Hyatt to debut on Greek islands with new Magma Resort Santorini franchise partnership

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has entered into a franchise agreement with Thera Island Suites S.A. that will see the Magma Resort Santorini join the company’s Unbound Collection portfolio. 

Scheduled to open in June 2022, the resort, located on the lava-made slopes of Vourvoulous, will be the first Hyatt-affiliated resort on the Greek islands and will be operated by Athens-based management and consultancy firm SWOT Hospitality. 

It will offer 59 guest rooms and suites, with 46 featuring their own private pools and hot tubs as well as unobstructed views of Anafi Island and the Aegean Sea, as well as a state-of-the-art subterranean spa and wellness area.

Inspired by Santorini’s historic cave houses, the Lava Spa & Wellness Center will take guests on a journey of ‘self-realisation and rejuvenation’. While few details of the spa and its treatment menu are currently available, it will feature several lounge and relaxation areas, as well as an infinity pool with sea views, and will offer signature treatments likely to be inspired by the resort’s volcanic location. 

The resort will also feature Magma by Spondi, a fine-dining restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. It will offer a menu, curated by a two-starred Michelin chef, celebrating local and seasonal produce and the island’s viniculture.

Drawing inspiration from Santorini’s sand beaches, the resort will be designed to resemble a re-imagined traditional Cycladic dwelling and will feature a sustainable yet modern exterior incorporating lava-made and stone elements in keeping with the island’s overall ambience. 

Realised by People and Elastic Architects, the design will pay homage to Santorini’s underground spaces, particularly cave homes, and natural environment with organic shapes and black volcanic stones contrasted against off-white geometric prisms. 

Other facilities include a 250-guest events space, semi-outdoor spaces with covered walkways and meeting rooms. Additionally, it will offer a programme of outdoor activities including catamaran and boat tours and volcano and hot-spring tours. 

“We’re thrilled to work with SWOT Hospitality and are excited to announce The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand’s upcoming entry into the Greek Islands with Magma Resort Santorini,” said Peter Norman, senior vice-president, Acquisitions & Development at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. 

“The expansion of our luxury and independent collection brands in popular leisure destinations in Europe plays a central role in our growth strategy as we aim to satisfy the increasing leisure demand from travellers looking for story-worthy experiences.”

Stefanos Papakaliatis, managing partner at Thera Islands Suites, said: “Together with Hyatt, we aim to set a new benchmark for hospitality in the destination.” 

Stelios Koutsivitis, president of SWOT Hospitality, added: “This is a hallmark project for SWOT and for the destination. As a team, we’re passionate about entering into this agreement with Hyatt and are dedicated to creating an authentic, extraordinary and soulful resort that carries the spiritual DNA of Greece.” 

Hyatt Magma Resort Santorini is accepting bookings from June 1, 2022 and beyond.