Luxury hotel association Relais & Châteaux has launched a standalone collection of 500 villas and private homes as it seeks to “think beyond the pandemic”.
Properties in the new Villas by Relais & Châteaux portfolio are located across 30 countries, including the UK, and are subject to strict criteria to ensure quality and privacy of accommodation.
Each villa is available to rent exclusively, offers private access, has no adjoining properties (with the exception of inner-city villas) and has a minimum of 70 sq m in internal space.
Properties include a private palazzo in Tuscany, a Moroccan riad in a Unesco World Heritage Centre and a treehouse in the Mexican jungle.
Relais & Châteaux said stays could be fully tailored to a client’s needs, with personalised experiences including poolside dinners, private on-site spa treatments and specialist babysitting services.
Villas by Relais & Châteaux launches with a dedicated section on the brand’s website and a 24/7 global reservations team.
The website allows users to search for villas by destination or holiday interest, with categories including cosy cottages, in the mountains, beachside, travel with children and call of the wild. Relais & Châteaux also has a dedicated online travel agent portal.
Villas by Relais & Châteaux marks the first time the brand has released a collection of properties outside of the hotel setting.
“Guests of Villas by Relais & 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,” said the brand’s president Philippe Gombert.
“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 & Châteaux is an essential component of our ability to evolve and thrive as we begin to think beyond the pandemic.”
Photo: Marianne’s Cottage in Kenmare, County Kerry