On The Pass

121. Laurent Gardinier: Leading Relais & Châteaux

Mar 5, 2025

Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux and co-owner of Domaine Les Crayères and Le Taillevent, shares his journey in hospitality. He dives into the importance of meaningful connections in travel experiences and how the collection promotes sustainability and local culture. Laurent discusses the upcoming 70th anniversary of Relais & Châteaux, the shift toward boutique hospitality, and the challenges of expanding into new markets like India and China while maintaining high standards. Passion and collaboration are key themes throughout.

48:48

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Laurent Gardinier

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Quick takeaways

Laurent Gardinier discusses the growing significance of boutique hotels and restaurants that offer authentic cultural experiences and sustainability.

He emphasizes the importance of blending creativity with practicality in hospitality leadership to enhance guest experiences and operational success.

Deep dives

The Rise of Boutique Hospitality

The podcast highlights the emerging trend in the hospitality industry where smaller establishments, such as boutique hotels and gastronomic restaurants, are being recognized for their unique beauty and experience. These properties often emphasize design, atmosphere, and a deep connection to local cultures, distinguishing themselves from larger, mass-market options. As traveler preferences shift towards experiences that provide richer cultural and personal connections, this trend is gaining momentum, prompting brands to pay close attention to the evolving landscape. Boutique options are perceived as offering values that align with sustainability and personal interaction, which are increasingly important in the current travel climate.

Intro

4min

Discovering a Passion for Hospitality: A Journey into Relais & Châteaux

4min

Navigating Leadership and Creativity in Hospitality

14min

Celebrating a Legacy: 70 Years of Relais & Châteaux

3min

Evolving Hospitality: The Future of Authentic Experiences

20min

Strategic Expansion in Emerging Markets

2min

Embracing Passion: The Key to Fulfilling Work

2min

Many of my most unforgettable hospitality and culinary experiences have been meaningful not just because of their quality, creativity, or service, but because they fostered a deeper connection to the local culture, people, and traditions. These experiences go beyond excellence—they tell a story, evoke emotion, and create lasting impressions. This is exactly what our next guest has dedicated his career to curating, preserving, and championing.

Joining us on this episode of On The Pass is Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious global association of independently owned luxury hotels and restaurants. With nearly 580 properties across 65 countries, Relais & Châteaux offers travelers an immersive way to experience the world—rooted in sustainability, heritage, and authentic local culture.

Laurent is not only a visionary leader in hospitality, but also a hotelier and restaurateur himself. He co-owns Domaine Les Crayères, a luxurious 20-room hotel nestled in France’s Champagne region, and Le Taillevent, a two-Michelin-starred fine-dining institution in Paris. His deep industry expertise, passion for excellence, and commitment to sustainability shape his leadership as he steers Relais & Châteaux into an exciting new era.

In our conversation, Laurent shares insights into the evolving landscape of hospitality, what makes the Relais & Châteaux collection so unique, and his ambitious vision for a more sustainable future. Now, let’s dive into this inspiring discussion with Laurent Gardinier.

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