Latest news with #Relais&Châteaux
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Relais & Châteaux adds Jaipur's Sarvato, eyes growth in new states
French luxury hotel association Relais & Châteaux added 52-seater Sarvato restaurant at City Place, Jaipur as its newest member from India. The association which is a collection of individually owned boutique properties often equated to the Michelin star guide of restaurants, presently has seven other properties under its umbrella in the country, underscoring the exclusivity and rigorous criterion required for a property to become part of the elite association. 'We are very picky and have high standards that we want our members to adhere to. I believe that details – like the thickness of paper, the placement of a switch – are what creates emotion in a customer and hence quality,' Laurent Gardinier, president, Relais & Châteaux told Business Standard in an exclusive interaction. Sarvato champions slow cooking and remains open only from September to April every year. The ultra-luxury boutique restaurant has been added after an extensive, year-long survey which the association undertook in India to identify potential additions to the over 70 year old association, which includes only over 600 properties worldwide. 'Luxury is not about serving world cuisine like spaghetti Bolognese and hamburgers to guests, but about being able to create an emotion through an authentic, local experience where they are staying,' he added. Gardinier, who was in India on a two-day trip, said the network is evaluating properties to add to its Indian portfolio. 'There has been a big explosion of the Indian market in terms of a destination, and we also see now that it's a little bit easier to come to India—like the visa process easing considerably, and modernisation in infrastructure. So, we have identified 40 properties in the country that could potentially become part of the network,' he said. According to Gardinier, for a property to qualify, it must have a heritage connection, around 40–50 rooms, be located at a desirable site, and offer a fine gastronomic experience. The Relais & Châteaux designation is a prestigious accolade for independent hoteliers and restaurateurs worldwide. The association has also identified underrepresented states such as Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan as priorities for expansion. With most individual members aged around 45, Relais & Châteaux reported a cumulative sales volume of €3.2 billion in 2024, up 8 per cent from 2023. Of this, 42.1 per cent came from food and beverage activity, nearly matching the 49 per cent generated by hotel rooms. In India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, however, hotel rooms represent a larger share of sales—52 per cent in 2024—while food and beverage accounts for only 33 per cent. It is this gastronomic gap that the association now aims to address. Sarvato becomes the eighth Relais & Châteaux property in India, joining Suján Sher Bagh near Ranthambore National Park, which captures the spirit of a 1920s safari; The Malabar House, an art hotel in Cochin that celebrates Kerala's cultural history as a passage between East and West; and Masque, a Mumbai-based restaurant that blends heritage and innovation, among others. Among destinations gaining traction, 82 per cent of travel activity by Indian, Thai, and Sri Lankan clients is concentrated in Europe—most notably in France (28 per cent), Italy (23 per cent), Switzerland (9 per cent), and the UK (6 per cent).
South Wales Argus
03-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Carl Cleghorn reaches National Chef of the Year semis
The Newport-based founder of Tyme by Carl Cleghorn, which delivers fine dining experiences to homes across the M4 corridor from west Wales to London, impressed judges with a standout menu that secured his place in the next round. Mr Cleghorn said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be through to the semi-finals of National Chef of the Year 2025. "This year's brief just lit a fire in me straight away. It inspired a menu I really believe in, and to have it recognised by such a prestigious panel is honestly incredible. "It's a huge honour, and I'm ready to give it everything to earn my place in that final 10. Let's go." His semi-final menu, based on the theme 'classic meets contemporary', featured a lobster starter, a two-cut beef main, and a Grand Cru chocolate tart, all prepared within a three-hour time limit. Mr Cleghorn now joins 39 other chefs in the semi-finals, where he will be tasked with creating a summertime pre-dessert that showcases seasonal fruits or vegetables and tells a personal story through flavour and presentation. The semi-final judging will take place on July 16, with finalists announced on July 31. The National Chef of the Year competition is widely regarded as the UK and Ireland's most respected culinary contest, having helped launch the careers of chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Simon Hulstone. Mr Cleghorn's experience includes earning three AA Rosettes, working in Relais & Châteaux properties, and leading Michelin-starred kitchens. In 2024, he launched Tyme to make restaurant-quality dining accessible in homes, rentals, and event spaces. Tyme describes its offering as "relaxed fine dining without the pretension," rooted in skill, service, and the belief that exceptional food should be accessible to all.
