How to sell Santikos Collection's boutique hotels
Katherine MastersKonstantinos Santikos, managing director of Santikos Collection, highlights the unique attributes of the Greek hotel group his father established
When was Santikos Collection founded?
Santikos Collection was founded in 1984 when my father, Nikos Santikos, realised his dream of opening his own hotel, Marpunta Resort in Alonissos. Marpunta is located on the southern peninsula of Alonissos, offering views from sunrise to sunset. Over the years, the Collection expanded its portfolio with a focus on boutique properties, offering unique and personalised hospitality experiences.
How many hotels does the Collection have, and what makes them unique?
Santikos Collection comprises six hotels and each has distinct features. Marpunta Resort in Alonissos is celebrated for its stunning natural setting. Aegean Suites in Skiathos is an adult-only hotel near Skiathos Town, known for its high-end services and breathtaking views. Santikos Mansion in Pelion focuses on boutique luxury in a historic setting. Princess Resort in Skiathos caters to family travel with direct beach access. The Alex, Monte Kastella, is a boutique hotel in Piraeus, designed for business travellers and port layovers, with epic views of the Athenian bay. A second hotel in Piraeus, Twinn, offers value for money stays near the port and metro station. In 2025, a boutique 30-room hotel will be added in Naousa town, Paros, expanding the Collection further.
What is so special about the Sporades archipelago, where Santikos has three hotels?
The Sporades is celebrated for its natural beauty and tranquillity, largely due to more than half of its waters being a designated marine park. This conservation effort has nurtured a sustainable local fishing culture, allowing guests to enjoy fresh, locally sourced fish. The archipelago has three main islands and also includes several small islets that offer guests the thrill of exploring seemingly deserted island paradises. The calm seas surrounding the Sporades make it ideal for boat rentals, providing visitors the freedom to discover secluded areas even during the peak tourist season.
What are your hotels doing to become more sustainable?
Santikos Collection is actively working towards sustainability, integrating practices that not only benefit the environment but also support local communities. Our hotels’ efforts include implementing energy-saving measures and harnessing solar power to reduce carbon footprint. This reflects a commitment to utilising renewable energy sources and reducing dependency on non-renewable resources. We are also moving away from single-use toiletries to decrease plastic waste and gradually eliminating buffet dinners to reduce food waste and emphasise local products.
How does Santikos Collection work with the UK trade?
We have established a long-standing relationship with the UK market, spanning over 25 years, through collaborations with tour operators and travel agents. Our approach highlights the unique characteristics of each of our properties, enabling the Collection to cater to a broad spectrum of travel experiences, from high-end family and couple vacations to more affordable urban escapes. We engage with the trade community through fam trips and presentations to showcase their offerings. We also have UK representation to maintain and strengthen these partnerships – email Steve Stewart at sstewart@inovahospitality.com
How do you spend your leisure time away from the hotels?
My family and I have grown up with the hotels, and so we embrace the lifestyle our hotels offer rather than seeking escapes elsewhere. Our passion for hospitality means that leisure time is often spent enjoying the very environments we create for our guests. This includes indulging in the natural beauty and serenity of the destinations, from secret beaches to boat rides with the potential to spot dolphins. We don’t just run the hotels; we are an integral part of the vibrant life and culture that surrounds them.
Katherine Masters
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