By Martin Banks

leading hotels association has welcomed ten new members to the fold.

 The new properties that most recently became part of the Relais & Châteaux family are said to “illustrate the association’s extensive presence across the globe.”

While each of these new members unquestionably boasts its own distinctive personality, “they all are united in sharing the Relais & Châteaux values and vision of hospitality,” said a spokesman.

The ten properties are, the spokesman told this site, “deeply dedicated to art de vivre, fine dining, and respecting cultural diversity.”

They represent France, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Japan, Mexico and the United States.

Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, said, “Our Association is firmly committed to a sustainable path so as to contribute, through cuisine and hospitality, to building a more humane and united world, in harmony with living things.

“It is an honor for me to welcome these ten new members to Relais & Châteaux, properties that share not only our values, but our passion for goodness and beauty.”

The new members include one in the East of England and within relatively close proximity to London.

Wilderness Reserve, set in no less than 6,000 acres, is located at Sibton and boasts 29 villas and 8 bedrooms, costing from $510 per night.

Its restaurants feature classic English cuisine with a Mediterranean influences.

The grand building is set within the rolling countryside of Suffolk, in the east of England and Relais & Châteaux Wilderness Reserve immerses guests in the historic landscapes that inspired painter John Constable, one of the great English painters.

The idyllic sprawling estate, surrounded by villages and historic pubs, offers a refined, contemporary interpretation of the wholesome, rural lifestyle depicted in the artist’s works.

Set across around 6,000 acres, the property comprises a variety of accommodation inspired by traditional English architecture, ranging from charming thatched cottages to an 18th-century manor house with eight bedrooms.

Each space draws on local heritage, with traditional architectural features and distinctive decorative details, such as murals, to create interiors full of character.

The 29 lodgings accommodate between two and eighteen guests in unique settings, whether by a lake, enveloped in nature or surrounded by open fields.

Guests are invited to explore this secluded retreat on foot or by bike, and to relax in the spa, which features a heated outdoor pool–selected cottages feature hot tubs and private pools.

The two restaurants source produce from farms across Suffolk: “The Dining Room” presents a contemporary interpretation of English cuisine with Mediterranean influences, while “Fire Feast” welcomes guests to an open-air, wood-fired dining experience where the emphasis is on sharing.

Relais & Châteaux is an exceptional global collection of 580 unique, independently operated hotels and restaurants, united by strong values and a devotion to excellence across every aspect of hospitality.

Originating in France in 1954, and now present in 65 countries, the Association works to celebrate the distinct art de vivre of every global destination.

Led by passionate hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs, each of its properties cultivates a meaningful sense of place by nurturing its individual cultural, gastronomic and environmental heritage and collaborating with local artisans.

Many of its properties are run by families, who pass their savoir-faire down from one generation to the next.

The spokesman said, “Relais & Châteaux represents an evolving legacy of memorable travel experiences, in harmony with all life on Earth.”

Source: Bbc.com