CHC Group: Steady Hotel Expansion Focused on Crete, Santorini, and Karpathos

The CHC Group, under the leadership of Zacharias A. Chnaris, is steadily expanding into mature tourist destinations in Greece while forming partnerships with international brands. Originating from Crete, the group is now growing its footprint in Santorini and Karpathos, and is simultaneously developing its own hotel chain, The Noverian Hotels.

New Hotel in Santorini
The group’s latest addition is The Noverian Bios Caldera, Sunset Suites, a newly opened complex of suites and rooms located in Akrotiri, Santorini. The property will operate under a nine-year lease and is the fourth hotel in the Noverian Hotels collection. According to the company, this expansion is part of a strategy to grow in globally recognized tourist destinations with strong brand value.

Hilton Partnership in Elounda, Crete
In Crete, CHC Group is developing The Noverian Elounda Retreat, a new five-star hotel near Agios Nikolaos, under the Canopy by Hilton brand—marking Hilton’s first appearance in Crete under this label.

Investment value: €15.7 million

Government grant: €3 million (under Greece’s Development Law)

Facilities: 120 beds, cave-style room blocks, independent villas, multi-level shared spaces

Sustainability: BREEAM certification, A+ energy efficiency

Opening planned: 2027

Site: On the location of the former Kalithea Apartments

New Projects in Crete Coming in 2025
The group’s 2025 strategy in Crete includes two additional investments:

The Noverian Antama, Organic Beach Resort Chania

Adults-only resort in Agia Marina

Features a heated outdoor pool, eco-friendly design, and smart management technologies

Emphasis on local culture and environmental integration

The Noverian Scenic Malia, 5 Hilltop Villa Resort

Located in Malia on a 60-acre plot

Comprises 30 private villas each with its own pool

Formerly Royal Heights, the property was closed in 2024 for a full renovation

Karpathos Expansion: New Hilton Resort
The group is also entering the Karpathos market with CHC Sound of the Sea, under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton—marking the first Tapestry property in Europe.

Location: Pigadia, Karpathos

Facilities: 43 suites — 14 with private pools, 4 with jacuzzis

Architecture: Inspired by local and natural materials

Lease: 20-year agreement

Hilton network: Access to over 180 million Hilton Honors members, boosting international visibility

Growth Driven by Strategy and Sustainability
CHC Group follows a deliberate growth model centered around long-term leases, targeted renovations, and strategic partnerships with global brands. Simultaneously, the group is developing its own brand identity through The Noverian Hotels, aiming to establish a strong presence in select Greek destinations.

Zacharias Chnaris, the Group’s CEO, stated that expansion efforts are progressing according to plan, with a focus on high-quality services and the creation of sustainable tourism offerings. CHC Group now operates a range of hotels—both owned and leased—across high-demand tourist locations in Greece.