Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is planning a Greek debut via a new signing with Phāea (Golf Residences SA) in Crete. The luxury Rosewood Blue Palace will result from the rebranding of the existing Blue Palace site on the island, with completion due in Q2 2025.
Island inspiration
The reimagined resort will be designed to reflect Rosewood’s guiding ‘a sense of place’ philosophy, with the experience inspired by the elegance of the Greek Islands. Sited between the small fishing village of Plaka and the port of Elounda, Rosewood Blue Palace will be integrated into its hillside surroundings, overlooking a private beach.
Cretan identity
The seaside resort will feature 154 rooms and suites, 85 of which will have private pools. Rosewood Blue Palace’s comprehensive renovation will feature interiors designed by Grecian firm, K-Studio, with a vision informed by Cretan tradition and identity. To help bring the resort’s culinary programme to new heights, the property has tapped Greek-born, London-based interior designer Afroditi Krassa, to create the spaces that house the resort’s six restaurants and bars.
Dining and unwinding
The dining programme will be operated through these diverse outlets, which include several specialty restaurants and a beach club. The property’s bar will offer travellers expansive views of Spinalonga Island off the Gulf of Elounda and an all-day restaurant will source fresh produce from local purveyors and the property’s on-site organic garden.
The resort will also serve as a luxury wellness escape, featuring an Asaya, Rosewood’s holistic well-being concept, alongside a fitness centre, movement studio, yoga pavilion, and dedicated areas for guests to explore hydrotherapy treatments. Three outdoor pools, including those designated for adults and children, will all feature panoramic ocean views.
Ideal location
Sonia Cheng, CEO of Rosewood Hotel Group, said: “With a compelling landscape that has fascinated explorers for centuries, we are delighted to mark our entrance into Greece with this stunning resort.
“Crete is an ideal location for creating meaningful connections that bring our guests closer to the soul of the destination and takes them far beyond their expectations.”
Next chapter
Agapi and Costantza Sbokou, co-CEOs, Phāea, commented: “Through two decades of dedication, Blue Palace has been our heart’s endeavour, our family’s legacy, and a testament to the true soul of Crete – a history marked by exceptional service and attention to detail. We could not have found a better partner than Rosewood, known for their mindful approach, timeless elegance and extraordinary experiences, for Blue Palace’s next chapter.
“Rosewood’s commitment to preserving the essence of each destination aligns seamlessly with our vision for the resort, ensuring that every guest is enveloped in the warmth of genuine hospitality. Entrusting Blue Palace’s legacy to Rosewood Hotels & Resorts allows us to embark on a new journey, nurturing our vision with Phāea.”
European expansion
Rosewood Blue Palace will join a collection of European properties including Rosewood London, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Rosewood Villa Magna, Rosewood Vienna and Rosewood Munich. Rosewood Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Austria and Rosewood Rome Via Vittorio in the Italian capital are set to open over the next year.
Source: THP News
