Route du Bonheur Travel Route in Northeast Launched

WATCH HILL, R.I., March 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking a cue from the original Relais & Chateaux "La Route du Bonheur," translated to "route of happiness," eight hotels and inns in the northeastern United States have joined to offer adventurous leisure travelers an enjoyable path to follow and explore the art of living.

The eight properties are all members of Relais & Chateaux, the most prestigious Hotel Association in the world.  The properties include The Surrey Hotel in New York City, Glenmere Mansion in Chester, NY, Homestead Inn-Thomas Henkelmann in Greenwich, CT, Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, CT, Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI, Weekapaug Inn in Weekapaug, RI, Castle Hill Inn in Newport, RI and Blantyre in Lenox, MA.  

At each stop along the route travelers will experience unique and luxurious accommodations in a variety of locations and settings, from city chic to barefoot elegance, and ocean-front views to lush garden surroundings. These properties boast among them a Michelin-starred grand chef, a Forbes Four-Star French restaurant, three Forbes Five-Star hotels and a Forbes Five-Star spa.

In addition, the map helps travelers by providing a variety of points of interest laid out along the journey.  They include Central Park in New York City, the Glass House in New Canaan, CT, Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT as well as the gardens, museums and antique shops of the Berkshires in Massachusetts.

"We are proud to be a part of the Northeast Route du Bonheur and the heritage that is behind it," said Daniel Hostettler, President and Managing Director of the Ocean House and the Weekapaug Inn. "Joining together with our fellow hoteliers to provide a fascinating tour of the Northeast while assuring them of first class dinning and accommodations is what the Route du Bonheur and the Relais & Chateaux organization is all about."

The map can be found at www.nedrivingmap.com.  In addition to a visual of the route that meanders from New York into Connecticut, through Rhode Island and into Massachusetts, travelers can click on each property icon to determine the distance between each property and point of interest, as well as view a brief description.  For deeper discovery, links to the property's website are embedded on each pop-up. The goal is to make trip planning as easy and enjoyable as possible.

About Relais & Chateaux – Established over half a century ago, Relais & Chateaux is an association of the world's finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. Relais & Chateaux has redefined luxury hospitality by emphasizing holistic experiences that transport its guests, taking them on a sensual journey and introducing them to a deeper, truer understanding of the Art of Living. Today, Relais & Chateaux is an exclusive collection of 500 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 60 countries.

SOURCE The Ocean House