Relais & Chateaux launches 'Villas By Relais & Chateaux': Fully Customizable Service
The launch defines how excellent service can be delivered outside hotels with a human touch
A portfolio of over 500 villas today sets a new standard in customizable personal service, presented in refined accommodation that promises space and seclusion outside of a hotel setting. The collection, which has been carefully curated to adhere to the wider hospitality values of Relais & Châteaux, reflects changing consumer attitudes due to the pandemic, fulfilling pent-up demand for travel while ensuring guests feel safe and confident to travel in today's settings.
Villas by Relais & Châteaux offers a new vision for the hospitality sector that amplifies the group's defining ethos of family spirit, local anchorage, and excellent cuisine. With 500 villas in 30 countries, with more to follow, all properties within the portfolio have been subject to strict criteria to ensure they are worthy of inclusion in the new Villas by Relais & Châteaux collection.
But it is the fully customizable service options and unrelenting focus on food and drink that truly distinguishes Villas by Relais & Châteaux from the wider industry. Guests are guaranteed the same service they could expect if they were staying in a Relais & Châteaux hotel. So, whether enjoying a quiet poolside dinner prepared just for you by a Michelin-starred chef or indulging in spa treatments delivered privately on-site, guests can appreciate their facilities' services undisturbed, especially when babysitting is included.
The eclectic nature of Relais & Châteaux 580-strong, largely family-run network of hotels and restaurants are reflected in the varying styles of each villa, which reflects each unique sense of place in 29 countries. Whether in a grand palazzo on a Mediterranean island, a remote ranch in Montana, a cliff-top cabin in Sri Lanka or a rural cottage in Ireland, the collection is deliberately and delightfully diverse while set in breathtaking natural surroundings – in itself a reflection of Relais & Châteaux's proud spirit of celebrating local culture, customs, food and drink. And many properties also benefit from additional features such as private pools, beaches, hot tubs and tennis courts.
A deliberately ruthless selection criteria used by Relais & Châteaux epitomizes its approach to ensuring quality and privacy of accommodation and is designed to guarantee a genuine sense of space and seclusion. Each villa is available to rent exclusively, boasts private access and has no adjoining properties (exception: Villas in city centers). Each has a minimum of 70sq m in internal space, including dedicated indoor dining spaces, and outdoor terraces big enough to celebrate on.
The launch of Villas by Relais & Châteaux comes in response to changing consumer priorities. The collection seeks to give guests more control over their stay and confidence in the safety of the family and friends they are travelling with. With dented enthusiasm for long plane journeys in cramped conditions, and greater demand for staycations that guests can travel to independently, Villas by Relais & Châteaux means guests can take the break they have been craving without compromising on safety or service.
Philippe Gombert, President of Relais & Châteaux, said: "Guests of Villas by Relais & Châteaux can expect the same level of refined service as if they were staying in one of our hotels – how much they want and when is entirely up to them. Now, more than ever, our guests value personal space and our collection of incredible villas can give them confidence and peace of mind – without compromising on hospitality. Villas by Relais & Châteaux is an essential component of our ability to evolve and thrive as we begin to think beyond the pandemic."
To book Villas by Relais & Châteaux, please visit: www.relaischateaux.com/us/villas/destinations
Please find a selection of images here:
A glimpse at international locations:
Cliveden House, UNITED KINGDOM
On the outskirts of London sits the famed Cliveden House. Renowned for its magnificent 152-hectare estate overlooking the River Thames, the regal property features a standalone cottage that sits on the banks of River Thames - one of few to exist of its kind. Beloved by royalty, Queen Victoria and the Duchess of Sutherland would enjoy afternoon tea at the cottage whilst watching the world float by along the iconic River Thames. Boasting immaculate design and featuring three charming bedrooms, the cottage is the perfect home for travelers looking for an ultra-private, elegant home-away-from-home. A special rear garden right on the banks of the Thames makes this accommodation especially unique. Throughout their stay, guests will benefit from exceptional amenities including a personalized catering service in their villa.
