Rosewood Hotels Enters Greek Market, Adds Crete’s Blue Palace to Portfolio

Hospitality group Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will make its debut in Greece, including the Blue Palace in Elounda, Crete, into its network.

Owned by the Greek company Phāea (Golf Residences S.A.) of the Sbokou family, Blue Palace will undergo a renovation to reflect Rosewood’s guiding and be reintroduced as Rosewood Blue Palace and part of the Rosewood portfolio in 2025.

“Through two decades of dedication, Blue Palace has been our heart’s endeavor, 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,” said Agapi and Costantza Sbokou, Co-Chief Executive Officers, Phāea.

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts currently manages a global collection of 32 one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts, and residences in 19 countries. Each Rosewood property embraces the brand’s A Sense of Place philosophy to reflect the individual location’s history, culture, and sensibilities.

“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,” Agapi and Costantza Sbokou added.

Followings its renovation, the Rosewood Blue Palace resort will feature 154 rooms and suites, 85 of which will be accentuated with private pools. The resort’s comprehensive renovation will feature interiors designed by Greek firm, K-Studio, with a vision based on Cretan tradition and identity. To help bring the resort’s culinary program to new heights, the property has tapped renowned Greek-born, London-based interior designer Afroditi Krassa, to create the spaces that house the resort’s six restaurants and bars.

The Rosewood Blue Palace resort will also serve as a luxury wellness escape, featuring an Asaya, Rosewood’s holistic well-being concept, alongside a fitness center, 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 deep-blue ocean views.

“With a compelling landscape that has fascinated explorers for centuries, we are delighted to mark our entrance into Greece with this stunning resort,” said Rosewood Hotel Group Chief Executive Officer Sonia Cheng. “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.”

Rosewood Blue Palace will join a highly esteemed 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, with Rosewood Amsterdam and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl set to open over the next year.