Leading hotel company IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of InterContinental Resort Crete, signalling the luxury brand’s entrance into Crete, the largest and most populous island in Greece.
Slated to open in 2023, the hotel will be developed in partnership with Henderson Park, a private equity real estate firm, and Hines, a privately owned global real estate investment, development and management firm.
“InterContinental is the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand and has been renowned by guests as the epitome of luxury hotel experience for the past 75 years, said Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “We are delighted to be partnering with Henderson Park and Hines to introduce the brand in Crete and look forward to bringing our shared vision to life.”
InterContinental Resort Crete will include 205 guestrooms with private verandas - half of which will feature private jacuzzies - as guests enjoy the brand’s slice of InterContinental life in one of Europe’s leading resort destinations.
Overlooking Mirabello Bay, the hotel is the only property in Agios Nikolaos to offer direct access from a seafront walkway. It is ideally located less than an hour’s drive from Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and Heraklion International Airport.
“With a prime location and unrivalled facilities, InterContinental Resort Crete will be the first choice of guests seeking a luxury stay on the island. There are many exciting developments planned for Crete. We’re confident that our new hotel will be at the heart of the island,” said Paul Gomopoulos, Senior Managing Director and Country Head of Hines in Greece.
The interior of InterContinental Resort Crete draws inspiration from the elements of the sea, air and rock and will be steeped in local history, materials and craft, offering guests a truly relaxing and peaceful stay. The entrance lobby, lounge and reception will showcase an exposed rock face illuminated from above by a water-filled skylight, resonating the island’s scenic coastal character.
The upcoming hotel will offer something for every guest with four restaurants, three bars and a myriad of facilities, including a pool terrace, indoor spa, infinity pool deck and rooftop pool. In addition, there will be a wellness and fitness leisure centre and well-appointed meeting spaces.
Thanks to Crete’s scenic beaches, pristine natural beauty, delectable cuisine and thousands of years of culture and history, including Minoan Era sites such as the Knossos Palace, Crete is one of the leading destinations in Greece with more than six million visitors.
