As Relais & Châteaux approaches its 70th anniversary on May 12th, we look forward to celebrating all of the traditions that have made us who we are today. From the start, we have believed in sharing the unique sense of place at each destination and celebrating the roots, flavours, and spirit of the surrounding communities. This humble dedication has remained in the hearts of our chefs, hoteliers, and restaurateurs, each of whom serve as stewards of the global heritage of hospitality and welcomes visitors from all over the world to delight their senses and share in this rich tapestry of experience and discovery.

Speaking with Brenda Homick, Relais & Châteaux’s International Director for Member Services, about how it all began, we were brought back to the early 1950s when two former music hall entertainers, Marcel and Nelly Tilloy, purchased “La Cardinale”, an estate in the Rhône Valley. They began welcoming other hoteliers who shared the same commitment to locality, excellence, passion for fine cuisine, and the art of living well – or l’art de vivre – as celebrated in French culture. They sought to create an association united by these timeless traditions, and in 1954, they formally banded together as Relais de Campagne. At the same time, they formed the first road to happiness, or route du bonheur, a term still used to this day for the distinct terrain travellers took from one property to the next, with each relais and châteaux still situated along its own unique route du bonheur. Today, the association continues to grow increasingly diverse, inviting ventures at sea such as Delfin Amazon Cruises and Ecoventura in the Galapagos Islands as welcome additions to its innovative spirit, highlighting an exquisite blend of tradition and contemporary flair.

Celebrating Relais & Châteaux’s vision for the future will see us become even more of a force in support of sustainability, with this commitment now a crucial criterion for membership, reflecting its integrated approach to responsible luxury. The Relais & Châteaux vision, a manifesto of 20 commitments presented to UNESCO in 2014, focuses on improving the world through cuisine and hospitality. This vision marked a pivotal moment that dedicated all members to global change. The association's first Sustainability Report was released in 2022. Its second Sustainability Report will be released this year, with goals set for 2025 and 2030 focusing holistically on environmental conservation, sustainable cuisine, and social empowerment. Looking ahead, Relais & Châteaux is poised to enhance its diversity while increasingly advocating for a more sustainable future, continuing to participate in initiatives like Ark of Taste that preserve the richness, heritage, and beauty of the environment and drawing members and guests alike into vital environmental causes.

As 70th anniversary celebrations take place around the globe, here at the Inn, we are celebrating our shared spirit of excellence, community, and sustainability. It’s a profound moment to reflect on our roots while looking forward to a future where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand. We hope the enduring commitment to these principles continues to inspire and welcome us all into the bright future before us.

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