As 2023 draws to a close, there's a slew of new U.K. and European routes launching in December and the not-so-distant future of 2024.
12.11.2023 - 17:29 / thepointsguy.com / saint John
We all know Greece is a good idea, and Marriott is making it an even better one by announcing a new Luxury Collection property in the Dodecanese islands.
Set on Patmos, an island known for its striking rugged coastline and connections to the Bible, the Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa will open next summer — and be the only luxury resort on Patmos.
Once open on Grikos Bay, the refurbished and rebranded property will include 56 guest rooms, suites and villas, with more rooms set to be added in 2025. As seen in renderings of the renovations, the rooms will reflect the island's natural beauty and feature an earth-tone palette and luxurious but simple design created by Stylianidis Vaggelis Architects and Anastassiadis Architecture & Design.
Dining options will include a traditional Greek taverna on the beach called Plefsis Tavern, serving local food inspired by the Dodecanese islands and drawing design inspiration from the beach and island. There will also be a bar and terrace for guests to enjoy stunning views with a drink in hand.
Related: 9 overlooked destinations in Greece you need to visit at least once
The spa is another area getting a luxury face-lift and will feature signature treatments "designed to detoxify the mind and relax the body, mirroring the spiritual energy of the island," according to a statement from Marriott. The spa will also feature wellness journeys that include drinks flavored with rose petals, mystical sessions with Tibetan bells and rose-infused body and beauty treatments.
Related: Why the Greek island I'd always avoided is now one of my favorites
Not as mainstream as Mykonos or Santorini, Patmos is a quiet island with fishing villages, miles of coastline and a volcanic landscape full of hiking paths, picture-perfect swimming beaches and charming villages to explore. Guests can also visit the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, a Greek Orthodox monastery built in the 10th century. According to UNESCO, "The small island of Pátmos in the Dodecanese is reputed to be where St John the Theologian wrote both his Gospel and the Apocalypse."
It's been an exciting few years for hotel openings in Greece. Last year, Hyatt opened its first Greek island resort, the lava-themed Magma Resort Santorini. Before that, Marriott opened a family-friendly Autograph Collection property, Domes of Corfu, and last summer, Hilton set up shop on the island of Crete with The Royal Senses Resort & Spa Crete, Curio Collection by Hilton.
For now, the exact opening date and pricing for Patmos Aktis are still up in the air, but we'll share more details as soon as they are available.
As 2023 draws to a close, there's a slew of new U.K. and European routes launching in December and the not-so-distant future of 2024.
November is a great month — and a hard month. It's a mix of cold air and elections, hearty meals with family, airport chaos and, if you're like me, lots of time spent scouring the internet for incredible travel deals in the days after Thanksgiving.
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