Marriott International Signs Agreement to Bring JW Marriott to Greece with Vasilakis SA

Marriott International, Inc. announced it has signed an agreement in collaboration with Vasilakis SA to bring the JW Marriott brand to Greece. Anticipated to open in 2025, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa will span 100 acres of coastal beauty and will be a haven for travelers who seek a luxury escape paired with exceptional service and holistic well-being experiences.

SWOT Hospitality, known for its expertise in managing luxury hotels across Greece, will collaborate with Vasilakis SA and Marriott International as the third-party operator for the franchised property.

“Greece remains as one of the most attractive destinations for today’s global traveller, and the signing of JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa reflects the continued demand we are seeing for luxury accommodation across the country,” says Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “We look forward to working with Vasilakis SA and SWOT Hospitality to introduce the brand’s legacy of extraordinary hospitality, thoughtful design, and enriching well-being experiences to the island destination of Crete.”

Designed by acclaimed architecture firm Block722, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa is anticipated to blend modern elegance with authentic Cretan heritage. The resort is slated to offer 160 stylishly appointed luxury guestrooms with all suites and villas featuring a private pool or jacuzzi.

Design plans for the resort also comprise multiple tranquil wellness spaces inviting guests to fully embrace the here and now including a JW Garden and five culinary experiences, inclusive of a traditional Cretan restaurant and a beach dining venue. Additionally, the property will offer multiple swimming pools, a fitness centre, beach club, spa and Family by JW experiences.

“We are delighted to announce the opening of the first JW Marriott resort in Greece, marking a significant milestone for our company. The collaboration with SWOT hospitality, marked by their expertise and unwavering commitment, has already demonstrated the success that this project is destined for,” says Antonios Vasilakis, Owner of Vasilakis SA. “The values of JW Marriott align perfectly with our vision for this project, and we are confident that this brand will elevate the hospitality experience in Greece and set a new standard of luxury for our guests.”

Banyan Tree announces its first signed property in Europe

Banyan Tree Varko Bay targets opening in 2026,
promising one of the best sustainable luxury experiences in Greece

Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading multi-branded hospitality groups, is set to debut in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay. The new luxury resort to be developed on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania, is the result of the successful collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor. Targeting to open in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 43 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia.
 
Applying Banyan Tree’s pioneering expertise across the all-pool villa concept, the resort aims to offer a unique sense of place through tranquil, wellbeing-centred accommodations, backdropped by unforgettable views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios, as well as luxurious facilities for rejuvenation of both mind and body. This includes the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports center, several state-of-the-art venues for meetings and events, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants including the signature Saffron where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.

In keeping with Banyan Tree’s core pillar of sustainability, Banyan Tree Varko Bay will be constructed and operated with an uncompromising approach to sustainability and eco-sensitivity, immersing guests in a flourishing natural environment. Built in partnership with the award-winning Greek Elastic Architects, the resort aims to be the first in Europe to achieve LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and to become a model of sustainability for the hospitality sector. Mirroring existing Banyan Tree developments, the resort will prioritise responsible water use—70% of water will be reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth. By ensuring the majority of all its hotels are covered with vegetation and developing plant-centred tropical spas, Banyan Tree creates beautiful contemporary spaces that are also friendly to the surrounding environment.

Banyan Tree Group operates over 60 hotels worldwide, with a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects  by 2025. The addition of Banyan Tree Varko Bay will build on the brand’s core concepts of sustainability and wellbeing-centred luxury, while reinforcing Banyan Tree’s leadership in this highly demanding sector.

Spyridon Georgakopoulos Named Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence welcomes new Hotel Manager Spyridon Georgakopoulos.

"Being a part of the international hospitality industry since 2005, I believe that we continue to develop ourselves and others around us day by day," says Spyridon. Having lived in various countries, growing up and working among people of different cultures has helped shape the person he is today. "I always have something to learn especially from people of different traditions and customs; they always reveal a deeper understanding of life."

Growing up in the coastal port city of Volos in Greece has taught him to appreciate Mother Nature. He grew up amid Volos's sunny weather, the Aegean Sea and the beautiful landscape

In his new role as Hotel Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence, He will use his leadership and experience to contribute to the rebirth and repositioning of this great Hotel, which celebrates twenty years since opening as the first Four Seasons in Egypt and the Middle East region, spearheading and redefining the luxury experience.

His high level of commitment, organizational skills, and multicultural experiences led to his success in his prior appointments, and I am confident that he will undoubtedly continue to create excellence in his new role in Cairo," says Mahmoud El Keiy, General Manager.

He has expressed his fondness and affection for being immersed in Cairo's culture. "Egyptians are friendly, welcoming and family-oriented, the culture here is very special to me as it reminds me of home. 

Spyridon Georgakopoulos