The 60th anniversary International Congress of Relais & Chateaux, which took place in Paris from the 16th to 19th November 2014, was the occasion to announce the association’s new publication Taste of the World, welcome 36 new members and award 12 Relais & Châteaux Trophies.
Important: Below is the press release in full and here is the downloadable Vision and Manifesto pdf file: Vision & Manifest-ENbd
A new publication: Taste of the World
“A world of tastes for you to enjoy” are the words of Philippe Gombert, International President of Relais & Chateaux, inscripted on the first page of the magnificent publication. This prelude is sustained throughout the pages as Relais & Chateaux’s universe is revealed all the while highlighting the impeccable quality and excellence upheld by Relais & Chateaux.
Flicking through the pages of this beautiful book means flicking through the world, the continents, the countries and even the people and their culture. It is after all the soul of a territory, its cultural richness, its terroir, its cuisine and its hospitality that represent the taste of the world.
The printed version of the Taste of the World invites readers, through many illustrations, to discover unknown regions and unexpected lands.
From a hot air balloon flying over the valley of Göreme in Cappadocia, to the charm of seclusion in New Zealand, British Columbia, where the mountains touch the sky, or even experiencing the shimmering colours of a preserved Morocco, and enjoying a seducing Provence which exudes the scents of lavender; this brand new guide is a true invitation to travel.
These enchanting landscapes of the five continents are described by writers and lead to intoxicating flavours Relais & Chateaux’s Taste of the World serves to celebrate. By tasting the world, we accept the appeal to our five sense and trigger our curiosity to inhale the fragrances of a country and succumb to the ecstasy of its savours. From an infusion with white lotus flowers created by Kyoung-Won Park in her restaurant in Seoul, to the seaweed served with scallops at Andrew Fairlie in Scotland, the chefs have always highlighted their region by disclosing the gems of their terroir.
This publication wants to give pleasure, enchant and let the soul of the Relais & Châteaux properties sing. Plans are to produce the book every two years with a print run of 200,000 copies.
The Travel Journal 2015 is a supplement to the Taste of the World. The annual publication is a print run of 300,000 copies in pocket format presented by the Relais & Châteaux Association and the main news for 2015: the new members, the 2015 Trophies as well as an exhaustive index of all the member properties of Relais & Châteaux. Organised by country, the publication compiles all the data for the different properties as well as the main airports and railway stations to get to them. It also includes road maps which allow a quick location of the properties.
36 new members enrich the Relais & Châteaux collection
Every year the Association enriches its collection by adding new properties and restaurants. This year, 36 new properties join Relais & Châteaux and two new destinations are covered: the Maldives and Hong Kong.
United Kingdom : Hartwell House, Northcote
France: Lucas Carton, Pierre Gagnaire, Yoan Conte-Bord du Lac, Domaine des Avenières, La Maison des Bois-Marc Veyrat, La Maison d’Uzès, les Bergeries de Palombaggia
Switzerland: Mammertsberg, Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa
Croatia: Hotel Bevanda
Spain: Echaurren
Italy: Auener Hof, Villa Franceschi, Agli Amici
Greece: Myconian Utopia Resort
Kenya : Mara Plains Camp
South Africa: The Plettenberg
Japan: Otowa Restaurant, Hikariya-Nishi, Restaurant Molière
China: Yihe Mansions, Brilliant Resort & Spa Kunming, Brilliant Resort & Spa Tengchong
Hong Kong: Bibo
India: Mihir Garh
Maldives: Soneva Fushi
Australia: The Louise, Hentley Farm Restaurant
Canada: Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
USA: Ai Fiori, The Little Nell, Dunton Hot Springs
Peru: Sol & Luna Lodge Spa
Chile: Awasi Patagonia
12 Trophies were presented in 2014
Every year, 12 Relais & Châteaux Trophies, each associated with a prestigious partner brand, reward the excellence of the men and women of our properties, the services they offer and the place they inhabit passionately. This year, the winners are:
- Welcome Trophy, Moët & Chandon: Torre Del Remei, Spain
- Innovation Trophy, Nespresso: Myconian Ambassador Thalasso Spa, Greece
- Woman of the Year Trophy, Pommery: Ynyshir Hall, United Kingdom
- Chef Trophy, Taittinger: Château du Sureau, California, United States
- Passion Trophy, Hennessy: Georges Wenger, Switzerland
- Spa Trophy, Laurent Perrier: Terme Manzi Hotel & Spa, Italy
- Savoir-Faire Trophy, Glenmorangie: Ceylon Tea Trails, Sri Lanka
- Environment Trophy, Orlane: Monte-Carlo Beach, Monaco
- Garden Trophy, Rozès: Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa, South Africa
- Rising Chef Trophy, Aqua Panna & San Pellegrino: Langdon Hall Country House, Canada – Hostellerie de Plaisance, France
During this anniversary year, a new Trophy has been created, the Route du Bonheur Trophy. Sponsored by BMW, this Trophy has been presented to Michel Troisgros as ambassador of the Route du Bonheur 60 Years, along the Nationale 7.
With these new developments, highlighting hospitality and cuisine, Relais & Châteaux consolidates its position and its motivation to elevate the Arts de Vivre to the rank of the 10th Art, and the Taste of the World is a perfect illustration of this ambition.
Notes to the Editors : Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of more than 520 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries.
Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.
Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony. To choose Relais & Châteaux is to experience an unforgettable celebration of the senses.
From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches of the Fiji Islands, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers a chance to explore the Route du Bonheur and best way to discover a wide range of distinctive destinations.
The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition:
“ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD.“
Information and reservations:
Tel.: 00 800 2000 00 02
Website: www.relaischateaux.com
Maison des Relais & Châteaux
10 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1NG
