Raffles Goes for Olympic Gold

Raffles Hotels & Resorts continues its global expansion with Raffles Olympia resort, its first property in Greece, which is located near the ancient city of Olympia. The luxury resort is the center piece of the stunning  75-acre beachfront development, and will feature 124 guestrooms and suites, up to 120 Raffles Residences for private ownership, a conference center , RafflesAmrita Spa and a water sports centre.  Guests and owners of Raffles Residences at Raffles Olympia will also have access to a Nick Faldo Signature 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole executive course neighbouring the resort.  
 
In keeping with the rich history of its location, Raffles Olympia’s design will incorporate Greek architecture; a charming village featuring one- and two-storey buildings clustered around scenic gardens and courtyards. The resort will line the sapphire coast of the Ionian Sea, affording guestrooms unobstructed sea views of the magnificent coastline.  All guestrooms will be richly appointed, and will have Raffles’ classic residential ambience. 
 
The resort will feature a 6,000 square foot RafflesAmrita Signature Spa with approximately 12 private treatment rooms and up to 12 spa suites, offering an ambrosial medley of treatments ranging from massages to herbal baths and facials.  In addition, guests will enjoy two pools and four tennis courts as well as a range of dining options offering the finest international and Greek cuisine.  The resort will also feature a conference centre which occupies over 5,000 square feet, ideal for both corporate and social events.
 
These spectacular facilities, including the golf course, will also be accessible to owners of Raffles Residences at Raffles Olympia resort.  In addition, the owners of these luxury villas will enjoy the full concierge service of Raffles Olympia resort.
 
 â€œRaffles Olympia resort is positioned to be the ultra luxury destination resort in Greece and in the Mediterranean,” said John Papapolitis of Olympia Resorts S.A, “Raffles was chosen to manage the resort’s hotel and residences as its name has become synonymous worldwide with bespoke luxury. We are also proud that Raffles Olympia resort will be part of a collection of award-winning iconic and legendary hotels and resorts.”
 
Mrs Diana Ee Tan, President, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said: “Raffles Hotels & Resorts is delighted to be part of this landmark project in such a historically significant location. With 16 million arrivals annually, Greece is a key European destination and one of the world’s top 10 tourist destinations.  We aim to bring to Raffles Olympia the legendary heartfelt and gracious service and the uncompromising standards of excellence found at all Raffles hotels and resorts across the globe.” 
 
Raffles Olympia will be easily accessible by air, sea and road connections.  With the completion of two new highways by 2011, the resort will be a 2.5-hour drive from Athens.  More than 60 airlines connect Athens International Airport to the major cities of the world.  Araxos Airport, located 45 minutes from Raffles Olympia presently offers access for charter flights, private jets and helicopters. In addition Andravida Airport, located 25 minutes from the resort, will have a new passenger terminal by 2010 and will offer access for regular air service, charter flights, private jets and helicopters.
 
The port city of Patras, Europe’s main gateway to Greece, is a 45 minute drive from the resort, providing ferry connections with Italy and the Ionian Islands while Kyllini port, just 35 minutes away from Raffles Olympia offers ferry connections with the Ionian islands.  The international cruise port of Katakolo is located only 15 minutes away from Raffles Olympia, and receives about 400 cruise ship visits yearly. 
 
Olympia was the site of the first recorded Olympic Games in 776BC. Every two years, the Olympic flame is lit at its ancient Temple of Goddess Hera, wife of Zeus, to mark the start of either the Summer or Winter Olympics. Raffles Olympia resort in Pyrgos is located near Olympia, 17km to its east, at the mouth of the Alfios River. Famed in Greek mythology and history, the river runs from the hills surrounding the ruins of ancient Olympia and flows into the sea at the resort.