What is your vision for Relais & Châteaux as the new president?
My first [plan] is to enhance the way we see sustainability [and how] it works. Sustainability was already put on the agenda of Relais & Châteaux in 2014 by my predecessor Philippe Gombert. We are a luxury brand, but our luxury is not to welcome the same way all over the world. Our rule is to understand, operate, and control things [in a way] that you [feel] welcome. The other very important part is the cuisine, and that has to be local. We have chefs and properties that are fully included in the local culture, environment, and history. What I intend to do is to also write a new manifesto in 2024 with our members who are in charge of sustainability.
What’s your idea of perfect hospitality?
Perfect [hospitality] for me means adapted to the local, and to the architecture and geography [of the location]. It means that you have some values— you have to be warm, authentic, professional, and you have to be committed. [What] I don’t like is fake luxury. And you see that in a lot of socalled trends or lifestyles, where what is seen and shown as trendy is only the result of savings.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Abode Of Gods
Paphos, the ancient home of Aphrodite, is steeped in folklore. A walk around the old town can turn into a journey to the past; all you need is a little imagination.
Chasing Joy On Rottnest Island
Blue waters, shimmering sandy beaches, and historic sites-Rottnest in Western Australia is the quintessential island getaway. But what truly captivated our cover star Rashmika Mandanna is the happy and laid-back life that the island offers.
AS TIME GOES BY
A decade and a half after a life-changing sojourn in Vietnam, a writer returns to track the country's transformations-and his own.
PARIS MATCH
Royal roots and boho cool, French trad and cosmopolitan flair: Thomas Chatterton Williams visits the Marais and finds the perfect mix.
Spotted in the Wild
Tracking down a creature as evasive as the cheetah is never guaranteed. Jeff Chu treks to southern Africa to find big cats and fulfill a long-held family promise.
Tastes Like History
With a lineage spanning millennia, Armenian cuisine is an alchemist's dream. Veidehi Gite samples iconic dishes that evoke memories of home.
Secrets of the Happy State
A road trip from Aizawl to Champhai along the Indo-Myanmar border leads to many revelations for Florina Soren.
Championing Cheer
Fostering mindful atmospheres within corporate environments, Dr Sharon Rajkumar stands as a beacon of positivity, guiding others towards a more fulfilling and balanced life. In a candid chat, the TEDx speaker shares her journey with Kiara Sengupta, on how serendipity led her to become the first happiness evangelist in India.
Doodling Up Joy
Turning embarrassing moments of daily life into comedic relief comes naturally to Neha Sharma. The CA-turned-doodle artist now harnesses the power of her paints to create relatable comics that mirror the everyday. In a hearty chat with Bayar Jain, the self-taught artist and storyteller outlines her journey and underlines the importance of art in bringing happiness.
A Novel Take On Happiness
With his 90th birthday on the horizon, India's most beloved author Ruskin Bond, talks to Eshita Srinivas about love affairs on ships, the excitement of train journeys, and his new book that he hopes will inspire young readers.