From Croatia to Thailand: Eight new insider tips at Relais & Chateaux

The hotel and restaurant association Relais & Chateaux has added eight more insider tips from around the world to its portfolio. The new members range from Switzerland to Croatia, from Guatemala to Thailand and from French Polynesia to New Zealand – and all vouch for their fantastic location, the charm of their architecture, exciting stories and fabulous cuisine.

The Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville is hidden in Crissier in Switzerland – just a few kilometers from Lausanne. Chef Franck Giovannini, with his three Michelin stars and 19 Gault Millau points, continues the rich culinary heritage of his predecessors – top chefs Frédy Girardet, Philippe Rochat and Benoît Violier. He uses his sensitive instinct for extraordinary creations to serve creative and often unique dishes to the restaurant’s guests.

The traditional farmhouse La Vella Farga is located in the small town of Lladurs – near the medieval old town of La Seu d’Urgell in the heart of the Spanish region of Catalonia – and was built in 1036. After extensive renovation, it is now characterized by an artistic interior with fine fabrics and regional antiques. On the panoramic terrace or in the infinity pool of this oasis of tranquility, guests enjoy a wonderful view of the idyllic landscape.

One of the new insider tips at Relais & Chateaux is the elegant Villa Korta Katarina, which is located in the middle of a vineyard opposite the Croatian island of Korčula – just a few nautical miles from Dubrovnik. Built at the beginning of the last century, the hotel has nine beautifully decorated suites, each with its own style. But the rooms all have one thing in common: a wonderful view of the Adriatic Sea, which can best be enjoyed with an in-house wine.

On the island of Hvar – one of the most charming places on the coast of Dalmatia – the modern Maslina Resort opens in May on an extensive estate that stretches along the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea. Embedded in a pine forest, it was built with natural materials to give guests a feeling of connection with the surrounding nature.

Blanket Bay Lodge is located in a valley on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in Glenorchy – surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. From the lake to the mountains, there is an endless range of sporting activities available to anyone who wants to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Queenstown’s breathtaking scenery. The days are crowned by the local culinary specialties that can be enjoyed by the fireplace.

Relais & Chateaux is now also represented on the remote Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia: on a mountain slope on the island of Nuku Hiva – in the midst of untouched nature – the 20 wooden bungalows of the Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge overlook the Taiohae Bay. The black sandy beaches and the small town of Taiohea are just as easy to reach with a short walk as the Tikis – ancestral figures carved out of volcanic rock that have guarded the souls of the Marquesans for thousands of years.

The faithfully restored Villa Bokeh opened in July 2020 amidst a lush park landscape – just a few minutes away from the historic center of the old colonial city of Antigua in Guatemala. The private property exudes a relaxing character that runs through the villa, courtyards and gardens. Spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes round off an unforgettable stay in this idyllic vacation spot. Unfortunately, the villa does not yet have a website.

The Villa de Pranakorn is an elegant hotel that was newly opened in the old town of Bangkok – and at the same time an ideal place to absorb the diversity of the Thai capital. All important sights and hotspots are easy to reach. The hotel features a spa, a fitness center, Chinese-Thai fusion dishes in the “Samranraj” restaurant and cocktails or craft beers in the lobby bar and the pool bar.

Click here for the Relais & Châteaux website