Known as pioneers who elevated the luxury scene in Santorini, leading privately-owned hospitality group, Kanava Hotels & Resorts, today announced an exciting new chapter, with the unveiling of their new brand name Empiria Group. The change celebrates the company’s 30 years of expertise and plans for further developments and echoes its evolving purpose, values, and commitment to creating space for joy.
Empiria, taking its name from the Greek word for experience, will continue to hold its status within The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International’s portfolio, and Design Hotels, whilst also delivering a new distinctive and elevated brand identity to support all future endeavours. Empiria Group currently holds seven luxury properties within the inspiring portfolio with plans for the brand's global expansion to continue through with further hotel openings in the most coveted destinations around Greece.
Each property will continue to offer a distinctive experience, with individual character and personality, whilst being underpinned by four key fundamental values of finding joy, always elevating, exuding passion and being a leader in the field. These values direct Empiria Group’s soul and ensure that it delivers on its purpose of creating space for joy for the global sophisticated traveller.
Founders Antonis Eliopoulos and Kalia Konstantinidou will continue to lead the business and with their 30 years of expertise in Greek hospitality, guide Empiria Group to new heights of success by continuing to provide exceptional experiences and creating an inspiring workspace for talented team members.
Antonis Eliopoulos, Founder of Empiria Group said “We know and love our destinations, with a particular soft spot for Santorini – where Kanava Hotels & Resorts originates from, but we are equally curious about new projects and destinations to come. It’s an exciting time for our company, with new ideas for future growth flourishing and we have plans to keep at the forefront for the next 30 years and more. Watch this space!”
“We are proud to introduce Empiria Group to offer our guests new elevated experiences of joy,” said Co-Founder Kalia Konstantinidou. “The new brand of Empiria Group will enhance the connection between our hotel brands but it won’t overshadow them. We already have a unique mix of qualities that distinguishes us and the future chapter is about bringing the experiences we provide to the next level. Our purpose and values drive everything that we do, and we articulate them in a clear way for our own people and all partners we work with.”
Its heritage and provenance, along with its people and portfolio of hotels, make Empiria Group a leader in the art of elevated hospitality experiences. Each property showcases the best that Greek hospitality has to offer, contributing to the national image and reputation by elevated unexplored spaces and experiences. Each location is looked after by local cultures and communities to show a deep level of support and commitment.
EMPIRIA GROUP PORTFOLIO OF LUXURY PROPERTIES
Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, Santorini
Space to explore
Tucked away within the medieval village of Megalochori, the enchanting Vedema, a Luxury Collection Resort, has evolved from a 400-year-old wine cellar and into an authentic, Cycladic village retreat. Perfect for quality time in a local community environment.
Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Santorini
Space to recharge
An Oia hideaway, dramatically hanging from the Caldera cliff, that inspires romance and inner connection. In homage to the surrounding nature and traditional architecture, everything is designed to enhance the sense of a secluded sanctuary, embraced by an exquisite fantasy.
Istoria, a Member of Design Hotels, Santorini
Space to create stories
At a sublime junction where volcanic sands meet midnight blue waters, attracting a vibrant and creative crowd, Istoria offers layers of refuge in a resplendent beachfront heaven.
Space for nature
Hidden between the historic alleys of Mani Peninsula, within the cobblestone settlement of Oitylo, Korona Boutique Hotel is a contemporary oasis of carefree luxury. The contemporary design and minimalistic Lakonian attitude make Korona an ideal refuge of relaxation and mental recharge.
Parilio, a Member of Design Hotels, Paros
Space in time
“Helios, my Sun, let me shine in the echo of your gold light” – an ode to the soul of the Cycladic light. Cradled by unspoiled natural beauty and the slow rhythms of island life, Parilio ties in the simplicity of Paros with timeless Greek architecture.
Space to connect
In an authentic Cycladic scenery where the rock and the sunlight prevail, on a hill overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Aegean Sea as well as the most cosmopolitan spot of Parian life, Naoussa, a unique collection of villas awaits for those who wish to share the joy that flows.
Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros
Space to be free
Choose your journey, or let it choose you. We invite you to explore your own countless expressions. And in every moment, like the winding paths of the neighbouring town of cosmopolitan Naoussa, or the waves washing the sand clean—you choose what comes next. At Cosme, you are free to be.
