About Us
Philosophy
At Sbokos Hotel Group our mission statement is: “To operate our hotels and resorts with an uncompromised commitment to personable service and quality of standards. When we enjoy a high rate of return guests, we successfully fulfill our ultimate obligation to the tradition of authentic Cretan Hospitality.”
Core Values:
- dedication to exceptional and personalized service,
- continuous training and development of the staff
- commitment to ecological responsiveness
- emphasis on authentic traditional experiences
Much of the group’s success can be attributed to its dedicated staff, many of whom have stayed with the company since 1976. People come to work with us and stay year after year because they feel we treat them with respect. We feel it is of vital importance that our people are happy to work in our hotels, so as to convey this to our guests.
Yiannis Sbokos, the Managing Director, is himself involved with the day to day running of the group, while other members of the family have been actively involved in the construction of the properties or work in the operational side of the business. Yannis Sbokos’ vision has always been centred upon quality of infrastructure and excellence of service. Regular refurbishments and updating of the facilities keep the properties to the highest standards. Most importantly, tourism is about a precious time in the lives of modern, hard-working people, where dedicated service and warm hospitality become an absolute priority.
History
The family run company that has been involved in the hotel business since 1976. In 2003, Sbokos Hotel Group was created to manage the properties in a more structured manner. Today, the group owns and manages the following properties:
Agapi Beach opened in 1978 and is located on the long beachside that spreads west of Heraklion in Crete. It is a four star, award winning property with an impressive number of repeat guests and has been established as a favourite family destination. Cuisine and staff friendliness have always been its best rated attributes.
Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Elounda. The resort opened in June 2003 and is situated in one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas of Greece. Completely unspoilt, the area combines extraordinary natural beauty and crystal clear waters. Close to the small fishing village of Plaka and just a few hundred meters opposite the isle of Spinalonga, the resort sits peaceful and totally assimilated in its natural environment.
Cretan Malia Park (opened in 1988) is located in the area of Malia east of Heraklion. It is a secluded low rise property with lush gardens leading to a beautiful beach. Officially a four star hotel, it also features rooms with five star qualities. It has been uninterruptedly awarded the top 10 award of TUI travel organization and is a romantic hideaway, ideal for couples.
Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club (opened in 1982) is a development resembling a traditional Cretan village, located in the village bearing the same name. Small individual houses clustered in groups to resemble neighborhoods and restored stone houses comprise this development. Built in 1982, Koutouloufari was the first attempt of the family to create an environmentally conscious business.
Village Heights Golf Resort is a property consisting of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom residences located by the Crete Golf Club set on a cliff and enjoying impressive views, this property operates under a time share management since its opening in 2006.
Awards
Agapi Beach
- Blue Flag Beach Award, Foundation for Environmental Education, 1990 – 2010
- TUI Umwelt Champion, 2010
- TUI Umwelt Champion Gold, 2009
- TUI Umwelt Champion, 2008
- TUI Umwelt Champion Gold, 2007
- TUI Umwelt Champion, 2005 – 2006
- Studiosus Environmental Distinction, 2005
- TUI Environmental Distinction, 2004
- Kuoni Travel, Green Planet Award, 2000 – 2002
- TUI Holly, 100 Best Hotels in the World, 2001 – 2002
- JET Tours, Trophe, 1999 – 2005
- TUI Umwelt Champion, 1999 – 2003
- TUI Holly, 100 Best Hotels in the World, 1997 – 1999
- TUI Holly, 100 Best Hotels in the World, 1994
Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Elounda
- Tatler Spa Guide, 101 Best Spas, 2011
- Condé Nast Traveller Greece, Readers Choice Awards, Best Resort in Crete, 2009
- Greek Wine Resto, 1st Prize Outstanding Greek Wine List, L’Orangerie Restaurant, 2009
- Greek Wine Resto, 2nd Prize Remarkable Greek Wine List, Asia Blue Restaurant, 2009
- Sovereign Luxury Travel, Award of Excellence, 2009
- Tez Worldberry, Best Hotel Partner of Tez Tour, 2009
- Thomas Cook, Award of Excellence, 2009
- Condé Nast Traveler US, Gold List, 2008
- Golden Meridian, Russian Travel Awards, Winner 2008
- Tez Worldberry, Best Hotel Partner of Tez Tour, 2008
- Thomas Cook, Marque of Excellence Award, 2008
- World Travel Awards, Greece's Leading Spa Resort, 2008
- Golden Toque, Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant: L’Orangerie, 2007
- Spa Finder, Readers’ Choice, Favorite Spa in Greece, 2007
- Spavox, Gold Bliss Rating, 2007
- World Travel Awards, Greece's Leading Spa Resort, 2007
- Gala Spa Style, 111 Best Spas Worldwide, March 2006
- Golden Toque, Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant: L’Orangerie, 2006
- Globe Pequeot Press, 100 Best Spas of the World, Bernard Burt, 2006
- Harpers Bazaar UK, Spa Guide, 2006
- Spa Finder, Readers’ Choice, Best Spa in Greece, 2006
- Condé Nast Traveler US, One of the Best Spas in Europe, Cover Page, June 2005
- Elle Germany, One of the Best in Greece, 2005
- Pegase Gastronomy Award, L”Orangerie, 2005
- TUI Holly, 100 Best Hotels in the World, 2005
- Argo Holidays, Achievement Awards, 2004
- Harpers & Queen UK, One of the 100 Best Spas, January 2004
- Blue Flag Beach Award, Foundation for Environmental Education, 2004 – 2010
Cretan Malia Park
- Blue Flag Beach Award, Foundation for Environmental Education, 1993 – 2011
- TUI Holly, 100 Best Hotels in the World, 1993 – 2011
- Zoover Award, Best Hotel in Category, 2010 - 2011
- TUI Umwelt Champion Gold Award, 1996 – 2010
- Gold Travel Life Award, 2010
- Thompson, Gold Medal Award, 2008
- Holiday Check, 100 Best Hotels in the World, 2007
- Kuoni, The Green Planet Award, 2006
- Thompson, Gold Medal Award, 2006
- Kuoni, The Green Planet Award, 2000 - 2002
- Hotelplan, Environmental Hotel Award, 2000
- Hotelplan, Environmental Hotel Award, 1997
Koutouloufari Village Holiday Club
- Green Key, Eco-Label Award, 2010 - 2011
- RCI, Gold Crown Award, 2010 - 2011
- Hospitality Award, 2008 - 2009
- RCI, Silver Crown Award, 2007
- Hospitality Award, 2006
- Resort of International Distinction Award, 2003 - 2004
- Hospitality Award, 2001 - 2002
Village Heights Golf Resort
- Green Key, Eco-Label Award, 2011
- RCI, Gold Crown Resort, 2011
- Green Key, Eco-Label Award, 2010
- RCI, Gold Crown Award, 2010
- RCI, Gold Crown Award, 2008
