Grace Hotels has announced plans for a new hotel development including residential

villas just outside the historic city of Kalamata, in the south western part of the Peloponnese in Greece. The hotel will comprise 125 rooms and suites plus up to 40 luxury residential villas, each with three, four or five bedrooms.

As with all Grace properties, the design will reflect the group's philosophy of elegance

and simplicity, while being sympathetic to the locality. The hotel will feature multiple restaurants; two bars; a state-of-the-art spa and wellness centre; conference facilities; water sports and children's facilities.

Located on the beautiful sandy Velika beach with 300 metres of secluded beachfront,

Grace Kalamata will be approximately 20 kilometres west of Kalamata in an area known for its outstanding natural beauty. The hotel will offer views of the Messinian Gulf and Mount Taygetos.

This area, rich in culture and history, offers much for visitors to enjoy, from the

picturesque seaside town of Pylos and the Palace of Nestor, one of the finest surviving examples of a Mycenaean palace, to Loutraki, known for its natural springs and therapeutic spas. The historic towns of Nafplio and Monemvasia are also nearby. Numerous beaches line the coast, all of which are within easy reach of Grace Kalamata.

Lena Livanidou, Head of Mediterranean & Africa for Grace Hotels, said: "This resort is a

perfect destination for a Grace hotel. It is in an authentic and charming town and has a beautiful beach frontage, yet it is within easy reach of Athens. Lovers of Greece and Greek history will relish the variety of cultural and leisure experiences that a mainland destination like Kalamata can offer."

Grace Kalamata will be conveniently located for access by road (approximately 2,5

hours' drive from Athens) and air (13 kilometres from Kalamata International Airport). It will be the fourth development for the award-winning Grace Hotels group in Greece, following the success of its iconic Grace Mykonos and Grace Santorini, with Grace Kea currently under development.

About Grace Hotels

Grace Hotels is an award-winning luxury hotel group that offers sanctuary and quality for discerning guests in the world's most sought after resorts and cities. The company's hotels have attracted critical acclaim since the first opened in Greece's Cyclades Islands in 2007. Each hotel is a wholly authentic expression of its locality, allowing guests to enjoy a true immersion in local culture with an experience incorporating both tradition and modernity. Gastronomy is an integral part of all hotels, with menus showcasing the finest local ingredients combined with international touches. The group is undergoing a period of significant expansion and will soon be present on five continents. Grace Hotels is part of the Libra Group, an international business group owned by the Logothetis family.(www.gracehotels.com)