TIME ZONES One Moment Echoed Around the World

ONE MOMENT, ECHOED AROUND THE WORLD

6:35AM

A YOGA CLASS GATHERS ON THE SHORES OF LAKE ATITLÁN, the deepest in Central America, while the waters are still calm. Around noon, the Xocomil, a fastblowing wind, crosses the lake, whipping up the waves. When performed opposite the three mist-capped volcanoes that dominate the landscape, a salutation to the sun takes on full meaning. Casa Palopó, previously a private residence, is embedded in this magnificent nature, and encourages guests to become equally at one with their surroundings.

CASA PALOPÓ, Santa Catarina Palopó, Guatemala

9:35AM

FARMERS HARVEST PRODUCE ON AN ORGANIC ESTATE. Founded by the Txai Resort Itacaré hotel, the Companions of Txai Institute was developed to protect the way of life of neighboring communities and guide them to use the resources of the Mata Atlântica forest in a sustainable way. The produce grown on this 227-acre/92hectare estate is part of a program that supports local families and strives to make visitors aware how important it is to protect the rich biodiversity of this unique environment.

TXAI RESORT ITACARÉ, Itacaré, Brazil

12:35PM

TIME FOR TEE: PLAYERS TAKE THEIR FIRST SWINGS of the day on the first par-4 hole of the golf course in Palheiro. The challenge? Not getting distracted by the stunning views over the ocean–the course is some 1,640 feet/ 500 meters above sea level. Located in hills to the east of Funchal, the Casa Velha do Palheiro is a peaceful haven, looking down onto the Palheiro Gardens, which contain myriad forest species growing alongside mature camellias and numerous exotics.

CASA VELHA DO PALHEIRO, Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal

1:35PM

LUNCH IS SERVED: fresh, seasonal products arrive daily from vegetable gardens across France, and small miracles turn them into delectable dishes that almost look too good to eat. Nature takes on a particularly poetic form in this minimalist, two Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant, with dishes adorned with flower petals, leaves, even branches. This is the home of Chef David Toutain, who exercises his gastronomic savoirfaire, creativity and originality, refined over two decades dedicated to taste and technique.

RESTAURANT DAVID TOUTAIN, Paris, France

© RAQUEL MOGADO, ADOBE STOCK / TXAI RESORT / PALHEIRO NATURE ESTATE / MICKAËL A. BANDASSAK

The sun never sets on Relais & Châteaux. This is a snapshot of activities occurring simultaneously in just a few of our 580 properties: a moment frozen in time.

Text Sylvie Berkowicz

4:35PM

© ECOVENTURA TEAM / MIHIR GARH / SEVEN VILLAS / LAURA RESTAURANT EXCURSIONS TO THE PRISTINE BEACHES of Grande Sœur Island, privately owned by the Château de Feuilles, are reserved for hotel guests. At this time of day they come face-to-face with a host of rare wildlife, including giant tortoises on the sand, and colorful tropical fish and turtles in crystal clear waters. The property also works to actively preserve biodiversity, by reintroducing and protecting native birds. All tourism is carefully monitored to ensure this little slice of heaven is not exploited.

CHÂTEAU DE FEUILLES, Praslin Island, Seychelles

6:05PM

GUESTS RETURN FROM A SAFARI EXPLORING NEIGHBORING VILLAGES, their heads swimming with the people, culture and nature they have encountered. At first the Mihir Garh fort appears in silhouette, but as they grow closer it becomes clear that its architecture was inspired by the villages they passed through: Bishnoi culture permeates the entire region. The property is proud of the deep connections it maintains with the communities that surround it–local artisans were crucial to its very construction.

MIHIR GARH, Jodhpur, India

8:35PM

INSIDE THE HOTEL, THE CACOPHONY OF THE TOWN DIES OUT. This moment marks the start of a gastronomic adventure celebrating Chinese New Year, with guests looking forward to a refined dinner featuring traditional recipes from the region. Close to West Lake in Hangzhou, not far from the city’s main attractions, this hotel and its villas are nestled amid splendid gardens of trees and bamboo. The calm atmosphere is matched by the elegant lines of the buildings reflected in its many ponds.

RESTAURANT JIE XIANG LOU AT SEVEN VILLAS, Hangzhou, China

11:05PM

A GOURMET DINNER DRAWS TO A CLOSE. Guests toast each other with one last sip after an exquisite 8-course tribute to the finest ingredients and wines available from both the local Mornington Peninsula region and beyond. As dinner concludes, diners are ushered through the foot of the Sculpture Park and experience the outdoor gallery as it rests solely for you. It is then that you realize that the Laura experience is elevated at every touch point, from the moment you are welcomed, through to the final good-bye.

LAURA AT PT. LEO ESTATE, Merricks, Australia