Bangkok--30 May--124 Communications
The Eugenia” in Bangkok “Phuket Pavilions” on Phuket island
“The Rachamankha” in Chiang Mai
A global benchmark
Relais & Ch?teaux, described as the “Finest Association in the World” by its guests, is a unique collection of charming, luxury properties.
Romantic castles, country inns, exotic paradises, mountain chalets, lodges in game reserves or contemporary dwellings — there are as many styles as properties within Relais & Ch?teaux. All of them, with an average capacity of 30 rooms, guarantee an authentic, personal welcome. This service is provided around the clock by warm, committed teams who do everything in their power to ensure guests have a truly exceptional stay.
Relais & Ch?teaux promotes and markets independent hotels and restaurants on the international level. It is an Association under French law governed by the Act of 1901. The mission of the Relais & Ch?teaux Association is to further the cultural and economic standing of its unique hotels and restaurants around the world by collectively promoting its members whilst respecting their heritage and the soul and the spirit of Relais & Ch?teaux.
Relais & Ch?teaux saw the light of day in 1954. At that time, eight hotels along the national highway 7 between Paris and Nice joined forces to found the “Relais de Campagne”. They shared the same values and drew attention to themselves through an advertising campaign based on the slogan “La Route du Bonheur” (The Route to Happiness). The name Relais & Ch?teaux first appeared in 1975.
All its 460 members, located in 54 countries, are perceived more than ever as the global benchmark for upscale restaurants and charming hotels. The many awards and distinctions regularly presented to its members testify to this. Here are just a few examples from 2006:
- in the United States in its first west coast issue, the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country 2007, selected 356 restaurants for this region but only awarded 3 stars to one chef, Thomas Keller at “ The French Laundry”, a Relais Gourmand located in Yountville, Napa Valley. Two other Relais & Ch?teaux were awarded 1 star: Gary Danko in San Francisco and L’Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, Napa Valley.
- in Germany, the renowned gourmet magazine Feinschmecker included 6 Relais Gourmands in its selection of the 12 best restaurants in Europe.
- in France, “Les Etoiles de Mougins” at the 1st International Gastronomy Festival presented awards to several Relais & Ch?teaux. The first three prizes in the Young Chef Competition were won by J?r?me Badonnel, “Les Bas Rupts” in G?rardmer, ahead of S?bastien Vanhove, “L'Hostellerie de Levernois” in Beaune and Nicolas Davouze, “Ch?teau de la Ch?vre d'Or” in Eze. At the same Festival in Mougins, the best sommelier competition was won by Florent Champanay, “L’Oasis” in Mandelieu.
New Addresses in Asia
- Thailand also puts in an appearance with 3 new addresses “The Eugenia” in Bangkok, “The Rachamankha” in Chiang Mai and “Phuket Pavilions” on Phuket island.
- Malaysia joins Relais & Ch?teaux with a hotel on Tioman Island, the “Japalama Resort” and a Relais Gourmand “Tamarind Springs” in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
- Cambodia joins the Association with the “Heritage Suites Hotel” in Siem Reap, near Angkor.
The “5 Cs”: the excellence values
For more than 50 years, Relais & Ch?teaux have upheld the same values symbolised by the “5 Cs”:
- courtesy: the quality of the welcome and attentive service
- charm: well-appointed properties and elegant interiors
- character: each property has its own unique style whether it’s a ch?teau, manor house or abbey…
- calm: a tranquil setting guaranteeing quiet and relaxation
- cuisine: of the highest standard as the Relais Gourmands are world-renowned gourmet temples.
The “5 Cs” make up the Relais & Ch?teaux Quality Charter and a philosophy which reflects more than ever the expectations of its guests.
For more information please contacts:
Elizabeth Wongwasin, [email protected]
Teresa Sihanatkathakul, [email protected]
Pathomthida Pongleng [email protected]
124 Communications PLC.
Tel: 0 2662 2266
Fax: 0 2204 2662
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