Hotel Tella Thera (Kissamos, Chania), Rocca a Mare Handwritten Collection (Heraklion), Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort (Agios Nikolaos) and the start of construction of Elounda Hills.
The Unique Tella Thera Hotel Opening in July
The Tella Thera hotel in Kissamos, Chania, is set to open this July, promising a remarkable architectural design that complements its natural surroundings.
This five-star establishment will feature 20 suites and a luxurious villa, each with private pools, delivering a premium experience to all guests.
The hotel will also offer a range of amenities including a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and spa, ensuring that visitors have everything they need for relaxation and enjoyment.
Cooperating with Pierris Architects and Hellenic Homes, the Tella Thera has been recognised with prestigious awards, including accolades for “Hotel Architecture” and “Best New Small Hotel Construction and Design.”
These awards reflect the hotel’s commitment to bioclimatic design, seamlessly integrating luxury with the stunning natural beauty of Crete.
The amphitheatrical layout of Tella Thera offers panoramic views of the Cretan landscape, showcasing how hospitality can blend harmoniously with its environment. It employs traditional materials alongside modern technologies, highlighting its eco-friendly focus.
This thoughtful integration promotes sustainability while maintaining elegance, making it a model for future tourism investments in the region.
The hotel’s design includes photovoltaic systems, green roofs, and the use of natural materials such as stone and timber.
These features significantly reduce the energy footprint, aligning Tella Thera with environmentally responsible practices.
Dr Stella Pieri, an architect from Pierris Architects, highlighted that “Tella Thera is not merely a retreat; it is a sensitive structure where sustainability and elegance coexist harmoniously.”
Each aspect of the hotel reflects the surrounding landscape, enhancing the guests’ experience with nature.
Lukas Tourkomanis, the founder of Tella Thera, described the project as “a labour of love for the environment and hospitality that characterises Crete and Greece.”
He emphasised that the initial awards received acknowledge the dedication put forth to showcase the area’s natural beauty and to offer guests a unique experience of renewal and connection with nature.
New Five-Star Hotel to Open in Heraklion in April
A new five-star hotel, the “Rocca a Mare Handwritten Collection,” is set to open in April in the city of Heraklion. Operated by Trésor Hospitality, this hotel is part of the Handwritten Collection brand, which belongs to the large French group, Accor.
Hotel Features
Rocca a Mare will offer a total of 36 rooms, all with stunning sea views.
Guests can enjoy two bars on the premises: one located on the rooftop, next to a 20-metre swimming pool with panoramic views, and another situated in the lobby area.
Additionally, there will be an all-day bar and restaurant that caters to guests throughout the day.
Amenities
The hotel includes a range of amenities designed to enhance the overall guest experience:
- Spa: A dedicated spa area for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Sauna and Hammam: Facilities to help guests unwind.
- Gym: A well-equipped fitness centre for those wanting to stay active during their stay.
- Event Hall: An event space accommodating up to 50 guests, suitable for meetings or private celebrations.
Location Benefits
Strategically located, the Rocca a Mare Handwritten Collection by Accor is just a 15-minute walk from the centre of Heraklion.
The hotel is positioned near Talos Plaza, making it convenient for shopping and dining. It sits at the intersection of Sophocles Venizelos Seafront and Minos Avenue, which adds to its accessibility.
This new addition will operate year-round, ensuring visitors can enjoy its facilities regardless of the season.
Brand Background
The Handwritten Collection is a relatively new brand under the Accor umbrella, having launched in January 2023.
It aims to offer a more personalised and unique lodging experience, focusing on the individual character of each property.
The collection includes hotels that reflect their cultural surroundings while providing high-quality service and comfort.
With the opening of Rocca a Mare, Accor continues to expand its presence in Greece, responding to the growing demand for luxury accommodation in popular tourist destinations.
This hotel promises a distinctive experience that caters to both leisure and business travellers.
Rebranding with New Villas and Luxury Services for Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort
Zeus International Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic rebranding initiative. This new corporate identity aims to reflect the group’s commitment to delivering luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences, tailored to the needs of modern travellers and global hospitality standards.
The first step in this journey involves upgrading the Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort, which will feature new, exclusive services in its newly introduced villas.
The five-star hotel, previously known as Wyndham Grand Mirabello Bay, will now be called Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort.
Visitors can look forward to five spacious private villas, ranging from 225 to 380 square metres, nestled in the lush hills of Lasithi. These villas offer stunning views of Mirabello Bay and the town of Aghios Nikolaos.
The villa architecture merges stone and wood, creating a pleasing blend of traditional Cretan aesthetics and modern luxury.
Each villa accommodates up to 12 guests with three bedrooms and includes expansive terraces of up to 260 square metres, private pools, and verdant gardens, ensuring utmost privacy amid the tranquil Cretan landscape.
These spaces are perfect for large families or groups of friends.
Additional features include a dedicated dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and an outdoor gym. Some villas are even equipped with a fireplace, ideal for cosy autumn getaways.
Guests staying at the villas can enjoy premium services such as a Villa Manager, the option of a private chef, 24-hour concierge service, and spa and beauty treatments—all within the comfort of their own private space.
