
Zélia Halkidiki: Destination by Hyatt brand debuts in Greece
Hyatt debuts Zélia Halkidiki, its first Destination by Hyatt in Greece, offering authentic, upscale, adults-only hospitality in stunning natural surroundings.
CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation celebrated the opening of Zélia Halkidiki, an adults-only resort curated to offer guests an authentic and elevated Greek experience. As the first Destination by Hyatt branded property in Greece, the opening reflects the growth momentum of the brand in one of Europe's most sought-after travel destinations.
Located in the picturesque region of northern Greece, known for its crystal-clear waters, pine-fringed beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Zélia Halkidiki is perfectly suited for guests looking to slow down and unwind. The resort is nestled on a serene hillside surrounded by olive groves and near several local attractions including, Nea Moudania, the vibrant coastal destination known for its fresh seafood and beautiful beaches, and Afytos Village, a small seaside village characterized by its traditional stone houses, cobblestone streets and panoramic vistas of the Toroneos Gulf.
Commenting on the opening, Peter Norman, SVP Owners Relations EAME at Hyatt, said, 'We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional hotel into our growing European portfolio, which perfectly reflects the essence of the Destination by Hyatt brand through its celebration of the unique spirit of Greece and its breathtaking natural surroundings. The opening represents a significant milestone in our strategic expansion in Europe, reinforcing our commitment to offering authentic, immersive experiences in the destinations that resonate most with our guests.'
Barefoot luxury meets boho chic design
Zélia Halkidiki offers 104 exceptional guestrooms and suites, thoughtfully designed with a palette of beige, olive green and deep gray inspired by the surrounding landscape. Natural materials such as raw wood, textured rock and organic finishes echo the natural beauty of Halkidiki, creating spaces that feel both grounded and effortlessly refined. Custom-made furniture reflects the unique blend of contemporary minimalism and earthy textures found throughout the guestrooms, combining comfort and elegance in complete harmony. Guests can enjoy sweeping sea views whilst making use of in-room amenities including a 55-inch smart TV, revitalizing rain shower and Le Labo toiletries.
Embracing diverse culinary traditions
The hotel offers a curated selection of dining experiences designed to cater to a variety of tastes while showcasing quality ingredients and diverse culinary traditions. Mesogaea allows guests to explore a range of Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, while Shizen blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors, offering a contemporary fusion menu in a refined setting. Set in the property's on-site olive grove, Syntrofi boasts a farm-to-table dining experiencing inspired by the hotel's vegetable garden, with its menu reflecting in-season produce. For those looking to dine more leisurely, the Zest poolside restaurant focuses on authentic Greek cuisine with a menu built around traditional recipes and regional ingredients.
Tranquil wellness facilities
The serene spa amenities available at the hotel are designed to be an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation. Facilities include a heated indoor pool and jetted bathtub, soothing sensory showers and a quiet room, while tranquil treatment rooms provide a holistic menu of services for guests to unwind and recharge. Outdoor swimming pools, including the relaxing Hebe infinity pool and energetic Zest pool, encourage a deeper connection with nature.
Guests are also welcome to partake in daily yoga and Pilates sessions, with reformers available for curated sessions, as well as weekly cinema nights under the stars, held in the tranquillity of the hotel's olive grove.
'Zélia Halkidiki has been carefully curated to reflect the essence of Greek culture, and I am delighted to be welcoming guests to our first Destination by Hyatt branded hotel in the region,' said Giorgos Peroutseas, General Manager, Zélia Halkidiki. 'Every detail of the hotel has been designed to offer guests an authentic, elevated experience rooted in place and purpose and it is the ideal retreat for those seeking to unwind and reconnect.'
