InterContinental Opens First Hotel in Greek Islands on Crete

InterContinental Opens First Hotel in Greek Islands on Crete

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 7, 2024

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has launched its first property in the Greek Islands, introducing InterContinental Crete. This new addition to IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world, represents a fresh take on contemporary Grecian hospitality. The property aligns with InterContinental's ongoing evolution, rooted in over 75 years of luxury travel heritage.

InterContinental Crete is situated along the pristine coastline of Mirabello Bay, offering panoramic views and a rugged coastal backdrop. The resort’s modern architecture and state-of-the-art amenities provide a tranquil escape just a short walk from the bustling coastal city of Agios Nikolaos. The island’s capital, Heraklion, and its airport are less than an hour away, making the hotel easily accessible for international travelers.

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The resort features two outdoor infinity pools overlooking Mirabello Bay and three Mediterranean-inspired restaurants. These dining venues are led by Michelin-starred Chef Consultant Nikos Roussos, who crafts menus that celebrate Cretan culinary heritage with locally sourced ingredients.

The Aegeo Spa offers a range of treatments, including a Cretan massage with local olive oil, saffron-infused anti-aging therapies, and antioxidant-rich cryotherapy. The spa’s facilities include a hammam, sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and relaxation areas. Additionally, there is a fully equipped gym for guests.

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InterContinental Crete boasts 199 guestrooms and suites designed to evoke serenity and elegance. The rooms feature contemporary linens, organic-inspired décor, and traditional Cretan influences. Many rooms offer private plunge pools, balconies, and luxurious amenities, making them ideal for couples, families, and multi-generational travelers.

The hotel's three restaurants—ZEUS, KNOSSOS, and MINOAN—are overseen by Chef Nikos Roussos, who has earned two Michelin stars. The culinary offerings focus on modern Greek cuisine, emphasizing seasonality and local ingredients. The wine list highlights indigenous grape varieties, and cocktail menus are crafted by award-winning mixologist Elias Stergiopoulos, designed to complement the scenic setting.

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InterContinental Crete integrates the island's rich history and natural beauty into its design. Guests are greeted by an original sculpture combining elements of the Sphinx and Minotaur, reflecting Crete’s ancient myths. Bronze creatures adorn the corridor handrails, adding a touch of local artistry throughout the property.

The hotel’s concierge team acts as cultural connectors, offering guests personalized experiences such as tours of archaeological sites, traditional villages, natural gorges, vineyards, and olive groves. This focus on local culture aligns with InterContinental’s belief in the power of travel to expand the mind and connect diverse cultures.

InterContinental Crete sets a new standard for luxury hospitality in the Greek Islands, blending modern amenities with cultural richness. The resort invites guests to explore the timeless beauty of Crete, from its historical sites to its stunning landscapes. With rooms starting at €205 per night for IHG One Rewards members, InterContinental Crete promises an unforgettable Mediterranean escape.


Ellenborough Park Offers Exclusive VIP Access to Bicester Village for a Classic British Escape

Ellenborough Park Offers Exclusive VIP Access to Bicester Village for a Classic British Escape

By Hariharan U

Published on November 26, 2025

Guests staying at Ellenborough Park can now enjoy an experience that brings together the finest of British countryside living and luxury retail therapy, exclusive access to Bicester Village, one of the UK’s most sought-after open-air shopping destinations.

Bicester Village is home to more than 150 global brands, including Barbour, Coach and Givenchy. With this special access, guests receive a set of VIP perks such as personal shopping assistance, a hands-free shopping service, entry to “The Apartment” VIP lounge and a 10% saving at select boutiques and restaurants. Just an hour and a half from the estate, the village offers far more than shopping, combining stylish streets, a relaxed village feel and exceptional hospitality.

After a day of retail exploration, guests return to the timeless elegance of Ellenborough Park, a true Cotswolds sanctuary. The historic 15th-century manor blends old-world charm with modern comforts, picture-perfect suites and refined tranquillity. Those looking to step outdoors can gear up at the exclusive Dubarry Boot Room before wandering across the rolling countryside, while others may choose the indulgent path of the award-winning spa. The newly introduced Japanese Head Spa brings a deeply restorative ritual, complemented by an outdoor heated pool, thermal suites and the peaceful Spa Garden Retreat, complete with an ice bath, sauna and hot tub.

Dining at the estate adds another layer of charm, with fresh ingredients, comforting menus and cosy settings that perfectly match the countryside mood. Whether it's a romantic getaway, a family retreat or a quiet escape, the estate balances luxury with homely warmth.

Ellenborough Park sits at the base of Cleeve Hill, spread across 90 acres of lush grounds and located close to Cheltenham Racecourse and some of England’s prettiest villages. The hotel’s 61 individually designed rooms and suites come with sumptuous Hypnos beds, luxury linens and spacious en-suite bathrooms with freestanding tubs. Options range from poolside rooms and interconnecting suites to garden-facing spaces ideal for families. The recently launched private hideaway, The Lodge, offers a charming one-bedroom retreat complete with a sitting room, wood-burning stove, fully equipped kitchen, dining area and private garden, ideal for couples or young families.

