NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Relais & Chateaux proudly announces the 45 new properties in the 2012 guide with eight in North America, including three new properties in New York City– two Grands Chefs and the first NYC hotel inducted in nearly 20 years. Guests can recharge, renew, and enjoy the exceptional amenities of each property while savoring the finest cuisine from around the world. Relais & Chateaux encourages luxury travelers to discover new places and bask in breathtaking ocean views or search for solace in nature, but most of all - make unforgettable memories. The newly inducted properties in North America are:

New York City

Del Posto Restaurant is located in a contemporary palazzo of mahogany and marble in the heart of New York City with classical Italian dishes revisited by Grands Chefs Marc Ladner and Mario Batali.

Marea Restaurant, on Manhattan's Central Park South, boasts Italian dishes inspired by the sea and masterfully prepared by Grand Chef Michael White.

The Surrey Hotel & Spa is an elegantly restored Beaux-Arts townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Montana

The Ranch at Rock Creek represents the quintessentially American Wild West.

Rhode Island

Ocean House a magnificent mansion overlooks the seashore on Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

Vermont

Twin Farms, a sprawling country estate, rests amidst the flowers and pristine wilderness of Vermont.

Canada

Hastings House Country House Hotel is an 11th century manor house, just off Vancouver on Salt Spring Island.

Restaurant Europea is an all-defying experimentation with the local terroir in Montreal, featuring Grand Chef Jerome Ferrer.

For the global traveler, Relais & Chateaux has an array of magnificent properties to choose from; whether the city life is your calling or maybe your palate needs to be tantalized, these properties are sure to please any jetsetter. Succeeding actor and hotelier Richard Gere, and actress and winemaker Carole Bouquet, the new 2012 Brand Ambassador is Brazilian writer and lyricist Paulo Coelho, who shares the association's passion for travel and gastronomy. The newly inducted International properties are:

ASIA & AUSTRALIA

Australia – Saffire, Qualia - Great Barrier Reef

New Zealand - Huka Lodge

China - Jinmai Brilliant Resort & Spa; JE Mansion

Thailand - Wanakarn Beach Resort & Spa

Japan - Bettei Senjuan, Kashiwaya Restaurant

Malaysia - Villa Samadhi

Taiwan - Le Mout Restaurant

EUROPE

Austria - Hotel Restaurant Spa Rosengarten

Belgium - Chalet de la Foret Restaurant

France - Anne de Bretagne, Restaurant Guy Lassausaie, Maison Decoret, La Bastide, Hotel Au Coeur du Village,

Saint James Paris

Germany - Schlosshotel Burg Schlitz

Great Britain - Greywalls Hotel and Chez Roux, Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie

Ireland - Ballyfin Demesne

Italy - La Peschiera, Villa Crespi, Combal.Zero Restaurant

Luxembourg - Hotel Le Place d'Armes

Netherlands - De Lindenhof, Het Roode Koper

Portugal - The Yeatman

Spain - Ramon Freixa Madrid Restaurant, Castillo de Arteaga, Neri Hotel & Restaurant

Switzerland - Beau-Rivage Hotel

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina - Algodon Mansion

Chile - Awasi

About Relais & Chateaux

Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive collection of 518 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries. Established in France in 1954, the Association's mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.  Furthermore, Relais & Chateaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for, and a personal commitment to, ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony.  To choose Relais & Chateaux is to experience an unforgettable celebration of the senses. From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Chateaux offers a chance to explore the Route du Bonheur and discover a special place in a variety of destinations.  The Relais & Chateaux signature reflects this ambition: "ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD." For information or reservations, call 800-735-2478 or refer to www.relaischateaux.com.

SOURCE Relais & Chateaux