Kokova Magazine

Relais & Châteaux is a global fellowship of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants. By only selecting outstanding properties with either a truly unique character, luxurious facilities, historic landmarks with idyllic settings and offering exquisite cuisine, Relais & Châteaux guarantee you a standard that reflects their motto: Caractère, Courtoisie, Calme, Charme et Cuisine.

Every member is scrutinised and compared for its character, manners, tranquility, charm and cuisine, ensuring that a stay at a Relais & Châteaux member property lives up to the standard originally established over half a century ago.

With a collection of the world's finest hotels and restaurants in 64 countries, Relais & Châteaux was originality established in France in 1954 with the mission to spread its 'art de vivre' across the globe by selecting outstanding character properties.

Each member has its own distinctive personality, but Relais & Chateaux hoteliers and chefs are united in their passion for hospitality, commitment to quality and an aspiration to deliver an ever-higher level of service.

The story of Relais & Châteaux began in 1941 when two former music hall entertainers, Marcel and Nelly Tilloy purchased "La Cardinale", an estate in the Rhône Valley. In 1952 the Tilloys began recruiting other hoteliers and restaurant owners that shared the same level of quality and excellence and passions for fine cuisine and Art de Vivre. In 1954, this group of kindred spirits merged together to create Relais & Châteaux.

As the association approaches its 60th Anniversary it has announced six new members who are to join the exclusive hotel and restaurant family.

Maison d’Uzès (Gard, France). The former home of a prominent local family of the ancient régime and revolutionary period, this 300 year old monument has undergone a meticulous four-year restoration and now offers eight bedrooms, four suites, a superb Spa and an impressive 17th Century staircase.

Hotel Restaurant Mammertsberg. Overlooking Lake Constance this exceptional restaurant serves finely crafted, light and inventive seasonal dishes influenced by master chef August Minikus's professional experience in Asia and the Philippines.

Chasa Montana Hotel & Spa. In a remote corner of the Swiss Alps between Innsbruck and St Moritz, the quiet village of Samnaun gives access to the vast Silvretta Arena, whose 250 km of pistes and 43 ski lifts are shared with the Austrian resort of Ischgl. There are 45 bedrooms, 10 suites, an extensive 1500 m² wellness area, beauty salon, four restaurants, two bars and a kids' club.

Myconian Utopia Resort. Situated above Elia Beach in Mykonos this tranquil bolthole on fashionable Mykonos land has beautiful views of the Aegean and the best beaches in Greece. Cutting-edge design and high-end luxury suit the natural surroundings and guarantee a brilliant experience.

Mihir Garh. Mihir Garh (Fortress of the Sun) perches on a dune in the middle of the Thar desert, 45 minutes to the south of Jodhpur (Jodhpur Airport 60km). Created by Rohet Garh, this boutique hotel is revered across the world for its legendary hospitality and epitomises Rajasthan's rich artistic heritage and culture.

Brilliant Resort & Spa Kunming. This delightful collection of charming villas with 23 rooms and suites overlooks Yangzong Lake in Kunming, the capital of China's Yunnan Province and City of Eternal Spring. The Jiuxiang scenery and the garden's hot-water springs create an atmosphere of peace and therapeutic natural harmony.

In the beginning, there were only eight establishments along the road between Paris and the French Riviera. Today, there are more than 520 members that are a part of Relais & Châteaux. This is more than just travel, this is a way of life.

For more information visit www.relaischateaux.com