South Africa hosts Relais & Châteaux World Congress

A gala dinner was held in Cape Town to mark the 36th Annual Relais & Châteaux Association Congress, hosted by re-elected International President, Jaume Tàpies, now in his second four-year term.  He welcomed 400 Relais & Châteaux hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs to discover the region and the 26 member properties in the Delegation.  Also announced were the 36 new member properties and Grands Chefs to join what is regarded as the world’s finest collective of now almost 500 exceptional properties.  The warm and inviting spirit felt by guests at these properties, starts with the fellowship felt among this exceptional group of passionate, talented and unique individuals who run some of the most charming and prestigious individually-owned properties on the planet.

 

Many of the world’s finest Chefs, as Patrick O'Connell (USA), Annie Feolde (Italy), Georges Blanc (France) and Joachim Koerper (Portugal) along with members of the media and the Relais & Châteaux family gathered at a spectacular Bedouin tent overlooking Camp’s Bay to enjoy a four-course culinary experience created by South African award winning Executive Chefs Margot Janse (Le Quartier Français) and Peter Tempelhoff (The Cellars-Hohenort), assisted by consulting chef and restaurateur Bertus Basson.

 

States Jaume Tàpies “Africa has always held a special place in my heart, we are honoured to hold this years’ Congress in Cape Town. This annual appointment is a moment for me to share my passion and vision for Relais & Châteaux and it is always a privilege to welcome new member properties into our family.  This Congress took over a year of planning and employed some of South Africa’s finest industry specialists who ensured a true African experience. With the Board of Directors and the support of all our members, our efforts to promote growth, sales and awareness of Relais & Châteaux since our last Congress has seen beneficial results to spread the message of our unique l’art de vivre around the world.”

 

The 2011 Guide including the new member properties and new Relais & Châteaux Ambassador will be announced on 16 November via our first on-line press conference to the international media.

 

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