'We are thrilled that the hotel will join the Destination by Hyatt brand, known for its exceptional service and unique destinations. We strive to offer an unforgettable experience, offering guests a truly enjoyable stay in one of Greece's most beautiful locations', said Anais Karagianni of Zelos Capital Partners, owners of Zelia Halkidiki.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Travel Daily News
5 hours ago
- Travel Daily News
Five Senses Consulting launches Cruise Vibe Coding
Five Senses Consulting launches Cruise Vibe Coding, a framework transforming cruise destination experiences by designing authentic emotional identities at every guest touchpoint. HERAKLION, GREECE – Five Senses Consulting & Development, a leading global consultancy in cruise tourism strategy, has announced the launch of a pioneering new tool: Cruise Vibe Coding – a framework designed to transform how cruise destinations communicate, engage, and inspire at every guest touchpoint. At a time when cruise passengers are increasingly informed and discerning, Cruise Vibe Coding offers a timely solution for ports and destinations seeking to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. 'Cruise Vibe Coding is all about emotional continuity,' said Ioannis Bras, CEO of Five Senses Consulting. 'It's how we make a destination feel authentic – from digital content and terminal signage to the way an excursion is described. We're not just consulting anymore. We're designing vibes.' What Is Cruise Vibe Coding? Cruise Vibe Coding is the intentional design of an emotional identity across every aspect of the cruise guest experience, from pre-arrival research to on-site signage, storytelling, and the arrival environment. It helps destinations and ports create immersive, cohesive, and memorable impressions that convert visits into word-of-mouth, repeat tourism, and stronger partnerships with cruise lines. What It Delivers The tool is already being integrated into select client strategies and includes: Audits of digital and on-site communication tone Excursion narrative redevelopment Emotional alignment in signage and wayfinding Custom welcome and arrival experience design LinkedIn presence calibration for port authorities and tourism boards A Win-Win for Ports and Cruise Lines The new tool is designed to deliver value on both sides of the industry equation. Destinations benefit from deeper guest engagement, improved satisfaction metrics, and stronger identity. Cruise lines gain access to more emotionally engaging ports, improved excursion quality, and positive guest feedback. 'Cruise Vibe Coding doesn't replace AI – it goes beyond it,' added Bras. 'This is about feeling. And feeling is what brings people back.' Five Senses Consulting & Development is a boutique firm specializing in cruise destination development, strategic marketing, and guest experience innovation. With a presence in over 60 global destinations and 25+ years of expertise, the firm is recognized as a trusted partner to ports, tourism boards, and cruise lines alike.


Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Travel Daily News
Green Key drives certified, measurable hotel sustainability
At the FEE International Conference on Crete, Joaquin Arturo Diaz Rios discusses Green Key's sustainability roadmap, emphasizing certification, stakeholder accountability, and the urgent need for measurable, provable green practices. REPORT – Crete: The Green Key sustainability roadmap is shaping the future of the global hospitality sector, as emphasized by Joaquin Arturo Diaz Rios, CEO of FEE Mexico during the International Conference of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) on Crete, Greece. Diaz Rios highlighted that strengthening Green Key's evaluation tools is essential to accurately measure the environmental impact of hotel operations. Simply claiming to be 'green' is no longer sufficient — properties must demonstrate their sustainability through rigorous internal and external assessments, providing tangible proof to consumers and stakeholders alike. Green Key's sustainability roadmap stresses that hotel operators must first become conscious of their impact, take responsibility, and then take action to minimize negative effects. This involves reducing water and energy consumption, managing waste effectively, and involving not just hotel staff but also guests — whether they are visiting for leisure or business. All stakeholders in the hotel ecosystem share this responsibility. Moving toward a sustainable future requires shifting away from viewing sustainability as a romantic ideal; it is, in fact, an operational obligation. Looking ahead, Diaz Rios noted that regulatory frameworks like the EU Green Claims Directive are driving the hospitality sector toward verified sustainability. Within the next five years, he predicts that major hotel chains and independent properties alike will be compelled to adopt new sustainability-focused operational models. This shift is not merely regulatory — it is also a response to rising consumer demand. Guests increasingly ask for and expect verified, certified green practices, and platforms like now visibly display which hotels are undergoing continuous sustainability evaluations. Diaz Rios also reflected on the Mexican context, where the majority of inbound travelers come from the United States. While awareness levels remain uneven across both international and domestic travelers, Green Key's sustainability roadmap includes raising awareness as a foundational step. As part of the Foundation for Environmental Education, Green Key's mission extends beyond certification — it is about fostering environmental consciousness and spreading the sustainability message across all market segments. As Diaz Rios emphasized, raising awareness is the critical starting point for any meaningful shift toward sustainable practices in hospitality. Only by aligning operational accountability, certification, and consumer expectations can the industry deliver on its sustainability promises.


