Latest news with #Relais&Châteaux
Herald Sun
12 hours ago
- 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.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
These 11 Restaurants and Hotels Are the Newest Relais & Châteaux Properties—Including a Bahamas Resort on 2 Private Beaches
Relais & Châteaux just added 11 new members, including nine hotels and two restaurants in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. Among the highlights is The Cove Eleuthera in the Caribbean, the first and only Relais & Châteaux property in the Bahamas. Washington, D.C.'s Michelin two-starred Jônt and Guatemala City's acclaimed Sublime Restaurant are the two dining additions to the Relais & Châteaux portfolio. Relais & Châteaux, the association of luxury, independently operated hotels and restaurants, has 580 members around the world, from intimate country inns to spectacular oceanfront resorts. Today, the Paris-based organization welcomes 11 new properties, including nine hotels and two celebrated restaurants. 'Our association is firmly committed to a sustainable path so as to contribute, through cuisine and hospitality, to building a more humane and united world, in harmony with living things,' Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux, said in a press release shared with Travel + Leisure. 'It's an honor for me to welcome these 11 new members to Relais & Châteaux, properties that share not only our values but our passion for goodness and beauty.' The latest members mirror the same geographical diversity of the existing collection, with new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, and Central America. On the Old Continent, these include Villa Pétrusse, a 19th-century villa set inside a century-old park in Luxembourg. On the French Riviera in Le Lavandou, Hôtel Les Roches opens in June, featuring light-drenched rooms and a pool with prime views of the Mediterranean. Also French, Domaine le Mouflon d'Or on Corsica is a 20-key former aristocratic residence set on 50 acres in the island's Alta Rocca region. Grand Hotel Parker's in Naples is Italy's newest Relais & Châteaux. Built in 1870, the hotel has hosted luminaries like Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf. Perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples, the historic property's 67 rooms and suites are decked in Hungarian-point parquet floors, crystal chandeliers, and period furniture. In Mykonos, Greece, Myconian Sunrise—situated on the island's quieter southern coast overlooking Agrari Beach—has traditional Cycladic architecture, spacious rooms, and a spa. And, on a private bay surrounded by a 50-acre forest on the Turkish Riviera in the Mediterranean, Relais & Châteaux Ahãma opens this June with four restaurants and holistic wellness activities like forest bathing and sound therapy. Enowa Yufuin in the mountains of Kyushu, Japan, is home to guest rooms and villas with private onsens and Restaurant Jimgu, focusing on plant-based, farm-driven cuisine led by chef Tashi Gyamtso. Ran Baas The Palace, a heritage hotel in Patiala, Punjab, India, was once a Maharaja palace, meticulously restored with gilded frescoes and marble floors. In the Caribbean, The Cove Eleuthera—a sibling property of two Relais locations: Mii Amo in Sedona, Arizona, and Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont—is the first and only Relais & Châteaux in the Bahamas, set on two private, white sand-trimmed coves with access to coral reef diving and sea kayaking. Guatemala City's acclaimed Sublime Restaurant represents Central America, where chef Sergio Diaz creates an ambitious tasting menu that tells the story of the country's culinary heritage and Mayan roots. Also on the restaurant front is the Michelin two-starred Jônt in Washington, D.C., where chef Ryan Ratino is behind the innovative, globally inspired tasting menu. 'I'm pleased to be welcomed as a Relais & Châteaux member," Ratino said. 'This new addition is a reflection of our shared commitment to exceptional experiences, genuine hospitality, and the timeless values that define our brand. We look forward to the journey ahead." You can find more about the new and existing Relais & Châteaux members on Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
