Relais & Châteaux may double India properties in 5-10 years

Relais & Châteaux, a 70-year-old French luxury hotels’ association often equated to the Michelin star of restaurants, is seeking to expand its membership in India and neighbouring regions.

- Varuni Khosla

In an interview, Laurent Gardinier, president of the bespoke luxury curation of properties, said he expects the association would double the number of properties in the region, which includes Sri Lanka, over the next 10 years. The name loosely translates to ‘castles and retreats’.

The Relais & Châteaux designation or the fleur-de-lis symbol on its walls has long been a coveted accolade for independent hoteliers and restaurateurs. Of the association’s existing list, around 500 are bespoke, single-owner hotels in about 60 countries, while the remaining 100 represent esteemed restaurants worldwide.