Relais & Châteaux has added nine members to its collection. The properties – seven hotels and two restaurants – are located in England, Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, Canada and France.
Featured in the mix are two regal properties close to home: Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire and Ballynahinch in Connemara.
Also included is the adults-only Aïda Hotel & Spa, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which will open next month, plus the retreat of floating suites known as Brindos, Lac & Château, near Biarritz, which is due to open in April 2022.
The seven hotels range from a waterside retreat on the island of Als in Denmark, an art deco gem hidden between forests and lakes in Quebec and an oasis of wellness and luxury on Lake Zurich.
The new restaurant members offer a dining room with a view across Lake Geneva & The Alps (and two Michelin Stars under chef Stéphane Décotterd) plus a showcase for the Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon – Restaurant Saisons – which has three Michelin Stars and chef Florian Pansin at the helm.
In Gloucestershire, England, Thornbury Castle – which was commissioned by Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham – is a glorious example of Tudor architecture.
Massive yet private, welcoming yet filled with history, the establishment is an invitation to enjoy serenity with a taste of traditional British heritage, in rooms fit for royals.
Chef Carl Cleghorn prepares vegetables from the castle’s own gardens and sources produce from local farms, offering a menu of traditional dishes and vegetarian options.
Simone Arcucci, the General Manager of Thornbury Castle said: “We are thrilled that Thornbury Castle has been invited to become a member of Relais & Châteaux and we very much look forward to introducing the castle to their discerning guests.
“Thornbury Castle is the only Tudor castle in the UK which operates as a hotel and restaurant and is a truly unique place to stay. Built in 1511 during the reign of Henry VIII, it was one of the grandest buildings of its time in England and has been the home of kings, queens and dukes over the centuries.
“Following a multi-million pound refurbishment, the décor artfully reflects the Tudor style in which royalty and aristocracy would have socialised, feasted and relaxed in, allowing our guests to experience Tudor opulence in total luxury.”
In Connemara, Ireland, Ballynahinch Castle sits on a backdrop of a low mountain range with verdant forests nestled all around, and the calm waters of River Owenmore flowing below.
Located in western Ireland, the castle is both majestic and welcoming, and sophisticated yet simple. The wide bow windows of its cosy rooms offer views of the Irish countryside that look as though they could be landscape paintings.
The chef, David Bodas Gutierrez, combines his cookery with his knowledge as a nutritionist, demonstrating at every turn the balance of gourmet cuisine and wellbeing.
Eoin Walsh, General Manager, Ballynahinch Castle said: “We are proud and honoured to join the prestigious Relais & Châteaux family. The vision of Relais & Châteaux symbolises everything we do at Ballynahinch Castle; individuality, authenticity, and personable service.
“We love delivering memorable experiences for our guests and we do this through our luxurious surroundings, breath-taking location and most importantly the great people who work here. Our new partnership with Relais & Châteaux defines our hotel as one of the stand out places to visit in the west of Ireland and we look forward to welcoming guests from near and far.”
For more information, please visit www.relaischateaux.com.
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