Luxury isn’t just about gold-plated door handles—it’s about soul, story, and a sense of place. Laurent Gardinier, president of Relais & Châteaux, knows this better than anyone, having spent decades curating experiences where elegance meets authenticity. We sat down with him to get a peek behind the velvet curtain of hospitality’s most coveted collection.
You’re at the helm of one of hospitality’s most sought-after associations, Relais & Châteaux. Tell us how you got into hotels/what inspired you to pursue a career in hospitality.
"I come from a family of entrepreneurs, and while my path began in the family business, it was not a foregone conclusion that I would enter hospitality. My brothers and I were drawn to this world out of a deep passion for the art of living. We acquired our first Relais & Châteaux property, Le Domaine Les Crayères, in 2000, and later Le Taillevent in Paris. These experiences revealed to me the richness of hospitality: intersection with architecture, aesthetics, culture, and human connection."
Today's luxury travelers, especially younger ones, are looking for more than just opulence. They want authentic, sustainable experiences. How is Relais & Châteaux speaking to this new generation of conscientious travelers?
"Today’s travelers seek meaning; it goes beyond luxury. At Relais & Châteaux, this approach to travel has been part of our DNA for over 70 years. Our properties are deeply rooted in their local environments, offering guests a true sense of place. Our 12 Commitments to Sustainability, which are supported by UNESCO, guide our members in preserving biodiversity, culinary traditions, and fostering a more humane world. Most of our properties cultivate their own gardens, collaborate with local artisans, and integrate seasonal menus. We’ve also added sustainability criteria to our inspection process and published a comprehensive sustainability report. This transparency builds trust and speaks directly to the values of the new generation of travelers."
Relais & Châteaux is famous for its impeccable standards, which have evolved over its 70-year existence. Can you give us a peek behind the curtain? What does a new property have to do to earn a spot in the collection, and is there a "secret shopper" who visits to ensure it lives up to the hype?
"Joining Relais & Châteaux is a rigorous and thoughtful process. We receive around 600 applications annually, but only 30 are selected. It’s not just about luxury, it’s about soul. We look for properties that reflect their local culture, with owners and chefs who are passionate about hospitality and craftsmanship. Once a property passes the initial review, it is anonymously visited and evaluated according to a rigorous quality charter comprised of around 500 points covering the emotional and technical aspects of a guest’s journey, as well as sustainability. The final decision is made by our Network Committee and Board."
In a digital world of online reviews and social media, how do you ensure the human connection—that passion from your hoteliers and chefs—remains the most memorable part of the guest experience?
"In an age dominated by algorithms and digital impressions, the human touch is more vital than ever. At Relais & Châteaux, our strength lies in the authenticity of our members. Technology can streamline operations, but it cannot replicate the warmth of a heartfelt welcome or the story behind a dish told by the chef himself. Each property is the reflection of a unique place, that makes you feel aligned with where you are. Relais & Châteaux is about discovering a unique culture from the lenses of the local property that celebrates it through its cuisine, architecture, and incredible sense of hospitality. That emotional resonance is the essence of true luxury."
Ok, final question on all your Relais & Châteaux properties. Which hotel are you going to for a romantic holiday? Which property could you live in for 365 days a year? Which property would you want to spend your next milestone birthday at?
"For a romantic escape, I would choose a property that offers intimacy and a profound sense of place, perhaps Villa Serbelloni near the calmness and charm of the Como Lake in a stunning 19th-century residence.
If I were to live somewhere year-round, it would be a property that offers a true sense of elegance, comfort, and culture in a vibrant city. I am thinking about Saint James in Paris or the Chelsea Townhouse in London.
And for a milestone birthday, I would choose SUJÁN Jawai in Rajasthan, where the elegance of tented luxury meets the thrill of spotting wild leopards in their natural habitat, an unforgettable celebration immersed in nature and culture."
