What are you looking for?

Last Updated: 6 November 2024

Relais & Châteaux’ 38th International Congress

Devryn Panaino Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Devryn Panaino

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Part of the Southern Africa Safari Collection

Shared emotions

Relais & Châteaux’ annual meeting was held in Turin from 4 to 6 November. It brought together more than 500 Owners, Maîtres de Maison, and Grand Chefs, from almost 60 countries, to discuss the important issue of ‘Shared Emotions’.

Relais & Châteaux’ 38th International Congress

Above: Relais & Chateaux New Members. Photo by Daniele Ratti

After Lisbon in Portugal in 2011, Jaume Tàpies, Chairman of the Board of Relais & Châteaux, invited the men and women who are the ‘backbone’ of the Association to Turin, from 4 to 6 November.

This reunion provided the opportunity to take stock of what has been a particularly busy year: the entry into the Guide of 36 properties, 12 new Grands Chefs and 5 new destinations with the creation of new Routes to Bonheur, gastronomy that is celebrated more than ever before (Dîner des Grand Chefs au Gotham Hall à New York, Lunch on the Lawn, pop-up restaurant at the 26th Biennale des Antiquaires), a new-look guide which brings the paper and online versions closer together, the creation of new Lys offers. What unites all this is a desire to share excellence and emotions. And that is what happened at this 38th congress.

All the ingredients were there to ensure that the theme, ‘Shared Emotions’, elicited heart-felt and in-depth discussions and the sharing of experiences: a plunge into the heart of the culture and gastronomy of Italy with, as its culmination, a gala dinner given at the Venaria Reale with 15 Italian chefs, Fine Dining by Relais & Châteaux with contributions by Grands Chefs Thomas Keller (New York City), Andrew Fairlie (Scotland) and Jacques Chibois (Grasse), a meeting with Salvatore Ferragamo, Owner of Il Borro and 2013 Ambassador, the experience of a company director of what is a jewel in France’s luxury crown in the person of Yves Carcelle, CEO of Louis Vuitton, the passionate enthusiasm of Angelo Gaja, one of Tuscany’s most famous winegrowers, the vision of the world’s top economic authority, Christine Lagarde, former French Economy Minister and now Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

This wealth of experience, these discussions and these moments of exchange gave food for thought and inspiration to the 500 members of Relais & Châteaux who had come from all around the world. And the promise that our guests will share with us, in 2013, original and intense new experiences.

<!–Discover Africa’s South African Relais & Chateaux accommodation options:Ellerman HouseThe Marine HermanusTsala Treetop LodgeThe PlettenbergKurlandCamp JabulaniSingita Ebony LodgeSingita Boulders LodgeSingita Sweni Lodge–>

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Devryn Panaino

 •  Africa Safari Expert

Devryn is a passionate safari consultant and Southern African specialist with over 10 years of safari and travel experience.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"It was an amazing experience. We were worried about lodging and game drives but it turned out that Bianca did an amazing job arranging everything for us. I would highly recommend Bianca and Discover Africa if you ever decide to do a Safari."

Andrea Illescas, United States•23 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"We are based in Sydney and had our initial conversation with Cayleigh Brown by video. She came back to us with a proposed itinerary and was very accommodating of one of our guests who uses a wheelchair. The iitinerary was fantastic and built so that each..."

Liz, Australia•22 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"First safari for us - 3 days in Arusha, 2 Tarangire, 2 Ngorongo, 4 Serengeti and 6 in Zanzibar. We found the choice of potential locations, accommodation, routes etc almost bewildering at first. Matthys at DA carefully sought to understand we were lookin..."

Darren C, United Kingdom•21 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"For organising just a great trip. Every destination was different, but all the accommodation was first class. The managers were first class and always had my transfers in hand. Took the helicopter ride at Victoria Falls really add to the walk along the Fall..."

Eric Galloway, Australia•23 Mar 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I contacted a few agency, Discover Africa was fast to respond. Every steps of the way in planning to the very end of departure, all things were planned with precise accuracy. Adelle was always in communication and ready to help and answer everything. Fra..."

Boaz Leung, United States•21 Feb 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Justin Van Wyk from Discover Africa Safari did an outstanding job in planning our perfect Safari. All travel and transfers between airports and game lodges have been flawless! The lodges and safari experiences have been awesome."

Roland Braun, United States•05 Jan 2026•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.