Relais & Châteaux is the prestigious association of over 475 privately owned exclusive hotels and acclaimed restaurants of charm and prestige spread across the most beautiful destinations around the globe. From the noblest addresses of Europe to the most idyllic hideaways in Africa, Asia, North, Central and South America and Oceania, every property awaits with a new experience embedded in the local culture and traditions, closely followed by a refined ambience and sophisticated service. Headquartered in Paris, the association serves as an ambassador for the French made to measure "art de recevoir" and the highest culinary standards. Each establishment embodies the association's quality charter of the five "C's" - Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm and Cuisine.

Relais & Châteaux was established in 1954. At that time, eight hotels along the national highway 7 between Paris and Nice joined forces to found Relais de Campagne. They named these steps, "La Route du Bonheur" (the road to Happiness). They shared the same values and drew attention to themselves through an advertising campaign based on the signature "All around the world, Unique in the world.". The name Relais & Châteaux appeared in 1975.

The Relais & Châteaux brand is perceived more than ever as the global benchmark for The Finest Association in the World of gourmet restaurants and charming deluxe hotels.

Numerous awards recently including Travel & Leisure, the Zagat Survey and prestigious food guides (more than 300 Michelin stars in the Relais Gourmands and Relais & Châteaux around the world) all testify to this.

The mission of the Relais & Châteaux Association is to further the cultural and economic standing of its unique hotels and restaurants around the world by collectively promoting its members whilst recognising their heritage and the soul and spirit of Relais & Châteaux.