Travel Daily News
a day ago
- Travel Daily News
Downtown San Diego's Tower 180 turns to dual-branded Hyat
J Street will transform San Diego's Tower 180 into a $250M, dual-branded Hyatt hotel, marking a major office-to-hospitality conversion. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – J Street, a leading San Diego-based real estate developer, announced ambitious plans to transform Tower 180, a 25-story office building in Downtown San Diego, into a 560-key dual-branded project with a Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel. The conversion project, in collaboration with Hyatt, represents one of the largest office-to-hospitality conversions in the history of Southern California and will cost approximately $250 million. Construction is slated to begin in early 2026 with completion expected in the first half of 2028. The transformation aims to not only revitalize an underutilized downtown property but also create a vibrant destination that serves both visitors and locals, further enhancing the city's downtown corridor. 'This type of conversion project requires curiosity, creativity, and confidence,' said Saj Hansji, Founder and CEO of J Street. 'As a small and nimble firm, we were able to recognize the exceptional potential of Tower 180 and structure an offer that outpaced more institutional competitors. Over the past two years, we've meticulously quantified and mitigated the risks, creating a friction-free path to deliver this transformative new hotel for Downtown San Diego.' J Street acquired Tower 180 in December 2023 and partnered with architecture firm Delawie and interior design firm MONOGRAM at BBGM to reimagine the space. The Tower 180 project is uniquely positioned for success due to several key advantages. Originally built as the United States National Bank Building, the building underwent extensive renovations to its facade, lobby, and mechanical systems in 2020, making it an ideal conversion with updated infrastructure already in place. The building is also fully vacant eliminating relocation challenges often associated with adaptive reuse projects and has undergone substantial interior demolition and abatement. The architectural configuration of the main tower and adjacent annex presents an efficient layout for guestroom design, maximizing the property's functionality for hospitality use. The development also features a standalone nine-story parking garage, ensuring convenient parking options for guests and the public. Located at 180 Broadway, the 385,000-square-foot tower will be converted into a Hyatt Place hotel (371 keys) and a Hyatt House hotel (189 keys), offering two distinct hospitality experiences under one roof. The Hyatt Place hotel will offer those traveling for business or those looking to unwind a spacious room with dedicated places to work, sleep and hang out, helping guests seamlessly transition from working hours to relaxation. The Hyatt House hotel will provide well-equipped living accommodations with everything guests need for short- or long-term stays. Both hotels' amenities will help guests maintain their routine and enjoy the comforts of home when they are away. The dual property will feature reception areas, a lobby lounge, and market on the ground floor, a breakfast bar with an additional overflow lounge on the second floor, and more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space across levels 9 and 10 to accommodate conferences and events. 'Hyatt's partnership with J Street to transform Tower 180 is a fantastic opportunity to bring Hyatt's Essentials Brands to the Downtown San Diego market,' said Nirav Shah, Regional Vice President Development, Hyatt. 'With J Street's creativity and experience, this project exemplifies the transformation of office space in primary urban markets in the post-pandemic world.' The crown jewel of the project will be Lurline Cocktail Club, an upscale rooftop bar and lounge on the 25th floor. With high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcasing panoramic, unobstructed 360-degree views of the San Diego skyline and the ocean beyond, Lurline will blend the sophistication of a private penthouse with the energy of a premier listening lounge and sky-high bar. Featuring a sleek, minimalist design with a thoughtful balance of rough and polished materials, Lurline will showcase a curated collection of modern art that celebrates the intersection of architecture and music. The venue will offer a separate entrance off the street, serving as a destination for visitors and locals alike. This project continues J Street's commitment to creating unique, singular developments that enhance urban environments while providing exceptional returns. The conversion of Tower 180 aligns with the growing national trend of repurposing underutilized office buildings for hospitality and residential uses, addressing changing market demands in the post-pandemic landscape.