Since 1954, Relais & Châteaux has united unique hotels and restaurants worldwide. Those who want to belong to them must meet strict criteria. Thus, only independent hotels and restaurants have a chance to become new Relais & Châteaux members. In addition, applicants must be passionate about their business and about protecting their regional cultural heritage. Just recently, they welcomed new Relais & Châteaux members who meet these requirements. These ones here are definitely worth a visit and we explain what makes them so special:

Le Ponant

Highlight: the only ship at Relais & Châteaux

© Le Ponant

Le Ponant feels at home all over the world. Because the three-master is a boutique ship, it can also dock in small and lesser-known ports. As a result, guests enjoy a cruise far away from the usual routes. French savoir-vivre is also expressed in the design, among other things. Purist shapes, bright colors, large windows and excellent cuisine await guests. Added to this is a clear conscience. Le Ponant is equipped with all the technical refinements to reduce pollutant emissions by 90 percent. Other measures such as sailing, waste separation, and dispensing with single-use plastic contribute to a more sustainable cruise experience.

Le Ponant
Web: ponant.com
Price: 7 Caribbean nights from € 8,000 per person

Morukuru Family Madikwe, South Africa

Highlights: outdoor spa, support for local communities, solar energy.

© Morukuru Family Madikwe

The Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa is best known for its extraordinary biodiversity. As a popular safari destination, it has stylish accommodation to offer at Morukuru Family Madikwe. On the one hand, it scores with its loving design. Untreated wood, natural stone and a private pool play a supporting role. From here the guests set out with Tracker and Guide, in order to experience the Big Five from close proximity. The villas are powered by solar energy. The Morukuru Goodwill Foundation also takes care of the protection of the people. The outdoor spa promises relaxation.

Morukuru Family Madikwe
Middlepoort Farm KP93 Portion 1 - 5, Madikwe Game Reserve, 2874, South Africa
Tel:+27 11 615 4303
Web: morukuru.com
Price: Doubles from € 2,100

ESPLANADE, Saarbrücken/Germany

Highlights: Restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, art from the 1950s.

© Esplanade

Once a school, the walls built in 1890 hide a wonderful hotel now. It attracts with harmonious public areas and elegant rooms and suites. There are just 16 in number. Thus, privacy is guaranteed. The menu is also impressive. It changes constantly. <Chef Silio del Fabro uses local ingredients to conjure up delicious dishes that taste like something between classic and modern, French, Mediterranean and Japanese.

Relais & Châteaux ESPLANADE
Nauwieserstraße 5, 66111 Saarbrücken, Germany
Tel: +49 681 84499120
Web: esplanade-sb.de
Price: Doubles from € 260

Providence Restaurant, Los Angeles/California

Highlight: 2 Michelin stars

© Providence

The new Relais & Châteaux members are not only hotels. Restaurants are also accepted into the association. Provided, of course, that they meet all the criteria. Providence on iconic Melrose Avenue has been a fixture in the restaurant firmament for almost 20 years. This was also confirmed in 2023 in the Michelin Guide with two stars. Seafood is considered the specialty of the house. Chef Michael Cimarusti combines respect for ingredients with uncompromising cooking. A dash of creativity enhances each tasting menu. Think Santa Barbara rockfish, salmon with clam chowder, sea urchins and shrimp.

Restaurant Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, United States
Tel: +1 323-460-4170
Web: providencela.com
Price: Tasting menu from € 290 per person.

Liss Ard Estate, West Cork/Ireland

Highlights: Sky Garden by landscape artist James Turrell, vegetables from your own garden.

© Liss Ard Estate

One knows this section of Ireland among other things, because it's wildly romantic. And it's located on the Wild Atlantic Way. On a 66-acre estate there's another gem hidden, though. We are talking about the Liss Ard Estate. This is an elegant Georgian-style mansion. Its bright suites and rooms are distributed among the main house, the Victorian pavilion on the waterfront, and the adjacent mews. The authentic farm-to-table cuisine scores with ingredients from the on-site organic vegetable garden. Those seeking enjoyment on a physical level as well can stroll the property, go kayaking on the private lake, or get a massage. Instagram star is the leafy crater called the Sky Garden. From here, the sky can be exquisitely observed.

Liss Ard Estate
Castletownsend Rd, Russagh, Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland
Tel: +353 28 40000
Web: lissardestate.ie
Price: Doubles from € 220