New beachfront resort Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort will open its doors on the popular Greek island of Santorini as of 18 April, following a €20m (US$22.3m £16.7m) investment.

Nestled just steps away from Karma beach, the new 103-room resort will launch with a spa offering treatments by Korres that tap into the healing properties of Greek nature and homoeopathic remedies. The spa menu will also offer rituals by a marine skincare brand Labiomer.

Taking its name from the rare saffron flower that flourishes in a few parts of the island, Zaffron marks the first luxury hospitality offering from Fais Group.

The company is an Athens-based distributor of a vast luxury, fashion and sports brand portfolio, with global brands such as Adidas, KIKO Milano, Puma, Salvatore Ferragamo, Technogym and UnderArmour.

Fais has adopted a boutique approach to its first spa facility which encompasses two large spa cabins and one beauty cabin.

The plan is to grow the offering next year with another wellness building, plus a yoga and meditation space at the beach for yoga, sound-healing and tai chi sessions.

“We see wellness as more than a buzzword, it’s a vital part of everyone’s lives,” says Manolis Papadakis, Zaffron’s director of hospitality division and resort general manager.

“We’ve started our wellness ventures cautiously because of Covid, but next season we’ll expand Zaffron’s wellness programmes through new infrastructures and a collaboration with an important global wellness brand.”

Once launched, the resort will offer the option for outdoor spa experiences in private cabanas by the pool and en-suite spa and massage experiences.

Papadakis anticipates the majority of resort guests will hail from Europe, the Middle East and the US.

Design details

Responsible for Zaffron’s concept design and master plan is Greek-based architecture firm Arc-Set. The studio wanted to respect the island’s rugged landscape while also creating a relaxing and warm, softly textured haven.

The lobby’s domes and arches – a gentle nod to Santorini’s iconic architecture – will be combined with natural materials such as wood and stone to provide an earthy ambience.

The use of domes will also be apparent in the interior of the resort’s rooms, suites and villas.

Overseen by Designteam – Nikos Theodorakopoulos, the interior design will establish a serene and calming environment with the use of tactile materials, rich textures and a neutral colour palette, featuring furniture and homeware brands such as Ethimo and Pols Potten.

The element of water will be ingrained throughout the resort with Jacuzzis and heated private pools being part of almost every room, as well as two central heated pools. Acting as the centre of the resort, the master pool will feature a meandering black-and-white pattern.

To round out the experience, Zaffron will feature three distinct dining concepts and transport guests around the resort via luxurious and eco-friendly electric cars.

Looking ahead, Papadakis revealed that Fais will strive to showcase the best of Santorini while also searching for international partnerships with like-minded brands and organisations to enhance Zaffron’s experience.

“Radisson Blu is a lifestyle brand with values that align with ours and its extended network can only be beneficial to the hotel and the island. Despite its strong global brand name, Santorini had very few international collaborations with hospitality brands – until now.”