This newsletter provides a snapshot of the performance and outlook of the Greek hotel industry, within the broader context of the international hospitality industry as well as of Greek tourism and Greek socio-economic developments.
With a focus on slowness, space, and refined elegance, the new Noūs Santorini exudes an ethos dedicated to rejuvenation. Artworks by young Greek artists augment the simple, geometric architecture of private bungalows, each with their own pool. Smells of lavender and rosemary waft through the air from the hotel's aromatic gardens. And organic dining options provide nourishment after days at the spa, which adheres principles of Ef Zin, the Greek concept of wellbeing. All of this and more combines to create one of the island's largest, most reinvigorating retreats, opened July 2022.
Hard Rock International and GEK TERNA Group held a special event in Athens yesterday signaling the official start of their partnership for the construction and operation of an integrated resort and casino, located in the iconic area of the Athens Riviera, within the context of "The Ellinikon" development. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Athens, which is set to open in 2026, will be a unique destination in Europe combining a five-star luxury hotel, a world class gaming floor, a premier meeting and convention space, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue, internationally renowned food and beverage, luxurious Rock® Spa and Pool Complex, and a high-end retail promenade.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy's portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros. The idyllic island of Paros is home to serene landscapes, refined culture, rich culinary history, naturally sculpted whitewashed architecture, cobbled pathways and stretches of crystal-clear beaches. Embracing the authentic Cycladic lifestyle and encouraging a carefree state of mind, Cosme offers global explorers an invigorating journey of experiences on the shores of the Aegean Sea, celebrating the joy of life in the charming town of Naoussa. Developed by Kanava Hotels & Resorts, Cosme embraces hoteliers Antonis Eliopoulos' and Kalia Konstantinidou vision and ethos for understated luxury while elevating authentic, Greek hospitality.
Radisson Blu Euphoria Resort, Mykonos is located steps from golden Kalo Livadi beach with its bars, restaurants, and vibrant live music scene. Mykonos is a favorite summer vacation destination, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, trademark windmills, gorgeous, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant café, bar and nightlife scene, all within a mere 20-minute drive from the resort. The island's stunning natural beauty, sunsets, and architecture make it the perfect destination for travelers looking either for seaside revelry or for quiet relaxation soaking up the calming blue of the Aegean Sea. The island also offers a wide range of attractions beyond water sports and sun seeking, such as archaeological and nautical museums, monasteries and churches with Byzantine icons, as well as ancient castles designed protect the island against invading pirates.
Nicholas Dimopoulos joins as Development Manager for Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Montenegro. Nicholas's experience includes hotel planning, real estate monitoring, feasibility and finance for several projects in the region. He joins from Aeternal Hotels & Hospitality.
Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay, a stylish beachfront resort located in Crete's famed Agios Nikolaos in the Elounda region, today announces the completion of an extensive renovation project and a host of enhanced amenities ahead of the summer season. Owning company Zeus International Hotels & Resorts invested a total of €60 million in the renovation project after acquiring the renowned Mirabello Beach & Village, which opened in 1972.
If there is one destination within Greece that lives up to its fame as one of the most alluring destinations in the world that is Santorini. Visiting the island with the dramatic landscapes and unique terrain, part of the legacy of a violent volcanic eruption that took place in the second millennium BC, is on the bucket list of every savvy traveler. Thousands of tourists that visit Greece flock to the island of Santorini to admire the caldera-perched villages, the authentic local architecture with its cave houses dug into the volcanic rocks, the captivating sunsets, and the cultural antiquities buried and preserved under the volcanic ash that buried the island. At the same time, by virtue of its cosmopolitan fame, Santorini boasts some of the most luxurious accommodation options across the country, and a vibrant gourmet scene partially attributed to its winemaking tradition. International hotel brands are currently entering the market, through franchise agreements, making the market scene even more active and sophisticated. Santorini’s huge popularity, however, has sadly come at a price as the island is currently coping with the negative effects of overtourism.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, is proud to announce the signing of InterContinental Resort Crete - marking the luxury brand's debut on the Greek island.Set to open in spring 2023, IHG is developing this unique hotel in partnership with Henderson Park, the private equity real estate firm, and Hines, the international real estate firm.
