Originally Posted by
mogensglistrup
My best travel experiences have been in country hotels. There is nothing I love more than having a luxurious local experience and excellent food.
I could not agree more with you ! Starwood, Hilton and Co. (including Four Seasons and even Aman) are for strict emergencies in my life.
This website is your friend
www.relaischateaux.com . Many unique properties, lovingly managed with consistently high food quality.
They tend to be more historical in Europe and more upmarket in the Southern Hemisphere.
Australia has few of them, but you can look at
www.luxurylodgesofaustralia.com with the all time "I wish would be Relais & Châteaux" and best of the best: The Southern Ocean Lodge.