Around the World in Style: The Magic of Relais & Châteaux
If you’re the kind of traveler who doesn’t just want to stay somewhere but wants to feel something, taste something unforgettable, and be immersed in local beauty, then Relais & Châteaux is your passport to transformative travel.
This exclusive collection of independently owned and operated hotels, lodges, and restaurants represents the gold standard in gastronomy, service and style. And while their properties span the globe, a few destinations caught my attention.
The beauty of my job is to meet with the hoteliers and to advise my clients. Here’s where to go around the world with Relais:
1. Clos Apalta Residence – Chile
Set in the heart of Chile’s Colchagua Valley wine country, Clos Apalta is more than a luxury lodge. It’s a modern sanctuary floating above a private vineyard. Guests are treated to views of the Andes, multi-course tasting menus paired with award-winning Carménère, and a stay immersed in sustainable architecture that embraces nature without compromising on elegance.
Why go? It’s one of the most intimate wine-country experiences in South America with Relais & Châteaux service to match.
2. Pikaia Lodge – Galapagos Islands
For the eco-adventurer who wants to explore the Galapagos without sacrificing luxury, Pikaia Lodge is your answer. This carbon-neutral property offers private yacht excursions, on-site tortoise reserves, and fine dining overlooking lava fields and ocean horizons. It redefines “remote luxury.” The common misconception is that you can only see the islands by boat, and this places is squashing all those notions. It is the only luxury hotel to have it’s on yacht, so you will get to visit those smaller islands, but without being on a ship for days.
Why go? See Darwin’s islands through a luxurious lens with gourmet meals, seamless excursions, and privacy that’s hard to beat.
3. Ocean House – Rhode Island, USA
Perched above the Atlantic in Watch Hill, this Gilded Age mansion is as grand as its sea views. Think croquet on the lawn, a Forbes Five-Star spa, and New England fine dining that showcases the best of coastal cuisine. It’s timeless Americana at its most polished.
Why go? Old-world charm, contemporary comforts, and impeccable East Coast hospitality.
4. Casa Chameleon – Costa Rica
With its adults-only vibe and cliffside villas overlooking the Nicoya Peninsula, Casa Chameleon is perfect for couples craving privacy and pura vida luxury. Each villa has its own plunge pool and sweeping views, while the on-site restaurant brings Costa Rican flavors to life with flair.
Why go? A barefoot-luxury dream where jungle meets sea and everything is taken care of.
5. Hotel Neri – Barcelona, Spain
Tucked into the Gothic Quarter, Hotel Neri blends medieval architecture with avant-garde design. It’s a cultural hideaway with just the right amount of edge. Think Catalan cuisine served in a 12th-century courtyard and interiors layered in velvet, gold leaf, and locally inspired artwork.
Why go? A boutique Barcelona escape that feels both hidden and haute. Pair it with a lesser known wine region stay at Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno, named Travel+Leisure’s best resort in Europe.
6. Ballynahinch Castle – Ireland
Overlooking the River Owenmore in Connemara, this ivy-draped castle is steeped in storybook charm. Whether you're fly-fishing, hiking the Twelve Bens, or enjoying freshly caught seafood by the fire, Ballynahinch delivers on every romantic, rugged Irish fantasy.
Why go? It’s authentic, atmospheric, and warm in every way that matters.
7. Royal Chundu – Zambia
Africa’s first Relais & Châteaux property offers a front-row seat to the Zambezi River. Guests arrive by boat, dine on farm-to-table Zambian cuisine under the stars, and fall asleep to the hum of the bush. It’s luxury with deep community roots and cultural connection.
Why go? Safari chic meets Relais & Châteaux heart, close to Victoria Falls, but far from ordinary.
8. Le Ponant – Around the World
Le Ponant, a three-masted sailing yacht from Ponant, brings Relais & Châteaux to the seas. With just 16 staterooms and a gourmet kitchen curated by Michelin-level chefs, it’s an intimate way to explore the Mediterranean, Seychelles, or the Caribbean in five-star style.
Why go? A luxury yacht experience that floats between fine dining and barefoot elegance.
The Common Thread: Passion for Place
What unites these Relais & Châteaux gems, across continents and climates, is their commitment to honoring local culture through cuisine, design, and personalized hospitality. Whether you’re sipping wine in Chile, kayaking in Zambia, or soaking in old-world elegance in Rhode Island, these properties make you feel at home in the extraordinary.
Ready to plan your stay to one fabulous hotel? I specialize in matching travelers with the perfect Relais & Châteaux property to suit your tastes, travel goals, and sense of adventure. Let’s find the one that speaks to you.
