Karkloof Spa near Pietermaritzburg is the only African property among the 37 new additions to the Relais & Chateaux 2010 Guide of exclusive hotels and resorts around the world.

It joins the 25 Relais & Chateaux members in Africa and the Indian Ocean islands and a total of 480 member properties in 58 countries. Among the latest additions are 17 European properties, six in the Americas and six in Asia and Oceania. The 2010 Guide also includes four new destinations: Taiwan, Macau, Hungary and Peru. Four of the new members also have been accepted as Grands Chefs Relais & Châteaux, the greatest names in global fine dining. Speaking at the launch of the new guide at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Cape Town, Relais & Chateaux ceo, Jacques-Olivier Chauvin, said the association aimed at establishing itself in every region of the world and had a particular need for a stronger presence in Asia. “We also want to extend our presence in key markets such as South Africa and grow awareness here.” The event coincided with the official opening of the first Relais & Châteaux bureau in Africa at The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel, headed up by Southern, East Africa and Indian Ocean Islands director, Annie-Claude Bergonzoli. The office will provide a reservation and consultation service. New features of the 2010 guide:
  • Focus on families: the new issue highlights activities for children.
• Maps have been regrouped at the back of the guide for greater clarity. Some 780 000 copies of the guide are distributed in five languages (French, English, German, Spanish and Italian) in almost 60 countries.