Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Celebrates 10 Years

The lifelong dream of its owner and CEO, Yiannis Sbokos, came to fruition thanks to the effort and dedication of many people who believed in his vision and shared his passion for genuine, exceptional hospitality.

A location of such rare beauty as that of Elounda, particularly the gulf which enjoys stunning views of the historic isle of Spinalonga, deserved a uniquely alluring resort that respects its breathtaking natural surrounds and the monument that stands before it. Inspired by Crete's rich history, with the Western and Eastern influences of the Romans, Venetians, Arabs and Ottomans, a contemporary resort was designed by 3SK Stylianidis Architects and created for discriminating travelers who have visited the best places in the world.

In 2004 Blue Palace joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts under the Luxury Collection brand. Starwood is one of the world's leading high-end hotel chains with more than 1,000 members across the globe. Its members in Greece are the Grande Bretagne and King George in Athens, Arion and Westin Athens in Vouliagmeni, Romanos and Westin Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese, Vedema and Mystique in Santorini, Santa Marina in Mykonos and the Sheraton Rhodes Resort in Rhodes.

Blue Palace's course over the years has been marked by significant achievements including a major extension in 2007 and a series of key awards, among them the Condé Nast Traveler US 2013 Gold List, Condé Nast Traveler US Readers' Choice Awards 2012, World Travel Awards 2012, Tatler Spa Guide - 101 Best Spas 2011, Condé Nast Traveler US Gold List 2008, Greece's Leading Spa Resort in the 2008 World Travel Awards and Greece's Leading Spa Resort in the 2007 World Travel Awards. The resort featured in the Greek television series The Island based on author Victoria Hislop's novel of the same name, hosted America's Next Top Model in 2011 and collaborated with renowned Greek artist Costas Tsoclis for his 2012 landmark exhibition on Spinalonga, the illumination of which the resort has assisted.

To celebrate all of this and much more, we have organized a number of events this season starting in June with the first of a series of 10th Anniversary cocktail evenings beneath the imposing arches of Arsenali Lounge, which revels in panoramic views of Spinalonga.

Together with our guests, we enjoyed a magical evening bathed in the light of the biggest full moon of 2013, sipping on Blue Palace's signature 10th anniversary cocktail to the sounds of a live saxophone. All together we remembered how a dream can not only become reality, through great effort, dedication and much love, but also contribute in many ways to the local community while striving to protect the environment and ensure our guests depart with truly memorable experiences. The celebration continues… and you're invited.

For further information, please contact: Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Tel: +30 28410 65500 Email: reservations@bluepalace.gr

More information: www.bluepalace.gr