INDIA, MON AMOUR

Relais & Châteaux, which presents an unparalleled showcase of emotions, beauty and passion, eyes expansion in the “land of heritage and heart”.

- SUMAN TARAFDAR

Imbibe the gorgeously designed heritage at The Malabar House. Experience luxury at SUJÁN The Serai amidst the gilt-edged Jaisalmer desert; the spirit of a 1920s safari at SUJÁN Sher Bagh camp at Ranthambhore; the magic of the mountains at Sitara Himalaya; the life of the erstwhile maharaja of Patiala at Ran Baas. Or savour the best of gastronomy at Masque. Jaipur-based Sarvato restaurant is the most recent addition to the portfolio, part of the nine new additions announced in July 2025. For decades, Relais & Châteaux (R&C) has symbolised elegance imbued with luxury, and its outposts in India are no exception to this rule.

Room to grow in India: However, India’s presence in the global Relais & Châteaux portfolio is just about 10-odd in a global strength of 580. “We have room to grow,” says Laurent Gardinier, President, Relais & Châteaux, expressing optimism about the prospect of growth in India. “We are very optimistic that in the next five-odd years, we could double the number of properties in India.” India’s recent clout as a thriving economy has been mirrored in the leaps and bounds with which domestic and outbound tourism has grown in the post-COVID-19 period, points out Gardinier. “A lot of Indians have discovered Indian Relais & Châteaux properties, and this trend continues.”