Guests can also enjoy thoughtful amenities such as 24-hour Room Service, Free Parking, late breakfast options, Vegetarian choices across menus, Air Conditioning in Suites and convenient Baggage Drop-off to Rooms.

For added indulgence, guests can book:
Seasonal Afternoon Tea – • Spa Treatments 

To explore more about the Bicester Village VIP experience, guests can visit the Ellenborough Park website.


Lufthansa Unveils Special Anniversary Fleet for Its 100-Year Celebration

Lufthansa Unveils Special Anniversary Fleet for Its 100-Year Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 26, 2025

Lufthansa is gearing up for a major milestone in 2026, marking 100 years since the first Lufthansa was established in 1926. To honour this moment, the airline is introducing a dedicated “anniversary fleet,” bringing together its heritage and modern identity through a distinctive new look.

Each important sub-fleet in Lufthansa’s network will feature one aircraft painted in a special 100-year design. The livery includes a blue fuselage with a prominent white crane, where the wings of the crane blend smoothly into the aircraft’s wings. A “100” will appear on the left side of the fuselage, while the right side will display the years “1926 / 2026.” Another “100” will be visible on the underside of the aircraft, making the design stand out even during takeoff and landing.

The highlight of this anniversary collection will be the new Boeing 787-9 “Berlin,” registered as D-ABPU, expected to arrive in Frankfurt in December. Other aircraft set to receive the special livery include an Airbus A380, an Airbus A350-1000, an Airbus A350-900, an Airbus A320, and a Boeing 747-8.

The airline will gradually begin repainting these aircraft, with the complete anniversary fleet expected to be ready by fall 2026.


TIA Wellness Resort Unveils Festive Wellness Experiences for a Calm Start to 2026

TIA Wellness Resort Unveils Festive Wellness Experiences for a Calm Start to 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 25, 2025

TIA Wellness Resort in Da Nang is embracing the festive season with a thoughtful blend of wellbeing experiences, creative workshops, and nourishing dining menus that encourage guests to step into 2026 with clarity, calmness, and a refreshed mindset.

Throughout the festive month, guests can enjoy a Christmas-inspired afternoon tea featuring classic flavours such as eggnog cupcakes, Christmas scones served with orange and strawberry jam, turkey sandwiches with cranberries and pickled red cabbage, and a selection of sweet treats. The experience is paired with champagne or Ronnefeldt tea, offering a warm and elegant way to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Adding to the festive cheer, the resort has introduced a limited-time beverage menu with comforting creations including cinnamon-spiced mulled wine in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, as well as a creamy eggnog cocktail. Guests can also choose from an expanded range of organic and biodynamic champagnes and a wider selection of zero-alcohol wines.

The celebrations continue with a special Christmas Eve feast, ‘Ray of Christmas,’ featuring a six-course menu with live piano music. The menu includes dishes such as scallops and prawns with potato gratin, porcini and chestnut soup, turkey roast with traditional stuffing, and black Angus beef tenderloin with cider-glazed sweet potatoes. A complete plant-based menu is also available, thoughtfully designed with alternatives like a seitan and tofu roast and cauliflower fillets. Both menus end with a festive dessert buffet filled with seasonal delights. Guests may choose from alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairings featuring wines from countries such as Spain, Italy, France, New Zealand, and Australia.

To welcome the new year with intention, the resort hosts a ‘Creative Collage Vision for the New Year’ workshop, encouraging guests to channel creativity and set meaningful goals. Following this is the ‘Release & Renew Fire Ceremony,’ a reflective ritual in the wellness garden where participants let go of what no longer serves them.

The New Year’s Eve dining experience features a six-course menu with an option of organic or zero-alcohol wine pairing. The culinary journey includes dishes like broiled lobster tail with garlic butter and wagyu filet mignon with peri peri and chimichurri. The plant-based menu showcases creative alternatives such as broiled artichoke and beet filet. A dessert buffet adds a celebratory finish to the evening.

The new year begins with an ‘Awaken the Light Yoga and Intention Setting’ session at sunrise on the beach, followed by journaling to help guests begin 2026 with clarity and purpose.

For those seeking a deeper wellness experience, TIA offers Wellness Inclusive stays, which include all-day breakfast, two wellness treatments per person per night, and access to the resort’s daily wellness activities. Guests looking for an enhanced journey can choose the Retreat Inclusive package, which adds one advanced retreat therapy per night, such as sound healing, reiki, or detox hydrotherapy and a plant-based meal plan, along with access to group sessions including yoga, breathwork, creativity workshops, and HIIT.

TIA Wellness Resort’s festive offerings blend nourishment, mindfulness, and celebration, encouraging guests to embrace the season with intention and step into the new year feeling refreshed and inspired.

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