The first five-star hotel of the Vignette Collection in Chania, a new five-star hotel in Sissi for adults only and the mega project at Cape Tholos – but the communities on Crete are supposedly having none of it.
First five-star hotel of the Vignette Collection in Chania
The newly established hotel under the Vignette Collection brand in Chania is called Vignette Collection The Chania Hotel. This hotel is located in the city’s central square, known as “1866,” and is currently operational.
The property is owned by the Gelasa Group, a prominent Cretan company involved in both the hospitality and shipping sectors.
Previously known as the historic Chania Hotel, this establishment has undergone a complete renovation, transforming it into a five-star accommodation. The hotel features 40 luxurious rooms and is scheduled to reopen under its new name on 9 August 2025.
The Global Presence of the Vignette Collection
The Vignette Collection serves as the latest addition to IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio. Since its launch, the brand has made significant strides, surpassing half of its initial goal of establishing 100 hotels within a decade.
Launched in 2021, the Vignette Collection provides an opportunity for independent hotel owners to leverage IHG’s strong network.
Currently, there are 20 hotels open across 12 countries, with an additional 35 hotels planned for the near future.
The InterContinental Crete is positioned in Agios Nikolaos, offering scenic views of the Mirabello Bay.
It is a joint venture among IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hines, and Henderson Park, and is managed by the Y&T Daskalantonakis Knossians Group. This hotel boasts 199 comfortable rooms and inviting suites, many featuring private pools.
IHG is expected to further expand its footprint in Crete and across Greece, enhancing its presence in the hospitality market.
Opening of a new five-star hotel for adults only
A new five-star, adults-only seaside hotel will open at the end of April in Sissi, Lasithi. This establishment, known as Castello Boutique Suites, is part of the Castello Hotels Group. It offers a luxurious experience with a total of 34 suites designed for comfort and relaxation.
Amenities and Features
The hotel boasts several attractive features, including:
- Outdoor Swimming Pool: A spacious pool area for guests to unwind.
- Pool Bar: A convenient spot to enjoy refreshments by the pool.
- On-Site Restaurant: Serving a variety of culinary delights.
- Wellness and Beauty Centre: A dedicated space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Castello Hotels Group is known for its quality accommodations. They also operate other properties in the region, such as the four-star Castello City Hotel in Heraklion and the five-star Castello Infinity Suites located in Agia Pelagia, Heraklion.
In addition, the Castello Boutique Resort & Spa and the four-star Castello Village Resort can be found in Sissi, further expanding their portfolio in the Lasithi area.
Guests at the new hotel can expect a sophisticated atmosphere tailored exclusively for adults, making it an ideal choice for couples or those seeking a serene getaway.
With its prime location and quality facilities, this hotel is poised to attract both local and international visitors.
For those looking to enjoy a relaxing holiday along the coastline, the choice of the Castello Boutique Suites promises to provide a memorable stay. As the opening date approaches, interest is growing in what this new addition will bring to the Sissi area. More information can be found at the following link: Crete hotel opening details.
Cape Tholos – the major investment of 126 million euros on Crete
The Metaxa Hospitality Group is set to launch an ambitious project known as Cape Tholos, which involves an investment of €126 million. This development will occupy an area of approximately 1,224 acres, located in Chylotes, Schoinias, and Tholos in the municipality of Ierapetra, within the Lasithi region.
Group Overview
Metaxa Hospitality Group already operates notable establishments in Crete, including the Creta Maris Resort and TUI Magic Life Candia Maris, as well as an impressive conference centre named after the famous Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.
Additionally, the group has luxurious offerings in Santorini, such as the Santo Collection Resort & Villas, which includes high-end accommodations like Santo Pure Oia Suites and Villas, Santo Mine Oia Suites, alongside exclusive villas.
Project Features and Timeline
The Cape Tholos project is expected to be completed over the next four to six years. It is strategically positioned just 29 km from Agios Nikolaos and 19 km from Ierapetra, making it easily accessible for tourists.
The investment aims to create a comprehensive resort facility with a capacity of 1,044 beds, designed to cater to a variety of guest needs.
Key elements of the development will include:
- A five-star hotel complex featuring 220 bungalow-style rooms and suites
- 102 residential units comprising apartments and villas of various sizes
- Two on-site restaurants serving diverse culinary options
- A spacious 1,500 square metre spa for relaxation and wellness
- A conference centre suitable for business events and seminars
- Four swimming pools for leisure and recreation
- A helipad for convenient transportation
- A marina capable of accommodating up to 33 yachts and boats
- Various sports facilities for active guests
There are also stunning visual renderings available, showcasing what the resort will look like upon completion. These images provide a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle the Cape Tholos project aims to offer its visitors.
