The Relais & Chateaux 2011 Guide, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, ushering in an auspicious new decade for an association which brings together almost 500 exceptional properties from across the globe.

In late 2010 the group welcomed a record 36 new members to its 2011 hotel and restaurant association – in 6 new destinations (Estonia, Peru, Chile, Laos, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu) and in 6 new cities (Washington DC, San Diego, Shanghai, Kobe, and Casablanca). Additionally, in January four new dream properties and eight new Grands Chefs joined Relais & Châteaux.

Seven of Relais & Chateaux's new hotels and restaurants are located in South East Asia and China, having only just opened their doors:

Le Sun Chine in Shanghai, China
The former Sun family home has been converted into an elegant hotel and is one of the few remaining historic residences in Shanghai’s French Concession area. Balconies with columns, antique furniture, embroidered hangings and high ceilings with fans conjure the heyday of 1930s Shanghai.

Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A private urban retreat just minutes from the city centre. Bumbung, the laid-back rustic rooftop tea lounge is premeditated for chill-out sundowns away from KL's urban drone. Select suites feature fully-equipped kitchens where the chef creates personalized menus.

Satri House in Luang Prabang, Laos
This intimate garden hotel sits on a UNESCO world heritage site in the heart of a lush and leafy garden town. Built at the turn of the last century as the residence of Prince Soupha-nouvong, its current owner carries on the tradition of hospitality of the ancient kings of Laos.

Supanniga Home in Khon Kaen, Thailand
A tranquil getaway set amid 12ha of lush cultivated greenery. Each flower and tree was planted by the home’s owner for her desire to create a beautiful place of serenity. Delight in a tea ceremony in the magnificent treehouse and enjoy the peace of the gardens from a contemporary suite that opens to nature.

Family Li Imperial Cuisine in Shanghai, China
Ivan Li, Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, set his restaurant in the heart of buzzing Shanghai, where the Li family has recreated the culinary atmosphere of Imperial China. Guests are able to relive the legend of the emperors of China through their centuries old cuisine.

La Villa Mathis in Bali, Indonesia
A serene and romantic escape set on 1.2 ha far away from the city bustle. The hotel is made up of four villas with 17 rooms. Guests have the opportunity of dining wherever they like including the intimate restaurant, Nuits Baroques, or anywhere on the estate.

Jing's Residence in Shan Xi Province, China
The former residence of a Qing Dynasty silk merchant, Jing’s is a renovated 260-year old courtyard mansion. The stunning property reflects the status of the residence during the Ming and Qing dynasties.