Accor to Debut a New Icon of Mediterranean Luxury in Chania, Greece

Accor and its world-renowned luxury hospitality brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts,in partnership with Hersonissos Group Hotels, today announced the development of Fairmont Chania Resort on the historic Greek island of Crete, a 104-key resort slated to open in 2029. The project further strengthens Fairmont’s global growth strategy and reinforces Accor’s luxury portfolio across key Mediterranean destinations.

Omer Acar, CEO, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts said:

"We are delighted to announce the signing of Fairmont Chania Resort, a landmark moment marking Fairmont’s inaugural entry into Greece. This development stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the brand, extending our distinctive heartfelt hospitality to the world’s most cherished destinations. Upon the resort’s 2029 opening, this property will further our commitment to crafting meaningful guest experiences, deeply rooted in local culture, authenticity, and a profound sense of place. Greece represents an exciting and strategic addition to our global portfolio, underscoring our dedication to thoughtful, responsible expansion in destinations that share our long-term vision for exceptional, quality tourism. We eagerly anticipate building cherished experiences for our guests, partners, and the vibrant local community."

Ideally located on the Northwest coast of Crete, within the much-coveted coastal city of Chania, the new resort will offer a highly compelling blend of guest experiences combining the vibrant ancient culture of the island alongside Greece’s celebrated gastronomy and the Venetian heritage of the old town. Perfectly placed along Crete’s natural coastline, Fairmont Chania Resort will enjoy a privileged beachfront setting with direct access to a wide sandy beach, complemented by a sophisticated beach club offering refined sunbeds, shaded lounging areas and attentive beachside service. Together with immediate access to some of Crete’s most desirable beaches and outdoor adventures, the resort will offer an elegant expression of Mediterranean coastal living. This prominence will further position Fairmont Chania Resort as the brand’s newest Mediterranean gateway perfectly blending Cretan heritage with Fairmont’s iconic luxury hospitality in an area of great natural beauty.

Georgios Kaloutsakis, CEO, Hersonissos Group Hotels said:

“We are immensely proud that Hersonissos Group Hotels will introduce the legendary Fairmont brand to Greece. Chania and Crete hold a very special place in our hearts, and we are delighted that this remarkable destination will welcome one of the world’s most iconic luxury hospitality brands. At the same time, we are equally excited to share the island’s rich heritage, natural beauty and authentic spirit with Fairmont’s loyal community of discerning guests from around the world. Our ambition is to create a resort of lasting meaning, defined by a deeply artistic architectural vision and an authentic dialogue with the island’s heritage and landscape, one that we believe will help shape a new design standard for future developments in the region. Fairmont Chania Resort will also serve as a catalyst for sustainability within the local tourism ecosystem, bringing together guests, our hotel team members and the local community around a shared commitment to responsible, high-quality tourism.”

The architectural vision of Fairmont Chania Resort distils the enduring essence of Chania’s Venetian spirit through centuries of history, from its maritime legacy and trading days of the Serenissima Republic to the refined influence of modern design masters, including Maestro Carlo Scarpa, whose architectural language served as a key inspiration throughout the creative process. Conceived by acclaimed architect Luciano Mazza, the resort’s overall

concept reinterprets Venetian heritage through a contemporary Mediterranean lens, with building volumes that echo the grandeur of historic naval architecture and refined recurring details that lend the façades a sleek, modern elegance. Complementing this vision, celebrated interior designer Inge Moore has crafted tasteful private and public spaces that embody understated luxury and a deep sense of place, while renowned landscape designer Phil Jaffa has masterfully integrated gardens and outdoor areas with the architecture, creating a seamless dialogue between the resort, its natural surroundings and the timeless character of Crete.

Xavier Grange, Global Chief Development Officer, Accor Luxury Brands Europe-North Africa said:

“Greece continues to be a market where Accor is growing with conviction. This development is a strong signal of our confidence in the market and in the partners who share our vision for luxury hospitality. It further consolidates our position as a leading operator in the Mediterranean and underscores our ambition to keep raising the bar across our luxury portfolio in the region.”

Upon completion in 2029, Fairmont Chania Resort will offer guests a quintessential Mediterranean retreat with its 104 thoughtfully curated guest rooms, including 40 suites, each designed to reflect the essence and allure of Crete. Additionally, the resort will bring the flavors and culinary expertise of the destination direct to guests with five perfectly appointed dining concepts, as well as a specialty restaurant. A one-of-a-kind 900 square-meter wellness center with six treatment rooms is available to guests. The property is perfectly positioned to welcome destination weddings with a dedicated on-property chapel for private ceremonies. Similarly, groups and event bookings will have access to their own shared swimming pool. Families will be well looked after with a separate kids club and teens club – the perfect haven for adventure under the Mediterranean sun.

Fairmont's distinguished presence across Europe and North Africa is already notable, with seventeen exquisite properties epitomizing refined luxury, this impressive portfolio is set to further expand, with an additional five hotels and resorts meticulously planned for this vibrant region. The Fairmont brand continues to demonstrate exceptional momentum captivating both discerning urban travelers and those seeking an idyllic resort escape. From the iconic 596-key Fairmont Monte-Carlo, a true city resort masterpiece, to the market-leading Fairmont Taghazout in Morocco, and the recently opened Fairmont La Hacienda, Costa del Sol in Spain, Fairmont’s expertise in managing premier luxury resorts is unparalleled.

Anticipation builds for the forthcoming Victoria Golf Resort & Spa in Portugal, currently managed by Accor, which upon completion will be fully branded as a Fairmont. These prestigious properties further solidify Fairmont's expertise in delivering extraordinary resort experiences throughout Europe and North Africa.