I recently returned from a reinvigorating trip to Napa Valley, where I had the great pleasure of staying at the picturesque Auberge du Soleil surrounded by the vineyards of Rutherford Hill.

I was there for the annual meeting of our North American Relais & Châteaux owners and innkeepers. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect and learn from the R&C family across the continent, and our headquarters team from Paris. Sustainability was a core theme throughout our conversations, reflecting Relais & Châteaux's ongoing commitment to responsible hospitality. I am delighted to serve on the sustainability committee for the organization to help further our collective efforts in this space.

These annual meetings of the minds always inspire a rekindling and reaffirmation of the core principles that drew us to be a part of this organization in the first place. As a proud member of the Relais & Châteaux family since 1997, the Wick has long strived to embody and exemplify the values and ideals quintessential to the Relais and Châteaux experience.

At its core, it is about people in places. No matter which property you frequent, the Maîtres de Maison draw upon their unique terroir, or sense of place, to bring its roots, flavours, and culture to every guest. In this way, an experience at a particular establishment could not exist anywhere but there. Hand in hand with this tenet is awakening the fine art of living, or the ‘art de vivre,’ in each guest. Beyond exquisite cuisine and elegant lodgings is a deeper invitation to spark curiosity, celebrate the senses, and tap into the enjoyment of discovery of both the property and the destination.

As Relais & Châteaux celebrates its 70th anniversary in the coming month, the ethos, spirit, and passion that defines the R&C experience is as strong as ever, reflected in its own way through each property in its family. Every one of our guests has played a part in this journey, and we look forward to sharing many more extraordinary moments with you for years to come.

With appreciation,

Charles

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