By Hannah Tan-Gillies
Luxury hotel group Relais and Châteaux has unveiled a portfolio of 500 individually designed villas, spanning across 30 countries, setting a new standard for private self-catering accommodation around the world.
Villas by Relais and Châteaux offers a diverse range of luxury self-catering properties that are spacious, customisable and wonderfully secluded. The portfolio is carefully curated to meet Relais and Châteaux’s exacting standards and offers a new level of luxury for travellers in the Covid-19 age.
The launch marks the first time that Relais and Chateaux has revealed a standalone collection of properties outside of a hotel setting, unlocking a new vision of hospitality for the luxury sector.
Villas by Relais and Chateaux offers everything from grand palazzos in the Mediterranean, secluded ranches in Montana, cliff-top cabins in Sri Lanka or even cosy rural cottages in Ireland. The collection is endlessly diverse, with each property maximising the beauty of its natural surroundings. It also reflects the eclectic nature of Relais and Châteaux’s 580-strong, largely family-run network, of luxury hotels and restaurants. All villas in the collection mirror the group’s strong family heritage and local anchorage, celebrating local cultures, cuisines and design references.
Not to mention, each villa boasts an unparalleled focus on food and drink, where meals can be prepared by a Michelin-starred chef. They also offer private on-site spa treatments, specialist babysitting services and, of course, the exceptional service that guests enjoy when staying in any Relais and Châteaux property. Some villas even house their own private pools, beaches, spas, hot tubs and even tennis courts, and all are available to rent exclusively with private access and no adjoining properties.
Commenting on the milestone launch, Relais and Châteaux president Philippe Gombert said: “Guests of Villas by Relais and Châteaux can expect the same level of refined service as if they were staying in one of our hotels – how much they want and when is entirely up to them.
“Now, more than ever, our guests’ value personal space and our collection of incredible villas can give them confidence and peace of mind – without compromising on hospitality. Villas by Relais and Châteaux is an essential component of our ability to evolve and thrive as we begin to think beyond the pandemic.”
For those looking for a more bespoke luxury staycation this summer, we’ve selected five of our favourite UK properties in the Villas by Relais and Chateaux portfolio.
The Spa Suites at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Lake Windermere
The Spa Suite at Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is every spa enthusiast’s dream. The open plan space boasts an array of vivid colours and textures that reflect the plants and flowers in the walled garden that surrounds the suite. The spa suite features a hanging fireplace, a forest-themed living wall and water feature, but the pièce de resistance is certainly the huge circular bath that sits below a light well of plants. The suite also offers south-facing views of the walled garden, which houses a private hot tub, outdoor sauna and hydrotherapy tub. No spa suite would be complete without a private spa, which in this occasion, is located on the eastern end of the property. The spa offers a steam room, sauna, and treatment room with infrared lounge beds too.
One night at the Spa Suite at Gilpin Hotel and Lakehouse begins at £810.
relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/gilpin-cumbria-windermere
The Squire’s Cottage at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, Colerne
This charming four-bedroom cottage is nestled amongst Lucknam Park’s 500-acre estate and can comfortably host up to eight guests. Each bedroom comes with its own en-suite, while the sun-soaked kitchen and dining area are accented with beautiful French doors. The cottage combines quintessentially British design with cosy details and comes with its own fireplace and enclosed garden and terrace. The cottage is also just a short walk from the main hotel where guests can enjoy Lucknam Park’s luxurious spa, equestrian centre, and cookery school.
One night at the Squire’s Cottage at Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa begins at £1,750.
relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/lucknam-chippenham-wiltshire-colerne-near-bath
A private apartment at 11 Cadogan Gardens, London
Acclaimed boutique hotel 11 Cadogan Gardens is known to many luxury travellers, especially those looking for a tasteful and comfortable home away from home in the heart of London. What some may not know is that the hotel is also offering private apartments for longer stays. Each apartment has its own private entrance and key-operated elevator. The apartments reflect 11 Cadogan Garden’s relaxed contemporary style and come with fully fitted Bosch kitchens, Noble Isle toiletries, and all the services that the hotel has to offer including Negroni Masterclasses.
One night at the deluxe one-bedroom apartment at 11 Cadogan Gardens begins at £500.
relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/eleven-cadogan-gardens-hotel-london
The Coach House at Farlam Hall, Cumbria
The Coach House is a three-bedroom cottage located amidst the vast pastoral landscapes of the Farlam Hall in Cumbria. The Coach House is elegant and timeless, boasting classic neutral décor all throughout its three bedrooms. It also features a walled garden with separate west and north-facing terraces, making full use of the estate’s stunning countryside views. Guests at the Coach House can enjoy rural walks along Hadrian Wall or take one of many picturesque trails surrounding the Lake District.
One night at the Coach House starts at £950.
relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/farlam-cumbria-brampton
The Shepherds Huts at Lympstone Manor
The truly exceptional Lympstone Manor is a Georgian manor turned contemporary country house that offers the ultimate in rural luxury living. The estate overlooks the Exe Estuary in the Southwest of England and extends out to the shore. The hotel’s Shepherds Huts are quirky, cosy and offer a secluded retreat ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature. The Huts are ideally located by the water and also come with a decked terrace, outdoor seating area and fire pit. Guests can also enjoy views across Lympstone Manor’s vineyards from any one of these truly delightful little cabins.
One night at the Shepherds Huts at Lympstone begin at £469.
relaischateaux.com/gb/united-kingdom/lympstone-manor-hotel-exmouth
Photography courtesy of Relais and Chateaux