The resort’s bungalows and suites have also been upgraded, with 130 private pools and hot tubs added for a more personalised experience.
Opting for one of the 103 luxurious villas, suites, or bungalows means enjoying exclusive VIP services and privileges, like private check-in and check-out, access to a 2,000 square metre private beach, complete with luxurious sunbeds and a private beach bar.
Additionally, guests gain special access to the “Eliá” restaurant for breakfast and lunch and priority reservations at all hotel restaurants.
This rebranding and enhancement reflect the vision of Zeus International Hotels & Resorts, which manages over 4,000 rooms, villas, and bungalows in its portfolio.
Visitors to the Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort can expect an extraordinary experience that epitomises premium luxury and unparalleled Cretan hospitality. For more details on the new offerings, click here.
New Developments for Elounda Hills
The initial phases of the Elounda Hills construction are scheduled to commence next summer, led by the Mirum Group.
This ambitious undertaking involves an investment of €800 million in the picturesque Mirabello Bay area of northeastern Crete. The project includes plans for two luxurious hotels, a marina designed for pleasure boat docking, and around 500 upscale villas and residences.
Mirum, a real estate development entity founded by Vitaly Borisov, who has Ukrainian and Israeli roots, is currently active in constructing the marina. They are also gearing up for infrastructure work by targeting a start date after Easter.
The process of selecting contractors for various tasks is underway, and design studies to secure building permits are in completion.
The aim is to launch initial building activities along the coastal section of the estate during the summer months.
A crucial step was taken when the urban planning approval was published in the Government Gazette last November, allowing the team to begin applying for building permits.
The development will occupy approximately 735,000 square metres and will unfold in several stages. The first phase is projected to cost €350 million and should wrap up by 2028.
This initial phase includes constructing two hotel units: a central facility with 129 rooms and a beachfront structure featuring 14 rooms. Additionally, the plan encompasses 134 residences, a commercial area, and the marina, which is expected to open by 2026.
This marina will be operated by Camper and Nicholsons Marinas, while both hotel and branded residences will be under the renowned 1 Hotels brand, making it the first of its kind in the broader Mediterranean region.
The holiday homes will play a vital role in financing the project, with investments supported by pre-sales and bank loans.
So far, reservations have been made for 55 residences, with approximately 14 units sold as pre-sales, showcasing strong interest and engagement from potential buyers. For detailed insights, visit the full story on the first Elounda Hills buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinctive features does the new five-star establishment in Crete include?
The new five-star hotel in Crete boasts a variety of unique amenities designed to enhance guest experiences.
This includes luxurious spa services, infinity pools with stunning views, and personalized concierge services.
Guests can also enjoy wellness programmes that incorporate local traditions and natural products.
In what ways does the new luxury hotel in Crete improve the regional tourism landscape?
This premium hotel aims to boost regional tourism by promoting local culture and attractions.
It collaborates with local artisans and providers, offering guests a genuine taste of Cretan hospitality. The hotel also hosts events that encourage visitors to explore nearby sites, enhancing the overall experience of the region.
Can you outline the dining options available at Crete’s new luxury hotel?
The dining options at this hotel feature a diverse range of cuisines.
Guests can savour traditional Cretan dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Additionally, there are several themed restaurants, a casual café, and bar facilities, each providing a unique atmosphere and menu designed to delight various tastes.
What types of rooms and pricing can guests expect at Crete’s newly established five-star hotel?
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options, from elegantly designed standard rooms to luxurious suites with private balconies and sea views.
Pricing varies depending on the season and type of room, with packages available that include exclusive benefits and amenities.
How does the new five-star hotel in Crete focus on environmental sustainability?
This hotel prioritises sustainability by implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its operations.
This includes using renewable energy sources, reducing plastic usage, and sourcing food locally.
The establishment also engages in conservation efforts to protect the surrounding natural environment.
What exclusive packages or experiences are available for visitors at this top hotel in Crete?
Guests can take advantage of special packages that may include spa discounts, guided tours of the area, and culinary experiences focused on local cuisine.
Seasonal offers are often available to enhance the visitor experience, making their stay even more memorable.
Kalimera, yes, the local newspapers have reported on the massive boom of 5 star hotels/resort in Crete in the past few days. Of course, almost every suite has its own outdoor pool and that with the water problems on the island. Sustainability and responsible use of Resource Water does not seem to play a role – when it comes to big money.
The plans are particularly worried about Cape Sidero, Triopetra and Paleochora. Unfortunately, I have observed negative development/boom in tourism in Crete in recent years. Especially through the many new 5 star hotels/luxury resorts that are built on the island.
Our beautiful and beloved island of Crete is unfortunately increasingly being built up and destroyed (luxury resorts, new airport, new construction of a motorway/streets, wind farms, cruise tourism, etc.).
I believe that the upper limit for tourists in Crete has long been reached or exceeded, and Crete can no longer tolerate tourists, new 5 star hotels/luxury resorts.
The number of tourists on Crete and the goal of continuing to expand the number of tourists, with all the negative effects you should see very, very critically.
Instead of higher tourists and all-inclusive mass tourism and luxury 5 star hotels/resort, the regional government of Crete should rely on a gentle sustainable ecological tourism.
Many greetings from Káto Zarós, KV