This past fall, I brought a group of eager travelers to one of the most special areas of Italy: the Venetian Riviera. One of the many highlights of that trip was our stay at the (outstanding!) Villa Francheschi, a five-star Relais and Chateaux hotel. Both during and since our stay, I have since been able to develop a working relationship with the Relais and Chateaux regional sales manager here in the USA. (This is my third experience staying at a Relais and Chateaux hotel, my first being Borgo San Felice in Tuscany – my second being Palazzo Manfredi in Rome -all are fantastic places).
With the owner, Alessandro, of the Villa Francheschi in Mira, Italy. A beautiful Relais and Chateaux!
This latest stay piqued my curiosity on the Relais and Chateaux brand in general and, during this “down” time, I have participated in many Relais sponsored webinars in order to better acquaint myself with their global portfolio, as well as their mission.
Relais and Chateaux is French for Inns and Castles and is best described as a highly sought after status that hotels and restaurants can obtain provided they meet a certain threshold of luxury, professionalism and service. Currently, a global collection of 500 gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels and resorts have distinguished themselves enough in order to call themselves a “Relais and Chateau” establishment. I usually tell my clients that staying or dining at a facility with this lofty designation ensures two things: (i) you will feel and experience the “true” local culture while also (ii) experiencing a level of ambiance, service and luxury that is truly unmatched. A Relais establishment is able to strike this delicate balance by hiring the best chefs, fostering relationships with the local food sources, and staffing their restaurants and hotels with top notch professionals from the service industry. Some of these hotels will offer their guests cooking lessons!
Getting ready for our cooking class. You too can take a cooking class at most of the Relais and Chateaux hotels! They also have other activities that can be enjoyed. Many of these hotels are geared for family vacationing. Ask and your request will be granted.
One fascinating thing I learned? These hotels are not just abroad, but right under our nose here in the USA! So, if hopping on a plane is still a bridge too far for many of you (and I completely understand), a true Relais experience can be had by simply getting in your car.
The webinars have featured incredible hotels in the states, as well as in the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Most of hotels are family oriented so if you wish to take the family, that can easily be arranged. In many instances, one not need to go off site for your meals since the best chefs offer farm to table menus steps from your hotel room. In addition, I have also developed meaningful relationships with the managers of these hotels, which will only enhance your stay.
Let me work with you in creating that perfect itinerary!
Here are just a few of the hotels that are offered on the east coast:
Castle Hill in Rhode Island
Ocean House in Rhode Island
Blackberry Farm in Tennessee - very family orientated
Manoir Hovey - Near Quebec Canada
Auberge St. Antoine - Quebec Canada
Old Edwards Inn in North Carolina
Weekapaug Inn in Rhode Island
The Pitcher Inn in Vermont
Winvian Farm in Connecticut