The Nautilus, MALDIVES
2 Bedroom Beach Residence with Pool
Located within the Maldives' stunning Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the three-bedroom Nautilus Mansion was designed as the ultimate private beach home with panoramic views over the sea from every light-filled room. Sleeping up to six guests this incredible grass-roofed mansion's circular living spaces and decor convey the bohemian spirit of the island. Guests can enjoy a personalized catering service, where they can indulge in fine cuisines and a curated selection of wines. Guests can also choose to receive every meal in their residence - either in the dining room or on the terrace, with the option of a private butler service. If they choose to dine outside of their luscious villa residence, the property offers a variety of dining destinations throughout the estate.
Villa des Orangers, MOROCCO
Villa des Orangers is an oasis of calm and serenity in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech. The centerpiece of this private riad is the courtyard, finished in ornate ceramic tiles and featuring a private pool that is shaded by lush banana trees, making it the ideal place to relax and soak in the best of Marrakech. Featuring the best of Moroccan craftsmanship, this spectacular property boasts ornate plaster arcades, open fireplaces and high ceilings. The private roof terrace overlooks the old town and the Koutoubia Mosque, and has an unobstructed view of the Atlas Mountains. Guests will always be surrounded by nature as the property is complete with exceptional landscaping, flowers, tropical plants and verdant planters. Sleeping up to five guests, the two-suite riad features intricately carved wooden furniture with soft fabrics, two luxuriously appointed bathrooms, finished in cooling marble and an outdoor living area makes for an elegant lounging and dining space.
Le Clos colombier, FRANCE
Michelin-starred chef Gilles Dudognon welcomes travelers to his 12th-century home, located in a small village in the heart of the Limousin region. The private villa, rebuilt in the aftermath of the revolution, features its own tower that is part of a moat, and is perched on a one-hectare park (part of a 35-hectare estate). Surrounded by established fruit trees, it even has a Colombier Bridge, proudly classified as a historic monument. The villa offers 480m2 of living space, with three suites each comprising a master bedroom with large open sitting room, a second bedroom and a bathroom. The two additional bedrooms mean the villas can accommodate up to 16 people, suitable for large families or groups of friends. The spectacularly decorated property blends traditional materials, including galleried ceilings, stone walls and exposed wooden beams, with contemporary interior design and modern artistic flourishes. Boasting a reception lounge, dining room, fully equipped professional Gaggeneau kitchen, smoking room/tasting cellar and a private gym, as well as an 18-metre private pool this villa complex is a truly unique French escape. Guests will be offered personalized catering from Gilles Dudognon's kitchen throughout their stay - a celebration of the finest locally sourced ingredients, and dishes paired with a selection from the 350-bottle wine cellar.
Dimora Il Borro, ITALY
Nestled in the heart of an 1100-hectare estate in Tuscany, the 19th-century Tuscan villa, overlooks the medieval village of Il Borro. The private palazzo, built in 1854 features sleeps up to 20 people, featuring 10 quaint bedrooms with double beds, 10 en-suite bathrooms, heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, fully equipped gym, Turkish bath and a large Billiards room. Guests can spend the day strolling through two private gardens, admiring the exquisite artwork painted on the estate ceilings or sitting by the fire enjoying fine Italian wines and charcuterie.
