IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of two new luxury and lifestyle properties on the island of Crete, further strengthening its presence in the Greek market. Set to open in 2025 and 2026 respectively, The Chania Hotel Crete, Vignette Collection and Kimpton La Mer Crete mark the debut of both brands in Greece and are part of a strategic collaboration with local owner Gelasakis Group.
Located in the heart of Chania, The Chania Hotel Crete will join IHG’s Vignette Collection. The hotel will feature 39 guestrooms, a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and a wellness centre with a rooftop plunge pool.
“We are delighted to debut two of our luxury and lifestyle brands in Greece alongside our new partners at Gelasakis Group. Chania is emerging as one of the most sought-after Greek destinations for high end travellers and the addition of Vignette Collection and Kimpton to our existing InterContinental properties and pipeline Six Senses Megalonisos in Greece, will further cement our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the country. “Our luxury and lifestyle portfolio has grown significantly in recent years, now totalling over 900 open and pipeline hotels globally, all of which are underpinned by our powerful global enterprise systems. Our continued growth is thanks to the increasing consumer appetite for our brands in key destinations and growing trust from our owners in our expertise and reputation. I look forward to visiting both properties and welcoming guests to this magnificent location.” – (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Positioned on the beachfront between Chania and Rethymno, Kimpton La Mer Crete will introduce IHG’s boutique lifestyle brand to the region. The resort will offer 76 guestrooms, direct beach access to Georgioupolis, two restaurants, and a spa centre with a seaside indoor pool.
These new openings will join InterContinental Crete, which debuted in 2024, making Crete a key destination for IHG’s expanding luxury and lifestyle portfolio. IHG currently operates five hotels in Greece and has additional properties in development, including two Six Senses resorts, underlining its long-term commitment to the market.
“With its ancient ruins, blue skies and never-ending coastline, Greece continues to be a leading tourist destination in Europe, attracting travellers from around the world. Consequently, we are excited to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring two of their world-renowned brands to the country and provide guests with two different luxury and lifestyle offerings. We believe IHG’s existing in-market experience and global enterprise will be invaluable in helping to drive performance and deliver high returns across both properties.” – (Mr) Antonis Gelasakis, CEO Travel & Hospitality Divisions, Gelasakis Group
Vignette Collection now includes 20 open hotels and 35 in the pipeline globally, while Kimpton continues to grow as a pioneer of boutique luxury experiences. Both brands will benefit from IHG’s global network and loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards, offering guests tailored stays with local authenticity and international standards.
