For several years, systematically and quietly, a hotel chain with its origins in Crete has been developing and expanding outside the island, having now even created a new hotel chain. This is Zacharias Chnaris’s CHC Group and the chain The Noverian Hotels.
The most recent news that confirms the group’s momentum and ambitions is the approval of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the new luxury hotel, The Noverian Elounda Retreat, which will bear the Canopy by Hilton brand. The five-star resort will be built in Agios Nikolaos, on the site of the former Kalithea Apartments, and is a strategically important investment of 15.7 million. euros, which has already been included in the Development Law with a grant of 3 million euros.
This is an ambitious project to radically upgrade and relaunch the unit, with an increase in capacity from 72 to 120 beds, the creation of new cave room blocks, independent villas, a multi-level central pool, and green spaces of over 6,000 sq m. The unit will receive an A+ energy certification, according to the BREEAM standard, while its design focuses on local architecture, gastronomy, wellness, and sustainability. The hotel is expected to open its doors in 2027, reinforcing the character of Elounda as part of the “New Cretan Riviera”, as envisioned by the group.
The Noverian Elounda Retreat is the flagship of the new hotel chain Noverian, which is named after the phrase nova era and aspires to offer sustainable luxury hospitality experiences, with a strong local footprint and modern aesthetics.
Two new Noverian hotels in Crete
Noverian’s growth strategy is not limited to Elounda. In 2025, the Chnari group will bring to the fore two more hotels in Crete:
- Noverian Antama, Organic Beach Resort Chania, in Agia Marina, is an adults-only smart eco-resort with the largest outdoor heated pool in Crete. The hotel incorporates innovative technologies with respect for Cretan tradition and will be a place of rejuvenation and connection with nature.
- Noverian Scenic Malia, 5 Hilltop Villa Resort, is coming to redefine the concept of private luxury, with 30 independent villas that feature a private pool of 40-45 sq m. each. The hotel, formerly Royal Heights, is located on a 60-acre hill in Malia, offering unobstructed views of the Aegean. In the summer of 2024, it remained closed for a complete renovation, and in 202,5 it will dynamically begin its new course.
Karpathos on the international scene with Hilton and CHC
The expansion of the CHC Group outside of Crete is marked by another top collaboration with Hilton, this time in Karpathos. CHC Sound of the Sea, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will be the first Tapestry Resort in Europe, and is expected to open in 2026 in Pigadia. With 43 suites, of which 14 will have a private pool and 4 will have a hot tub, the hotel will combine traditional elements and natural materials of Karpathos with high aesthetics, sustainable practices, and gastronomic experiences with local organic products.
CHC GROUP has signed a 20-year lease agreement for the property and has set itself the goal of promoting Karpathos on a global level, also leveraging Hilton’s network of 180 million active members.
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