A glimpse at North American locations:
Imanta Punta de Mita, MÉXICO
Just five minutes from the main hotel, the Casa del Arbol is a private treetop retreat perched above the tropical rainforest that is home to exotic birdlife. An ocean breeze blows over the accommodation, which offers incredible views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is here, in the winter, where guests can witness exceptional whale-spotting. Taking over several floors, the Casa del Arbol is crafted in pine and local stone, and is crowned with an enclosed main bedroom surrounded by a large private terrace. On the floor below, lies a second bedroom that has no walls and a fully outdoor shower - making guests feel as if they are truly at one with nature. Continuing down to the lower levels, a beautiful waterfall cascades down the hillside to fill three ponds that serve as guests' very own private pools. Further down below, the treehouse even has its own private beach where crystal clear waters with colorful fish flow through. The culinary experience is one to remember in the Casa del Arbol - prepared by the chef who champions local Mexican ingredients and produce from the tropical oceanic surroundings. A private butler makes a stay at the Casa del Arbol even more memorable, with exceptional service throughout guests' stay.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, CALIFORNIA
The Villas at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa feature 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space surrounded by lush greenery. The Villas feature a fully equipped gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances, stunning living room complete with a full entertainment system, three master bedrooms with three and a half bathrooms, private outdoor terrace with a jetted hot tub and grill, all accompanied by indoor and outdoor fireplaces. All Villas include exclusive access to the Owner's Clubhouse with swimming pool and outdoor jetted spa, spa membership with access to all of Rancho Valencia's spa facilities, including the Serenity Yoga Pavilion, spin room, Pilates room, 95 complimentary fitness classes a week, tennis membership and access to the resort's 18 tennis courts, and more.
Secret Bay, DOMINICA
Built on a majestic clifftop, the Zabuco Honeymoon Villa I is situated at the furthest point of the Secret Bay promontory. Offering breathtaking 180-degree views over the mountain peaks of Dominica and the sparkling Caribbean Sea, guests will be spoiled with stunning untouched natural beauty. The honeymoon villa is ideal for couples looking for a remote escape that has all the luxuries of a beachfront home, with a state-of-the-art open-plan kitchen, private plunge pool and expansive outdoor deck area. The beautiful master bedroom is authentic in its design, with furniture made from Dominican Red Cedar by local craftsmen. Guests staying at this villa will enjoy exclusive use of the enchanting Wild Orchid Garden Decks as well as dedicated villa hosts who are on call to provide discreet service, creating the perfect balance of romance, privacy and pampering.
Twin Farms, VERMONT
The crown jewel of Vermont's only five-star resort is the Chalet, one of the property's 10 uniquely designed stand-alone cottages. The private, 3,000-square-foot two-floor cottage beckons travelers in search of seclusion and a luxurious retreat. Tucked on the edge of one of the property's six private ski slopes, guests are invited to take in views of Mount Ascutney as they lounge in the expansive living area with floor-to-ceiling windows or soak in the tub on the enclosed private patio. Nestle up next to one of the two fireplaces, enjoy beautifully crafted furnishings, and admire artful design touches, from 18th century Burgundian limestone flooring to hand-thrown glazed tiles coloring the bedroom fireplace. The all-inclusive resort is famed for its exceptional culinary program that celebrates the local New England terroir. Guests are invited to go on a unique menu-less culinary journey throughout their stay and trust Executive Chef Nathan Rich and his expert team to guide them through an exceptionally curated dining experience using ingredients from the property's very own farm and produce all found within a five-mile radius of the estate.
Post Hotel & Spa, CANADA
Watson House Set on the banks of the pristine Pipestone River in Louise, sits a private two-story cabin offering a chic mountain lodge escape. Featuring four bedrooms in total, all with en-suite bathrooms, the 3000 sq foot cabin can sleep up to 10 people. The two master bathrooms feature Jacuzzi tubs, perfect for a relaxing soak after a day of hiking oron the celebrated Canadian ski slopes. Over in the grand living room, a timber framed cathedral ceiling sits tall while fire crackles in the background, as guests sit at the dining table where they can indulge in a unique dining experience. During the spring and summer seasons, the garden areas come to life, filled with native florals, while in the winter, the area is adorned with white powdery snow, as the estate transforms into a winter wonderland.
About Relais & Châteaux
ESTABLISHED IN 1954, Relais & Châteaux, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests.
Relais & Châteaux members protect and promote the wealth and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions, to ensure they continue to thrive. They are equally dedicated to preserving local heritage and the environment, as articulated in the association's Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014.
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