos — Mykonos Island, Greece Show the map
35 rooms 
Essaouira — Morocco Show the map
32 rooms 
Fes — Morocco Show the map
30 rooms 
Gargas — Provence, France Show the map
60 rooms 
Gratallops — Catalonia, Spain Show the map
24 rooms 
Gregory Town — Bahamas Show the map
25 rooms Famed for warm hospitality, characterful luxury and real attention to detail, Relais & Châteaux have proudly highlighted top-notch hotels across the globe for over eighty years. Prospective members must outline their philosophy to the Relais & Châteaux team and align with certain core values, including a focus on hiring from within the local area, supporting community initiatives, protecting the environment and sourcing seasonal ingredients. The selection process has become legendary, with the brand’s members all reflecting ‘the five Cs’: Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine.
Relais & Châteaux properties also feature fewer than 100 rooms, offer services equivalent to at least a four-star standard, and have been secretly inspected by team members on multiple occasions. All in all, a rigorous selection process means that the collection continuously stands out and is sure to impress discerning travellers of all ages.
Facilities depend entirely on location. Most vineyard hotels or rural châteaux have expansive landscaped grounds with swimming pools and perhaps tennis courts. Some boast access to world-class golf courses, and many feature sumptuous spas with treatments using organic ingredients. Kitchen gardens are another staple, meaning that seasonal produce can be grown onsite, and garden tours come highly recommended. In cities, expect opportunities for guided walking or cycling tours and chances to engage with culture and craft. Many Relais & Châteaux hotels are family-owned. Speaking to owners or team members is a highlight, offering a chance to connect with the place in which you are staying, and the people who call it home.
A quarter of Relais & Châteaux hotels are in France, reflecting the group’s roots, and the country’s boundless variety. Hide away at the charming, terracotta-tiled La Maison d’Uzés in Occitanie, join sophisticated romantics at Hotel Balzac Paris near the Champs-Elysées, or kick back at Brittany’s beautiful Domaine de Locguénolé & Spa. Keen skiers and foodies will adore three Michelin-starred Hotel Restaurant La Bouitte on the Saint-Marcel slopes, whilst those seeking secluded elegance need look no further than Domaine Le Mouflon d’Or in Corsica.
Gorgeous hotels abound across Europe, too. Savour Portuguese wines at Quinta Nova Winery House or Porto landmark The Yeatman, and marvel at Mallorca’s mountains from Son Brull Hotel & Spa.
Perched on a rocky outcrop facing the Bay of Naples, Sorrento’s Bellevue Syrene is a glamorous seaside spot. The blue-and-white rooms at hillside Katikies Kirini Santorini are enchanting; Myconian Utopia in Mykonos feels more glitzy. Both boast uninterrupted views over the Aegean.
Our favourite Relais & Châteaux hotels in Asia include Ran Baas The Palace in the Punjab, where maharajas once entertained their guests under glittering chandeliers and frescoes. Unwind in Sri Lanka’s tea-clad hill country at the indulgent Ceylon Tea Trails, or sink into a traditional Japanese onsen at Nishimuraya Honkan, which has remained in the hands of the same family for seven generations.
Top spots in Morocco include Riad Fes, with its velvet upholstery and dazzling tiles, and the more minimalist Ksar Char-Bagh. There are few better bases for discovering South Africa’s creative hub than Ellerman House in Cape Town, whilst Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is the stuff of honeymoon dreams.
For a spectacular tropical escape, choose Eden Roc at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, The Meridien Club in Turks & Caicos or intimate, wellness-focused Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita, Mexico.