International Presentation
The Metaxa Hospitality Group recently showcased this development during the MIPIM real estate exhibition held in Cannes, France, from March 11 to 14.
Their participation in this international event highlights the significance and ambition of the project, drawing attention from potential investors and stakeholders in the tourism industry.
The images from the exhibition reveal a futuristic vision of Cape Tholos, indicating a commitment to creating a high-quality, sustainable resort that will attract visitors from around the globe. The project’s comprehensive plan underlines its potential to enhance tourism in Crete significantly.
This investment not only represents a substantial financial commitment but also embodies a vision for sustainable tourism development in the region. It aims to promote the natural beauty of the site while providing modern luxuries.
As the project progresses, it will bring new employment opportunities to the local community and improve the area’s economic conditions. Moreover, it is poised to contribute to the growth of tourism in Crete, making it a more competitive destination in the Mediterranean.
For the communities on Crete, nothing remains of the five-star hotels
The situation regarding the management of resources in Greece has reached an untenable point, particularly within the municipality of Hersonisos (or Chersonisos). According to Zacharias Doxastakis, the Mayor, this centralised state structure has led to a significant disparity in resource allocation.
He highlighted that the region, renowned for its five-star hotels, has contributed 40 million euros in tourism taxes this year, yet the local community has not seen any of this revenue returned to them.
Doxastakis expressed frustration about the lack of support from the government. He insisted that there is no proper recompense for the resources generated by the tourism sector, which is vital for many local economies.
Local Governance Challenges
This issue forms a part of a larger systemic problem that has plagued local governments and municipalities across the country.
The Mayor pointed out that the current bureaucracy has become more cumbersome than ever. He reflected on his experiences from when he was the community leader of Chersonisos, noting the stark contrast in resource distribution back then.
Doxastakis cited a significant decline in the percentage of taxes returned to local authorities, which has now fallen to less than 0.5%, compared to the 5% previously received.
Moreover, Doxastakis emphasised that Chersonisos accounts for approximately 15% of the country’s tourism potential. He is concerned that the municipality does not receive its fair share of the benefits from this lucrative sector, which raises questions about the sustainability of local governance and public services.
Water Management Concerns
Water management has also become a critical issue. The Mayor acknowledged that the situation appears challenging for the coming year.
He shared his concerns regarding the water supply, stressing the need for proactive measures.
Doxastakis mentioned that while they have recently observed water flowing from the Oropedi to the Aposelemis dam, there remains uncertainty about whether it will suffice to meet the community’s needs.
In the previous year, municipalities received around 7 to 8 million euros for water management, a sum that may not be replicated in the current fiscal year.
Local authorities are actively planning initiatives to manage the water supply effectively, aiming to reduce losses through improved drilling and pipeline networks.
Despite their efforts to communicate these needs to the government, they have received little to no feedback or guidance regarding desalination processes that could alleviate the water scarcity.
Historical Context of Water Issues
The issue of water management in Crete is not new; it has persisted since 1987 without a comprehensive solution.
Mayor Doxastakis expressed frustration with the ongoing discussions about unified water management, which seem to lead nowhere.
Without decisive action from both local and national governments, this issue will remain unresolved, impacting both residents and the thriving tourism industry.
Further compounding these concerns is the impact of developing infrastructure like the new airport.
Doxastakis confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the municipality of Heraklion regarding necessary pipelines from Malia as part of the new northern roadway project’s expansion.
Maintenance of Cleanliness in the Municipality
Addressing another pressing matter, the Mayor noted that Chersonisos has made strides in tackling cleanliness challenges within the town.
He remarked on the effective management of private contractors, ensuring they perform their duties properly.
Doxastakis stated that cleanliness is a top priority for the municipality, and any lapses in service will be promptly addressed.
In an area heavily reliant on tourism, maintaining a clean environment is essential for attracting visitors and sustaining the local economy.
This ongoing effort highlights the significance of effective governance and community engagement in managing local concerns while addressing the pressures of tourism.
Conclusion
The challenges that Zacharias Doxastakis faces reflect broader issues experienced by local governments throughout Greece.
The pursuit of a fair distribution of resources, effective water management, and the maintenance of public cleanliness are central to ensuring the well-being of the residents and visitors of Chersonisos.
This snapshot into the local governance reflects the intricate relationship between tourism, community resources, and government policy in fostering a sustainable future for the region.
Through discussions and collaboration with various stakeholders, the municipality aims to enhance its capacity to serve both its local populace and the influx of tourists it attracts each year.
Only with equitable resource distribution and efficient management will Chersonisos realise its full potential as a prominent tourist destination.
