Above: A pool at Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa.
Relais & Châteaux recently announced new additions to its guide for the year 2012. A collection of fine hotels and restaurants around the world, Relais & Châteaux was established in France in 1954. For 2012 it chose 25 new properties in Europe, 10 in the Americas, seven in Asia, and three in Australasia. Given we’re based in Singapore, we’ve highlighted here the properties from Asia and Australasia. Not just any resort or restaurant can gain admittance to Relais & Châteaux, so it’s notable that these have.
Australasia:
Saffire (Australia):
In the middle of Freycinet National Park in Tasmania, on the shores where migrating whales and dolphins come to play.
Qualia, Great Barrier Reef (Australia):
Pavilions of wine maker and sailing enthusiast Bob Oatley, on Hamilton Island overlooking the Coral Sea.
Huka Lodge (New Zealand):
On the banks of the Waikato River, just upstream from the mighty Huka falls, far away from it all.
Asia:
Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa (Thailand):
Fifteen beach villas near Phuket.
Bettei Senjuan (Japan):
Views of the cherry blossoms carpeting of Mount Tanigawa.
JE Mansion (China):
A paean to Chinese tradition in the heart of Beijing’s commercial district.
Villa Samadhi (Malaysia):
A haven of peace at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s urban jungle.
Kashiwaya Restaurant (Japan):
In the purest Japanese culinary tradition in Osaka.
Le Moût Restaurant (Taiwan):
Dishes which inventively combine French expertise and the flavours of Asia.
Brilliant Resort & Spa (China):
Set amid an enormous ancient tea gardens in the Yunnan province.