THE ICONIC BLUE PALACE IN ELOUNDA JOINS THE INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF ROSEWOOD HOTELS AND RESORTS

The Rosewood International Group Hotels & Resorts marks its entry for the first time in Greece with the Rosewood Blue Palace,

an idyllic experience of luxury accommodation in Crete.

Crete, the birthplace of Europe and Zeus, has retained its captivating heritage throughout the centuries, continuing to enchant every visitor with its crystal clear waters, stunning white pebble beaches, impressive mountains and timeless beauty and charm. With its entry into the Greek market, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® is expanding its activities in Europe, giving new life to the iconic Blue Palace in Crete and creating the Rosewood Blue Palace, which will welcome new guests in 2025.

The resort is owned by the Greek company Phāea (Golf Residences S.A.) and its new image will be designed to express the overall philosophy of Rosewood A Sense of Place®, drawing inspiration from the timeless aesthetics of the Greek islands. Between the picturesque fishing village of Plaka and the famous harbour of Elounda, the Rosewood Blue Palace will be perfectly integrated into the local environment, offering an oasis that will connect visitors with the culture and history of Crete.

The choice of the Blue Palace as the place that will host Rosewood in Greece is no coincidence. Instead, it is a strategic move that reflects the luxury and elegance that characterize Rosewood. The inspired design, a beautiful beach with crystal blue waters and the characteristic, warm Cretan hospitality, compose a magical setting that is both elegant and timeless. Set on a picturesque hillside overlooking the iconic Spinalonga, the Rosewood Blue Palace experience will be enhanced by Rosewood’s intuitive approach to creating bespoke, experiential experiences.

The resort, a unique retreat by the sea, will feature 154 rooms and suites, 85 of which will have private pools. The total renovation of Rosewood Blue Palace has been designed by the distinguished Greek architectural firm K-Studio, with a vision that draws inspiration from the Cretan identity. The redesign of three of the six restaurants has been entrusted to Aphrodite Krassa, a renowned interior designer of Greek origin and based in London, with the ambition to highlight the hotel’s culinary identity and take it to new heights.

“In a majestic place that has fascinated explorers throughout the ages, we are delighted to mark our entry into Greece,

with this amazing resort“, said Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group. “Crete is the ideal location to create a meaningful connection that brings our visitors closer to the soul of the destination and takes them far beyond their expectations.”

The resort’s themed restaurants and beach club will offer high quality culinary services, while at the iconic bar, guests will enjoy a unique view of the island of Spinalonga. The all-day restaurant’s menu will be an ode to fresh produce from local producers, as well as those grown in the hotel’s organic garden. The complex will offer a luxurious wellness escape through the holistic well-being concept Asaya created by Rosewood, while it will also feature a fitness center, movement studio, yoga, as well as specially designed areas for relaxing hydrotherapy sessions. The three outdoor pools, including those for adults and children, will have panoramic views of the sea, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking tranquility of the landscape.

“For two decades, the Blue Palace has been our heart’s project, our family’s legacy, a reference to the true soul of Crete, a story characterized by exceptional hospitality and dedication to detail. For the next chapter of Blue Palace, we couldn’t find a better companion than Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, known for its exemplary approach, timeless elegance and the exceptional experiences it creates”, emphasize Agapi and Kostanja Smpokou, co-CEOs of Phāea and point out that “Rosewood’s commitment to preserving the identity of each destination is perfectly aligned with our vision for the Blue Palace, ensuring that every visitor experiences an authentically warm hospitality. Our cooperation with the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts for the continuation of the Blue Palace story allows us to embark on a new journey centered on our vision for Phāea.”

Crete, a destination that has long been a top choice for visitors seeking unique natural beauty and authentic hospitality, is the natural choice for Rosewood’s entry into Greece. The vision for the redevelopment of the Blue Palace hotel complex is the visible proof of the group’s consistent approach to development and growth, which includes the redevelopment and upgrading of hotel units with established value. Rosewood Blue Palace will join a prestigious portfolio of hotels in Europe, including Rosewood London, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Rosewood Villa Magna and Rosewood Vienna. In 2024, Rosewood Munich, Rosewood Amsterdam and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will join the hotel network.

For more information, please visit rosewoodhotels.com/en/blue-palace

A few words about Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Group

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts manages a network of 32 luxury hotels, resorts and residences in 19 countries. Each Rosewood property embraces the A Sense of Place® philosophy, with the goal of showcasing the history, culture and unique characteristics of each location. Rosewood’s network includes some of the world’s most iconic hotels, such as The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel in New York, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas and Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel in Paris, as well as new, iconic hotels such as Rosewood Hong Kong and Rosewood São Paulo. For those who wish to extend their stay, Rosewood Residences offers the possibility of acquiring or staying in properties within its hotels, as well as stand-alone residences for sale. Rosewood Residences’ philosophy is characterized by its commitment to the concept of Enriched Living, through meaningful experiences and well-curated details that enhance the quality of life, while creating a sense of discovery and inspiration.

For more information, visit rosewoodhotels.com