Relais & Châteaux – the art of hospitality that changes the world
Relais & Châteaux is much more than a prestigious association of hotels and restaurant. It's a global community of places created by passionate people – most often families who share a love for hospitality, local culture, and exceptional cuisine. Organisation, founded in 1954, today brings together properties worldwide that offer not just a luxurious stay, but above all, authentic experiences.
The Origins of Relais & Châteaux
The history of Relais & Châteaux dates back to 1954, when Marcel and Nelly Tilloy – owners of the La Cardinale hotel and restaurant in France – together with a group of fellow hoteliers, created the first association named „Les Relais de Campagne.” Initially, it comprised just eight establishments located along the famous Route Nationale 7 between Paris and Nice, united by a common idea of offering exceptional hospitality and authentic travel experiences. The project quickly began to expand, encompassing further European countries, and In 1975, it adopted the name Relais & Châteaux. Today it is a global network of several hundred independent hotels and restaurants, present on several continents, which consistently relies on the same values: quality, authenticity, and respect for local culture.
Luxury with meaning
What sets apart Relais & Châteaux, this approach to luxury – not as extravagance, but as quality, authenticity, and responsibility. The association’s members are aware of their role in a dynamically changing world.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, and social challenges are making it imperative for the hotel and catering industry to go a step further. Relais & Châteaux is responding to these challenges with the concept of „a better world through cuisine and hospitality”.
12 commitments of Relais & Châteaux
To ensure the values do not remain mere declarations, the association has created 12 concrete commitments that set the direction of action for all entities:
- Reducing the environmental impact of activities (energy, water, waste).
- Promoting local, seasonal, and sustainable products.
- Protection of ecosystems and endangered species.
- Supporting the regeneration of the natural environment and biodiversity.
- The preservation and promotion of local culinary traditions.
- Creating authentic experiences based on the local culture.
- Cooperation with local producers and artisans.
- Passing on knowledge and craftsmanship to the next generations.
- Supporting local communities and developing regions.
- Ensuring good working conditions and employee development.
- Building relationships based on respect, diversity, and inclusivity.
- Sharing knowledge, passion, and inspiring responsible action.
It is these principles that enable Relais & Châteaux to set new standards in the hotel and catering industry.
Hotel Quadrille – a Polish accent in the world elite
Hotel Quadrille is also a member of Relais & Châteaux, which joined the association in 2017.
This unique place on the map of Poland perfectly fits the brand's philosophy – combining a high standard of service with an individual approach to the guest, attention to detail, and respect for local heritage and nature.
The presence of the Quadrille Hotel in Relais & Châteaux is not only prestigious, but also confirmation that Polish hospitality and cuisine can be part of the world's elite – one that prioritises authenticity, quality and responsibility.
A community that works together
The strength of Relais & Châteaux lies in collaboration. Each establishment is part of a larger whole – a network that shares knowledge, experience, and inspiration.
Not only owners and teams are involved in the operations, but also local producers, guests, organisations, and public institutions.. This allows for the creation of business models that are simultaneously luxurious, responsible, and sustainable.
Harmony with all life on Earth
Relais & Châteaux demonstrat the future of luxury travel lies in balance – between comfort and consciousness, between indulgence and care for the world.
This approach, described as living „in harmony with all life on Earth,” is becoming not just a trend, but a necessity today.
Thanks to places like Hotel Quadrille, this idea is becoming a real experience – also available here, in Poland.
