Relais & Châteaux has added nine new members across Europe, Asia, the Pacific and South America, which it says are “deeply dedicated to art de vivre, fine dining, and respecting cultural diversity”.
From a property created by Argentina’s first female winemaker Susana Balbo in wine-growing region Agrelo to Sarvato restaurant in the palace that is home to the Royal Family of Jaipur, and a hotel built in by the same architect behind King Charles III’s official residence in Scotland – Relais & Châteaux says each of the new members share its values and vision of hospitality. Here we give you a sneak peek at each one.
Borgo Pignano Florence, Florence, Italy
Set within the walls of a former residential villa, the Relais & Châteaux Borgo Pignano Florence will open in 2026 after a “comprehensive restoration, transforming from a private villa to a high-end establishment”.
The 32 guest rooms and suites feature coffered high ceilings and large picture windows framing views of the property’s garden and the heated swimming pool.
For a fully private stay, families or groups of friends can reserve Villa la Sosta, with five bedrooms and a private garden with plunge pool.
Dine at gourmet restaurant Essenza while a second summer-only dining venue, Cedrus, will offer relaxed atmosphere in manicured gardens.
Prestonfield House, Edinburgh, Scotland
Built in the late 17th century by the same architect behind the nearby Palace of Holyroodhouse – King Charles III’s official residence in Scotland – the hotel has passed through the hands of just three families over more than three centuries.
The epitome of a Scottish Mansion House, Prestonfield House (also in the main image) has a 17th-century Dutch gable façade that overlooks the eight-hectare estate where Highland cows roam freely among its ancient trees, and yet it’s just a few minutes from the centre of Edinburgh.
Don’t miss an indulgent afternoon tea, or peruse the wine cellar before farm-to-table cuisine served in Rhubarb Restaurant.
Awasi Santa Catarina, Governador Celso Ramos, Brazil
Nestled on a lush private peninsula near Governador Celso Ramos in southern Brazil with direct access to a cove of golden sand and turquoise sea, you’ll find 25 villas with private pools.
Spend days snorkelling, fishing, hiking, or relax with a massage in a spa where each treatment cabin overlooks the sea.
At night, dine on dishes created by Chef Daniela Damasceno with seasonal produce, including vegetables from her own kitchen garden that showcase the flavors of Brazilian cuisine.
The Sarvato, Jaipur, India
The City Palace, the residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur, is home to The Sarvato restaurant with its vast terrace offering breathtaking views of Jaipur.
Historically used as a private audience hall, it’s only open from September to April. Here, Chef Sonu Kumar Singh showcases cuisine that pays tribute to tradition and the authenticity of ancestral cooking methods, reinterpreted in innovative ways.
The six-course tasting menu is an exploration of the culinary landscape of Rajasthan and is accompanied by cocktails inspired by the surrounds.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio, Italy
At the tip of a peninsula that juts into the waters of Lake Como, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni occupies arguably the most beautiful location in the village of Bellagio.
Built in 1854, it has been run for four generations by the Bucher family. A regal, classic design includes high colonnades, ornate ceilings, gilding and marble.
Expect a menu that also reflects the region, with dishes at Mistral restaurant packed full of Mediterranean flavors.
For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the private beach and its new Beach Club, as well as the spa and its state-of-the-art facilities are your go-to.
Le Tikehau, Tikehau, French Polynesia
A one-hour flight from Tahiti are the islands of the Tuamotu archipelago where you’ll find Le Tikehau, the only hotel on the atoll of the same name.
Nestled beside a pink sand beach that stretches along the lagoon are a handful of bungalows that appear to float above crystal-clear waters dotted with coral, plus several villas set directly on the edge of the lagoon.
Choose the overwater bungalows to watch the lagoon’s marine life through a section of the floor that’s made of glass, while bungalows tucked beneath the coconut trees enjoy direct access to the beach.
L’Auberge de l’Ill – Hôtel des Berges & Spa, Illhaeusern, France
Some 150 years ago, the Haeberlin family opened a country inn and since the 1950s, the property has become one of France’s finest restaurants.
At the helm is Marc Haeberlin who represents the fourth generation of chefs at Relais & Châteaux L’Auberge de l’Ill – Hôtel des Berges & Spa. His cuisine showcases local produce in creative ways combining regional classics with modern culinary concepts.
Located outdoors, directly on the riverbank, guests can stay in one of 18 rooms or suites at the Hôtel des Berges & Spa.
Gōra Kadan Fuji, Subashiri, Japan
Founded in 1948 by a branch of the imperial family, this ryokan has an enviable position with views of Mount Fuji.
The architecture includes Zen gardens, a pillar corridor and shoji screens of traditional Japanese paper.
When it comes time to dine, you can expect authentic Japanese cuisine at the property’s four restaurants, including kaiseki and kappo dishes showcasing the connection to Mount Fuji’s water and soil, as well as teppanyaki and sushi from acclaimed Tokyo restaurants.
Later, relax in the onsen or swim in the pool filled by Mount Fuji’s groundwater.
Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina’s first female winemaker Susana Balbo has been crafting wines in her bodega in Agrelo, a renowned wine-growing region just 25 minutes from Chacras de Coria, for more than two decades.
It’s in this small village just outside Mendoza that she has also established the Susana Balbo Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, which she runs with her daughter, Ana.
There are seven suites and the hotel’s walls are adorned with an extensive art collection, including photography of Argentinian landscapes and works by local artists – and you can, of course, also immerse in the world of wine, with an introduction to wine production and guided tastings.
For more information, visit Relais & Châteaux.
