Meliá Hotels International Expands in Greece with INNSiDE Crete Elounda

Meliá Hotels International Expands in Greece with INNSiDE Crete Elounda

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 8, 2024

Spanish hotel chain Meliá Hotels International is expanding its footprint in Greece with the introduction of INNSiDE Crete Elounda. This new addition marks the company's fifth property in Greece and the first under the INNSiDE by Meliá brand in the country.

The agreement to launch INNSiDE Crete Elounda was signed on May 24, 2024, and represents a significant step in lifestyle travel for Greece. This move strengthens Meliá’s partnership with Zeus Hotels, bringing their combined offering to over 1,050 rooms.

Located in the picturesque town of Elounda on Crete's northeastern coast, the hotel will occupy the site of the current Elounda Ilion. The property, perched atop a hill with panoramic sea views, will undergo a complete renovation and rebranding to meet INNSiDE’s high standards. Set to open in May 2025, the 5-star INNSiDE Crete Elounda will blend traditional Greek charm with luxurious modern amenities, offering guests an unparalleled holiday experience.

INNSiDE Crete Elounda: More Than a Hotel

INNSiDE by Meliá is designed for modern, adventurous travelers. Each property reflects the essence of its location, fostering a sense of community among guests. INNSiDE Crete Elounda will feature:

Luxurious Accommodations: 85 rooms that combine contemporary luxury with comfort.

Integrated Common Area: A seamless space that includes the lobby, reception, and bar, ideal for both work and relaxation.

Top-Notch Amenities: From in-room facilities to the innovative Big Idea Space, Open Living Lounges, and fitness centers.

Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing eco-friendly initiatives with minimal paper and plastic use, organic toiletries, and events featuring local culture and artists.

This holistic approach ensures guests enjoy a sense of freedom and creativity, designed for independent travelers with a spirit of adventure. Sustainability is a core focus, ensuring minimal environmental impact while providing a luxurious experience.

Lefteris Papakaliatis, CEO of Zeus Hotels, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to extend our successful partnership with Meliá Hotels International. The new hotel in Elounda reinforces our commitment to raising Greek hospitality standards and offering exceptional experiences to our guests.”

Gabriel Escarrer, Chairman & CEO of Meliá Hotels International, added, “We are excited to introduce INNSiDE by Meliá to Greece. This partnership allows us to combine Meliá Hotels International’s industry expertise with Greece’s unrivaled hospitality, strengthening our presence in both the Greek market and the wider Mediterranean region.”

INNSiDE Crete Elounda joins Meliá’s expanding portfolio in Greece, which includes Sol Marina Beach, Sol Cosmopolitan, and Blue Sea Beach, all in partnership with Zeus Hotels, as well as the Meliá Athens hotel in the capital.

About Meliá Hotels International

Founded in 1956 in Mallorca, Spain, Meliá Hotels International operates more than 400 hotels in over 40 countries under nine brands. Known for its commitment to responsible tourism, Meliá has been recognized as Europe’s most sustainable hotel company. The group's Mediterranean roots and extensive experience in leisure-inspired urban hotels make it a leader in the global hospitality industry.


This Mother’s Day, Let Her Escape Somewhere Extraordinary

This Mother’s Day, Let Her Escape Somewhere Extraordinary

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 9, 2025

She held your hand through every beginning. She gave you comfort, courage, and quiet strength.
This Mother’s Day, gift her something more—an escape that speaks to the soul.

These handpicked destinations are not just getaways; they are sanctuaries of stillness, beauty, and presence.
For the woman who gave you everything, give her something that lingers:
A view she’ll remember. A morning with no agenda. A moment entirely her own.

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  • INDONESIA
    The Legian Seminyak, Bali
    Where the Ocean Whispers Serenity
    A beachfront haven for total rest. From sunrise yoga to sunset dinners, The Legian is where she can finally just be.

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  • MALDIVES
    InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
    Where Time Pauses & Beautiful Moments Unfold
    Turquoise waters, soft silence, and her own private deck. Let her spend golden days exactly as she chooses—in barefoot luxury.

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  • CROATIA
    Lošinj Hotels & Villas
    An Island Retreat Where She Can Breathe Again
    On a serene Adriatic isle, these spa sanctuaries offer more than luxury—they offer renewal.
    Hotel Bellevue | Boutique Hotel Alhambra

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  • FRANCE
    Courchevel
    Pristine Alpine Bliss – Just For Her
    A high-altitude haven where spa days and fresh air bring pure calm. The perfect pause for moms who never stop.

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  • FRANCE
    Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
    Because She Deserves Some Retail Indulgence
    Treat her to a Parisian shopping spree—fashion, personal stylists, rooftop views, and champagne to toast it all.

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  • NETHERLANDS
    De L’Europe Amsterdam
    Canal Views, Michelin Moments & Timeless Grace
    In the heart of the city, let her unwind in a place of elegance, cuisine, and unforgettable memories.