Herald Sun
09-06-2025
- Herald Sun
I stayed at 3 of New Zealand's best luxury lodges, it was incredible
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. The first few tentative steps atop the white snowy caps of New Zealand's Southern Alps are not what I expected. From a distance, the ancient glaciers appear as a soft blanket of freshly fallen snow blanketing the mountaintops, not the hard, compacted ice we find when our helicopter lands among Fiordland National Park's highest peaks. 'Edmund Hillary climbed that peak three times in training before he tackled Everest,' our pilot says, pointing at Mount Tutoko. 'Sadly, these glaciers are disappearing. I remember seeing those mountain peaks covered in snow, not exposed like that.' His commentary forces me to put down my camera and take in the precious moment; breathe in the crisp, clean air and marvel at the silence and glaring whiteness stretched out before me. Mercedes Maguire on a helitour of Fiordland National Park. We were picked up from the front lawn of Blanket Bay luxury lodge for a helitour of Fiordland National Park. En route, our pilot points out the remote cabin on the edge of Lake Wakatipu where Brad Pitt's still-in-production film Heart of the Beast recently wrapped filming, and fans of The Lord of the Rings and Mission Impossible: Fallout movies will recognise the scenery of the lake sandwiched between mountains. The Southern Alps is the final stop in a multi-lodge holiday of New Zealand. New Zealand's lodges are different to those anywhere else – often in remote, natural settings, they offer the perfect combo of intimate service, amazing food and genuine sustainability. I like to think of this trip, which will include a stay in three of the country's best luxury lodges, as a bit like an island-hopping adventure with a twist – lodge leaping, perhaps? The Otahuna Lodge mansion dates back to 1895. First stop Otahuna Lodge may be just 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport, but it has getting-away-from-it-all vibes. The seven-room Queen Anne mansion – built in 1895 by politician Sir Heaton Rhodes for his new bride, Jessie – comes into view on approach along the long gravel driveway. Hall Cannon and Miles Refo took on the then-crumbling pile in 2006 (left derelict after its time as a Christian monastery and a 1960s hippie commune), opening the largest private historic property in New Zealand after a year-long restoration. My room is a light-drenched space styled in modern Victorian with high ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace and a large recessed picture window overlooking the grounds. The Botanical Suite at Otahuna Lodge. It was once the room of the lady of the house, and I'm happy to be its latest occupant, even if it's just for the night. While the lodge operates as a fine hotel under the Relais & Châteaux banner, it feels more like I'm a guest in a private country home, each room a perfect blend of authentic old and comfortable new. There's no minibar or television in my room, for example, because they didn't have them in Jessie's time. But on the main landing, an old timber sideboard serving as a shared minibar heaves with freshly baked friands and Anzac biscuits, tea, coffee and cold drinks. The extensive gardens were remodelled into a series of spaces that are like living jewellery boxes – the Dutch garden, rose garden, orchard and a 130-variety fruit and vegetable patch that inspires executive chef Jimmy McIntyre's seasonal menus. Guests are encouraged to book cooking demonstrations and garden tours for the full experience. Hall waves us off the next morning, after a country breakfast that included a delicious multigrain no-knead bread made from a 100-year-old recipe in New Zealand's beloved Edmonds Cookery Book, farm fresh eggs, homemade jams, honey and muesli. Whare Cottage at Wharekauhau Lodge. North Island hop A short plane trip to Wellington and a helicopter ride across the water (or a 90-minute drive) takes us to our second stop, Wharekauhau. If Otahuna Lodge is reminiscent of an old English hunting lodge, Wharekauhau is more like a luxe farmstay, cradled between the Remutaka mountains and Palliser Bay. The main building is the hub for meals, activity-planning, evening drinks, exercise or just a place to hang out, while the accommodation is away from the lodge in 16 cottage suites and a villa. Wharekauhau has a dedicated 'activity outfitter' and planning your days over cocktails in the formal lounge is all part of the experience. We toured the 1200ha estate on ATV quad bikes (keeping an eye out for movie-director neighbour James Cameron), hand-fed eels, went clay-target shooting and walked the black-sand beach at Palliser Bay – and that was without leaving the estate. A 45-minute drive takes you to the charming town of Martinborough, a great spot for lunch and shopping and the home of Lighthouse Gin, run by New Zealand's first female head distiller, Rachel Hall. Refusing to get caught up in the 'crazy-flavoured gin trend', Hall produces a core range of three gins: Original, Navy Strength and Barrel Aged, all made using nine botanicals and spring water from Wharekauhau. The picturesque Blanket Bay lodge at dusk. And back south The luxury lodge trifecta