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Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection—an award-winning boutique hotel tucked into Santorini's cliffs overlooking the caldera—has re-opened its doors for the season. The 20-room sanctuary debuts redesigned spaces across the property, including a luxurious two-bedroom Villa, and new programming that encourages immersion into the local Aegean culture. Additionally, partnerships with Athens' most lauded culinary and cocktail personalities forge an illustrious path for the hotel as Santorini's most revered culinary destination. Located in the quaint village of Imerovigli, Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection is a modern respite that feels worlds away and invites all travelers to uncover the Greek Islands' creativity, cuisine and culture.
Opening in early summer 2022, Noūs Santorini will be dedicated to redefining luxury, with a focus on slowness, space, and an integration of interior design with the exterior landscape. Private bungalows with pools, social outdoor spaces, organic dining options, and a vast wellness center will define the sprawling property.
Taking the helm at One&Only Kéa Island, currently under development in Greece, is Jerome Colson. Situated on an expansive beachfront on the west side of Kéa Island in the Cyclades, One&Only Kea Island, will be home to a collection of 75 elegant resort villas and an enviable collection of Private Homes. Jerome is joining the resort from One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia, where he spearheaded the opening of One&Only's first resort in Asia in 2020, driving remarkable success and industry recognition, with inclusion in the prestigious Travel + Leisure It List, and Condé Nast Traveller's Hot List. Jerome has been a valued member of the Kerzner Team since 2012, holding leadership roles at One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius and One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives. Prior to One&Only, Jerome worked for Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali and The Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai.
Moxy Athens City opened its doors yesterday boldly reinventing the traditional hotel stay in one of the world's oldest cities. This new hotel will offer fun hunter travelers a playful stay in a city bursting with ancient history, vibrant culture and a thriving social scene. Moxy Athens City is located by Stadiou Street, the perfect starting point to discover the wonders of Athens from the Acropolis and the Parthenon to the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. Just a short walk away is Syntagma Square and Ermou Street, where fun hunters can find shops, trendy restaurants and bars.
The historic city of Athens— a long-time favorite of holidaymakers — unveils its newest luxury hotel, Gatsby Athens. The new property opened its doors in autumn 2021 and has yet received no UK exposure. Bringing a new energy to the Greek capital and views of the Acopolis, Gatsby Athens offers new lease on outdated luxury by balancing sophisticated design and personalised, attentive service with one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu of its location.
Announcing the news on social media, Grand Hyatt Athens said Panos, an acclaimed professional in the tourism industry, has an outstanding academic background with several recognitions and a multi-year experience in the management of top hotels in Greece and abroad.
Nestled in a private laid-back setting just steps away from Kamari, Santorini's most prominent beach, the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort is a luxurious oasis where the exotic, boho-chic ambience blends with the timelessness of Cycladic architecture.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and TEMES S.A., a leading developer and operator in high-end tourism and real estate, will introduce the first Mandarin Oriental property in Greece, at Costa Navarino - the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean - in spring 2023.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Thera Island Suites S.A., owners of Magma Resort Santorini, managed by Athens-based SWOT Hospitality. Expected to open in 2022 in time for the summer season, the hotel will join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt as the first Hyatt-affiliated resort in the Greek islands, featuring 59 guestrooms, including 24 suites. The signing underscores Hyatt's strategy to grow its brand footprint in the leisure and independent collection segments across key European leisure destinations.
The number of rooms in operation during 2021 in both the Athens and Thessaloniki market reached a level of 79% compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. At the beginning of 2021 many hotels remained closed and slowly opened up after the announcement of the Greek Government on May 14th 2021 to open up tourism. During the last quarter of 2021 both markets operated at full capacity.