The Royal Senses CRETE Hilton Worldwide embarks on a Greek expansion, partnering with Troulis Royal Collection to open an authentic resort on the island of Crete. Words: Catherine Martin Photography: © Anima Vision
G
lobal hotel groups don’t tend to have
our way, it was a natural partnership,” explains
a particularly strong footprint across
Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President of
Greece, with the nation’s key players
Development EMEA at Hilton Worldwide. “Back
primarily being homegrown or family-run
in 2019, we met with the owners, who were in
outfits that benefit from local know-how and an
the process of planning this project and looking
on-the-ground presence. But Hilton Worldwide
for a global brand that could communicate the
is seeking to change that, having forged
unique message of The Royal Senses story to
partnerships with native firms to introduce its
a wider audience,” he continues. “By working
brands to both urban and resort destinations.
together, we could combine the local values and
The first of these partnerships to come to fruition is on Crete, where a new resort from
vision of Troulis with Hilton’s international customer base.”
Troulis Royal Collection marks Hilton’s debut
For Hilton, the first task was to determine
on the largest of the Greek islands. Flagged
which of its 18 brands would best suit the
as Curio Collection – in which each property
development, keeping in mind that the design
has its own distinct character and identity –
concept was already finalised and construction
The Royal Senses is a sister to The Royal Blue,
under way. “Curio Collection by Hilton was
which has been successfully operating here
the perfect brand fit for this hotel,” notes
since 2009. Though the Troulis family had the
Fitzgibbon. “The owner’s vision was to develop
capability to go it alone, it became apparent that
a resort synonymous with its Cretan location,
a partnership could be mutually beneficial. “We
drawing influence from the island’s natural
are focused on expanding our footprint in key
surroundings and rich heritage. Most of the
leisure destinations, so when this opportunity
materials – from the stone used in construction
in one of Greece’s most popular islands came
to the furniture and textiles – are locally made
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