finishes at picture-perfect Blanket Bay, 45 minutes from Queenstown Airport. There are eight rooms in the main lodge plus four chalets and a four-bedroom villa elsewhere on the estate. The area is a perfect base for adventure activities like horse riding, ziplining, bungee jumping, helifishing, hiking and jetboating. But with a helipad on the grounds, flights over nearby Milford Sound and the glaciers of the Southern Alps are the ultimate local experience. Our pilot tells us that what appears to be dirt on the glacier tops is actually ash from Australian bushfires. That doesn't stop me bending to scoop the water, drip-fed from a glacier to a small steam, into my mouth. It's crisp, perfectly chilled and delicious. And after a week of pure indulgence, it seems like a fitting finale to New Zealand. The writer was a guest of Relais & Châteaux. The lodges Otahuna, 30 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Rooms from $NZ2600 a night for two adults twin share (about $2411). Wharekauhau, 90 minutes from Wellington. Rooms from $2700 a night for two adults twin share (about $2472). Blanket Bay, 40 minutes from Queenstown. Rooms from $NZ2250 a night for two adults twin share (about $2086). Originally published as I stayed at 3 of New Zealand's best luxury lodges, it was incredible
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux Joins SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova Program
Collection includes more than 1,700 luxury properties that provide guests with special amenities MONTIGNOSO, Italy, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux has been invited to join Internova Travel Group's SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program, an exclusive collection of more than 1,700 luxury properties around the world. "We are excited to become part of the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova family," said Mr. Antonio Mosca, General Manager of Il Bottaccio. "These properties maintain the highest standards of comfort and service, and it's an honor to be included. Internova travel advisors are known for going the extra mile for their clients and we do the same for our guests, so we're delighted to be partners with them. We look forward to offering their clients the special amenities that will make their stay with us even more memorable." Tucked away in a tranquil corner at the foot of the Apuan Alps, Il Bottaccio comes with its fair share of exciting history. It all started with a late 18th century mill, put in place by a wealthy citizen, Paquale Boldrini, who built a house around it in Montignoso. The name itself is quintessentially Tuscan and it refers to a basin where water is collected to supply mills and olive presses. Over the years, this fascinating building was acquired by a renowned heart surgeon, Gaetano Azzolina, who restored it and embellished it as a private home in the 1970s. Elio d'Anna, a mercurial, brilliantly witty, illuminated musician, philosopher and entrepreneur subsequently acquired it. The hotel opened in 1983 and entered the prestigious Relais&Chateau family in 1988. A home rather than a hospitality business, the idea behind it all was – and still is – that of offering respite and pleasure to gourmet travellers in search of matchless sensory experiences. The general atmosphere is one of enticing elegance and charm, epitomised by the highly unique décor, and yet an overall sense of familiarity embraces you as you step in, making every stay a memorable one. "We are thrilled to welcome Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux into the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program," said Albert Herrera, Executive Vice President, Partner Relations for Internova Travel Group. "This is a carefully curated group of premium properties that offer exclusive privileges to our travelers. Our travel advisors know that their clients will enjoy a truly amazing experience when they stay at Il Bottaccio, Relais & Châteaux." Guests who book their stay at a SELECT hotel or resort by Internova through a travel advisor with ALTOUR, Andrew Harper, Global Travel Collection, Nexion Travel Group or Travel Leaders Network can enjoy amenities that are unique to the program. Based on availability, those perks may include resort credits, room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out and basic Wi-Fi. To learn more about the SELECT Hotels & Resorts by Internova program, please visit About Il Bottaccio, Relais & ChâteauxNestled in the heart of Tuscany, Il Bottaccio Art Hotel is a haven of elegance and serenity, set within a beautifully restored 18th-century water mill. This exclusive retreat offers a refined yet intimate atmosphere, where history, art, and hospitality blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience. With only eight spacious and exquisitely designed suites, Il Bottaccio ensures the highest level of privacy and comfort. Each suite is a masterpiece, adorned with curated artworks, antique furnishings, and bespoke details that reflect the property's rich heritage and artistic soul. The warm ambiance, paired with modern amenities, creates the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary luxury. FACT SHEET Il Bottaccio is open year-round and has