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  • SWITZERLAND
    Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Pontresina
    Alpine Stillness for the Woman Who Does It All
    Surrounded by quiet grandeur, this retreat invites her to rest, reflect, and reconnect—with herself.

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  • SWITZERLAND
    Kulm Hotel, St. Moritz
    Where Every Moment is a Breath of Fresh Alpine Air
    Opening this summer. Let her embrace the magic of the Alps—sunlit, soothing, and utterly serene.

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  • UNITED KINGDOM
    Nobu Hotel London Portman Square
    A City Escape for the Woman Who’s Given You Everything
    Let her see London her way—spa indulgence, Nobu dining, and a five-star stay crafted just for her.

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  • VIT Incoming
    Her European Summer, Curated Just for Her
    Private drivers. Curated hotels. Personal stories waiting to be written.
    Craft a journey that feels as intentional and extraordinary as she is.

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This Year, Let Your Love Travel Farther
Because this day isn’t just about celebrating her—it’s about honouring all the ways she made life beautiful.
Give her time. Give her wonder. Give her the world.


Anantara Makes Grand Entry into Vienna with Heritage Palace Hotel

Anantara Makes Grand Entry into Vienna with Heritage Palace Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

Anantara Hotels, the luxury brand by Minor Hotels, has made a striking debut in Vienna, Austria, by transforming the historic Palais Hansen into the city’s first urban luxury resort. With this, Anantara brings its signature blend of Thai-inspired hospitality and European grandeur to the heart of the Austrian capital.

Originally designed by Baron Theophil Edvard von Hansen, the neo-Renaissance palace has a legacy spanning over 150 years, having once served as both a residential complex and a public administration building. Following a meticulous renovation, the building now offers 152 guest rooms and suites, including a lavish 270m² Presidential Suite. Complete with seven French balconies, a piano for private concerts, and a wellness space with a marble bath, the suite can expand to a sprawling 408m² four-bedroom configuration upon request.

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The hotel is equipped with modern luxury comforts while preserving the architectural charm of old Vienna. Guests can enjoy high ceilings, oversized windows, and triple-glazing for comfort and quiet. The property also includes the 800m² Anantara Spa, three elegant dining venues, eight versatile meeting spaces, an executive boardroom, a private reading room, and a ballroom for up to 265 guests — making it an attractive choice for both leisure and business travellers.

This marks another major step in Anantara’s European expansion, joining a portfolio of over 50 luxury properties across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Indian Ocean. Earlier this year, Minor Hotels also announced plans to develop a new Anantara resort in Egypt, further extending the brand’s reach in key international destinations.

With its Vienna debut, Anantara not only celebrates the preservation of heritage architecture but also sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city — where timeless elegance meets contemporary service.


Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel Roulette” to Celebrate 1 Million Hotel Rooms in the U.S.

Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Travel Roulette” to Celebrate 1 Million Hotel Rooms in the U.S.

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 8, 2025

In a playful twist on vacation planning, Marriott Bonvoy has introduced “Travel Roulette”, a digital experience designed to inject spontaneity into trip bookings—just as it celebrates a huge milestone: 1 million hotel rooms across the U.S.

Inspired by the viral “vacation roulette” trend on social media, the new initiative invites Marriott Bonvoy members to spin a virtual wheel at MarriottBonvoyRoulette.com for a chance to instantly win prizes, including stays at premium hotels and the grand prize of 1 million Marriott Bonvoy points plus a four-night stay at the newly opened Canal House of Georgetown.

Running from May 7 to May 26, this initiative brings excitement back into travel decisions, allowing travelers to discover destinations at random—fitting with Marriott’s recent survey that revealed 43% of Americans are open to booking unplanned or surprise getaways.

The campaign also highlights Marriott’s 1-millionth U.S. room, located in the Canal House of Georgetown, part of the fast-growing Tribute Portfolio. Nestled in historic Washington, D.C., this boutique property features design-rich accommodations, including specialty suites, townhomes, a library lounge, and a private courtyard.

Besides the grand prize, members may win Marriott Bonvoy points or complimentary two-night stays at select properties such as:

  • AC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea

  • ADERO Scottsdale Resort, Autograph Collection

  • JW Marriott Las Vegas

  • Moxy Downtown Los Angeles

  • W New York – Union Square, among others.

“Travel roulette embraces the excitement of the unexpected,” says Peggy Roe, EVP and Chief Customer Officer at Marriott International. “With over 30 brands and 10,000 destinations, we want to celebrate this milestone by giving travelers a fun new way to explore.”

With Marriott Bonvoy's growing portfolio, members can redeem points not just for hotel stays, but also for exclusive experiences via Marriott Bonvoy Moments, immersive local activities, or even luxury hotel products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques.

Ready to ditch the plan and let the wheel decide? Head to MarriottBonvoyRoulette.com and give your next trip a spontaneous spin.

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