Relais & Châteaux has announced the addition of ten new members to its global hospitality network, expanding its footprint across eight countries and offering travelers a broader selection of boutique hotels and dining venues.
Historic and Contemporary Properties Join the Portfolio
The latest intake features a mix of centuries‑old residences and modern city hotels. In Kyoto, the ryokan Hiiragiya joins the group after more than two centuries of operation. Founded in 1818, the family‑run inn maintains 23 rooms with traditional shoji screens and baths made from Japanese umbrella pine, while serving multi‑course kaiseki meals.
Lisbon’s Verride Palácio de Santa Catarina occupies an 18th‑century palace perched on one of the city’s seven hills. Restored by architect Teresa Nunes da Ponte, the property offers 18 rooms and suites that overlook the Tagus River.
In Zurich’s old town, Villa Florhof provides 13 rooms under a Lalique‑styled façade, with Art Deco interiors and a cellar stocked with more than 3,500 wines.
Related: Rainforest to Reef tour package launched
Rural Estates and Alpine Retreats
The intake also brings in several countryside estates. The Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk spreads across 2,400 hectares and can host up to 18 guests in a secluded setting. Italy contributes two rural sites: Masseria AuraTerrae, an 18th‑century farmhouse near Polignano a Mare in Puglia, and Relais Villa Corallo, a 19th‑century manor set on an 80‑hectare estate in Abruzzo.
France adds two Alpine locations: the chalet in Megève known as Bois and La Maison des Cimes on Lake Saint‑Point in the Jura, the latter operated by Michelin‑starred chef Matthias Marc.
Mexico City’s entry is the restaurant Quintonil, which holds a place at number three on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Among the new members, a single property has yet to open its doors. The Nell New York will occupy 10 Rockefeller Plaza, featuring 134 rooms and suites, a 17th‑floor restaurant with views of Rockefeller Center, and a spa covering roughly 325 square metres. The hotel is slated to begin operations in the northern autumn of 2027.
Travelers will notice the new selections.
Related: Svalbard Course Now Available for Free
The collection now includes a range of small, owner‑run chalets, city hotels, and standalone dining destinations, highlighting the brand’s focus on intimate, food‑focused experiences. While the list is diverse, the common thread is a commitment to high‑quality service and distinctive settings.
From a market perspective, the broadened portfolio could give travel advisors more flexibility when designing multi‑stop itineraries. By offering a larger pool of properties that meet the Relais & Châteaux standard, agents may find it easier to keep a trip within a single recognizable brand, potentially simplifying logistics for clients who value consistency.
That said, the impact on pricing remains uncertain. Some of the new venues, such as the historic Kyoto ryokan, may command premium rates, while others like the rural estates could appeal to travelers seeking a more secluded experience at a moderate price point. The balance between exclusivity and accessibility will likely shape how the network’s expansion is received by both guests and industry partners.
All ten additions are now listed on the association’s official website, where interested travelers can explore each property’s amenities, booking options, and culinary offerings.