never closed since 1983. Guest amenities include a full service gourmet restaurant, Il Bottaccio Lounge Bar, a seasonal indoor pool, a beautiful garden and Otzium Wellness. Since 1st March 2022, the property only uses green energy and sets a high value on eco-sustainability and biodegradable measures. The unique setting of Il Bottaccio, suspended among the sea nearby and the Apuanian Alps, contributes to its original cuisine where the sea flavours combine with the musky aromas of the woods and the mountains. The food retains the Mediterranean light - airy and delicate, full-bodied and light. The perceptions, sensations and the emotions, which the place inspires, add a unique flavour to the food - Il Bottaccio has the quintessential qualities that turn professional catering into a form of Art. Ownership, Elio D'AnnaGeneral Manager and Executive Chef, Antonio MoscaLocation: Via Bottaccio, 1 - Montignoso - 54038 (MS), TuscanyContact:+39 0585 About Internova Travel GroupInternova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries. CONTACTS:Irina Manolea Email: Phone: +39 0585 340031 Elizabeth GaerlanEmail: egaerlan@ Phone: +1 212 944-1125 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Internova Travel Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chains line up for signing more properties in Jawai
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Jawai, located in the Pali district of Rajasthan about 650 kilometers from Delhi, and made famous for its leopard sightings and luxury safari camps by the uber rich, is drawing interest from budget and luxury chains two weeks ago, Lemon Tree Hotels signed a boutique property in Jawai that will come up next year, and will comprise 17 villas with their own private pools or jacuzzis, said Vilas Pawar, CEO of the managed and franchised business at the chain. Earlier this month, Radisson Hotel Group launched the Aaramgah Jawai Resort & Spa, with 22 premium rooms and 10 luxury villas. Nikhil Sharma, MD and COO, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group said at the time of the launch that Jawai offers an 'unparalleled' blend of rich heritage, cultural authenticity, and pristine wilderness, allowing travelers to explore Rajasthan's 'true essence' beyond the traditional tourist region has gained significant popularity due to its proximity to major tourist destinations such as Udaipur, which is approximately 150 kms away, and Jodhpur, around 170 kms away. Known for its opportunities to spot wild leopards and its distinctive landscape, located on the Jawai river that flows out of the Aravalli Hills, the destination gained attention when several Bollywood celebrities headed there for vacations. The Postcard Jawai Leopard Reserve is under construction and is scheduled to open in January 2026, said Kapil Chopra, founder and CEO, The Postcard Hotel. It is being built in partnership with the Heda family office and the architectural planning is by master architect Ravi Gupta who has previously worked on both The Oberoi Rajvilas and The Oberoi Sukhvilas, said Jain, founder of Mayfair Consultants said he has secured mandates for two luxury properties that are in the early stages of development, and are aimed at international brands. 'Each property spans over 10 acres of land and will feature 14 luxury villas,' he region has gained recognition as one of the world's 'most unique' wildlife destinations, said Jaisal Singh, owner of SUJÁN Jawai, a Relais & Châteaux member property. As per its website, a 'minimum three nights stay' required at the property at the end of this year will set you back by Rs 612,000 excluding taxes and fees. Relais & Châteaux is an association and affiliation of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants across the world. "While we at SUJÁN have consistently maintained globally benchmarked standards, we believe it is not about tourism alone," said Singh. "It is about making a tangible positive impact, and tourism that benefits the environment, the sensitivities of wildlife as well as the communities, and to that end, I am sure that the government of Rajasthan will take all steps required to ensure that there are no violations or unplanned development that harms the beauty and coexistence that exists in Jawai," he other operational, branded properties in the region include Jawai Zinc Journey by The Fern, ITC Hotels' Welcomheritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, Clarks Safari Jawai Bandh Resort, and Brij Pola, Jawai. ITC Hotels MD Anil Chadha said the chain continues to evaluate opportunities and is open to considering additional new hotels under its brands in total inventory of branded rooms in the Jawai region is pegged at approximately 150 rooms with an additional 60-80 rooms likely to get added with the new from Mayfair Consultants said the average room rate in the region fluctuates between Rs 15,000- Rs 22,000 during the lean season and rises to around Rs 45,000- Rs 60,000 during the peak season that lasts from October end till the end of per media reports, Rajasthan witnessed a record 23 crore domestic tourists and nearly 21 lakh foreign tourists in 2024. Domestic tourist arrivals in Rajasthan surged by 28% while foreign visitors increased by 21% in 2024.
