Relais & Châteaux has expanded its presence in the Maldives, South America, France, Europe, or Africa, with 13 new properties. The new additions include the following luxury hotels and restaurants:
The Nautilus, Baa Atoll, Maldives
On a secluded private island in the Baa Atoll, The Nautilus offers houses on stilts with glass floors providing glimpses of the wonders awaiting scuba diving enthusiasts. The wonderfully stylish and bohemian atmosphere of The Nautilus gives this destination an air of earthly paradise for unwinding at the water’s edge. See thenautilusmaldives.com
Pujol, Mexico
Leading the revival of Mexican gastronomy is Enrique Olvera, whose minimalist yet sophisticated cuisine blends indigenous ingredients and culinary innovation. Located in the Polanco district of Mexico City, the Pujol restaurant is one of the reasons why Mexico is one of the trendiest gastronomic destinations around. See pujol.com.mx/en/
Nayara Gardens, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Immersed in the luxurious wilderness of the Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Gardens promises a unique experience in the heart of the rainforest. Committed to preserving the ecological balance of one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, guests are sure to enjoy every minute. See arenalnayara.com
Pikaia Lodge, Galapagos, Ecuador
Nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano, Pikaia overlooks the ocean at 450 metres altitude. A real architectural feat, the building made from glass and volcanic stone is designed to deliver an unbeatably luxurious and eco-friendly experience. The private yacht at guests’ disposal lets them take in the variety of marine wildlife and heavenly beaches of the Galapagos Islands. See pikaialodge.com
Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, UK
Opening in November 2019
A striking example of Edwardian architecture from the 20th century, this unique and timeless building, once home to the Manchester Stock Exchange, is being transformed into a hotel that will offer a collection of 40 rooms, including two signature suites and a stunning 325-square-metere penthouse residence, The House.
The building, built in 1906, has been meticulously renovated and transformed with the new design by design studio Autoban. The heart and soul of the hotel will be a restaurant and bar by chef Tom Kerridge and will sit beneath the magnificent central dome, which for decades was the trading floor of the Stock Exchange. See stockexchangehotel.co.uk
Le Jules Verne, Paris France
Opening July 2019
Located on the Eiffel Tower’s second floor, Le Jules Verne is a Parisian institution. Frédéric Anton, the three-Michelin-starred chef at Le Pré Catelan and “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” winner, is taking the helm of the Iron Lady’s gourmet restaurant in an exceptional setting revisited by architect Aline Asmar d’Amman. The dialogue between the chef’s culinary creations and the architecture of the Eiffel Tower makes Le Jules Verne an exquisite gastronomic and cultural destination. See restaurants-toureiffel.com/fr/restaurant-jules-verne.html
La Maison des Têtes, Colmar, Alsace, France
Located in the centre of the Alsatian town of Colmar, this architectural gem in the Renaissance style is classified as a historical monument and takes its name from the 106 sculpted heads (têtes) that decorate the façade. Balancing history and modernity to perfection, La Maison des Têtes hotel, its historic brasserie and Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurant, Le Girardin, share a passion for the exquisitely beautiful. See maisondestetes.com
Restaurant Le Pré, Clermont-Ferrand, Auvergne, France
Le Pré hotel-restaurant in Durtol, perched above Clermont-Ferrand, reveals the richness of cuisine that evolves with nature. Every morning, Michelin-starred chef Xavier Beaudiment goes out to pick the wild herbs that grow at the foot of the volcanoes of Auvergne to transport guests’ tastebuds there. See restaurant-lepre.co.uk
Hôtel Richer de Belleval, Montpellier, Hérault, France
Opening beginning 2020
In the heart of the historic centre of Montpellier, in Place de la Canourgue, Jacques and Laurent Pourcel are reinventing Hôtel Richer de Belleval, an iconic building in the city. Classified as a historical monument, this 17th-century townhouse with outstanding architectural decoration has been fully restored in order to accommodate a hotel and the Pourcel brothers’ new gastronomic restaurant. Prepare to experience something unique.
Restaurant Frederikshøj, Aarhus, Denmark
The Frederikshøj restaurant offers a panoramic view over the property’s garden, the Thor forest and the Bay of Aarhus. In a typically Scandinavian modern and minimalist setting, the Michelin-starred chef Wassim Mohammad Hallal promises to take you on an original and exciting culinary journey incorporating elements of both French cuisine and Nordic Nouvelle Cuisine. See frederikshoj.com
Château de Vignée, Villiers-sur-Lesse, Wallonia, Belgium
Opening in October 2019
The 18th-century farm/chateau in the Belgian Ardennes has been taken over by chef Kwinten Boelen. After refurbishment, Château de Vignée will reopen its doors with 25 rooms, a swimming pool, a spa and a new showcase for the Belgian chef’s culinary creations, the Arden restaurant. The chef’s vegetable garden at the property has been established with regional and seasonal cuisine in mind.
Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa, Saas-Fee, Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Opening in December 2019
The Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa in Saas-Fee has been fully renovated to bring a holistic approach to an Alpine break. With its modern rooms and natural materials, gastronomic restaurant and exceptional spa, the new Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa has every base covered in relation to looking after body, mind and senses. Situated at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the Saas Valley, the resort is surrounded by 13 peaks, including a 3,500-metre glacier and provides opportunities for skiing all year round. See walliserhof-saasfee.ch/en-us
Mpala Jena Camp, Zambezi Park, Zimbabwe
Mpala Jena Camp has a natural spring running through it and is ideal for watching an abundance of wild animals all year round. Nestled in a private concession of the Zambezi national park, the four off-white canvas tents are positioned in the shade of hundred-year-old trees. Each one has a terrace offering access to the private swimming pool that overlooks a tranquil river. Located near Victoria Falls, this ecolodge is a wonderfully luxurious stopping place for nature lovers. See greatplainsconservation.com
More details on Relais & Chateaux at www.relaischateaux.com
Lead image: Nautilus Beach Residence