NEW OPENING FROM SANTIKOS COLLECTION MARPUNTA VILLAGE, ALONNISOS, GREECE March 2017/…The family owned Santikos Collection, best known for their stunning hotels on the Greek island of Skiathos (Skiathos Princess & Aegean Suites), is thrilled to launch another of their properties to the UK market for Summer 2017, this time on the neighbouring island of Alonnisos. Following a huge €3M refurbishment that was completed in Spring 2016 which saw all rooms refurbished and upgraded, Marpunta Village (which has been in the Santikos family since 1984 and has previously run as an Italian Club) on the island of Alonnisos will be available to guests from the UK from Summer 2017. Set in a private pine forest and surrounded by the blue waters of the Aegean, Marpunta Village features 104 rooms, 15 Family Suites, farm-to-table cuisine and 3 private beaches, the property evokes a traditional Greek chic atmosphere and a wealth of activities for family and friends to enjoy. Marpunta Village, originally an old fisherman's village, offers guests a tranquil and authentic Greek island escape. Located on the island of Alonnisos (part of the Sporades Islands with a population of under 1,000), the property is surrounded by Greece’s first national marine park. The traditional 'Old Town' of Alonnisos is set up high on a hill, with cobblestone streets and breathtaking views. The island is also famed for its White Tuna and Tyropita (cheese pie). Guests can walk down to Patitiri Beach, Patitiri Harbour and the Port of Alonissos in about 20minutes, direct from the resort. What’s NEW The pool area at Marpunta will undergo a two-stage renovation with phase 1 being completed in time for the 2017 season and phase 2 completing ready for the 2018 season. The renovation plans will allow for a larger lounge area between the pool and the sea. A NEW Spa is also on the cards and is set to launch at the property ready for the 2018 season. All rooms at the property were renovated in 2016 - not only were they refurbished but most were completely gutted and rebuilt. In some cases, two rooms were knocked into one, the only thing that was kept the same was the external structure. They now range in size from 22-45sqm. The lead in rooms are the ‘Club Rooms’, also on offer are Family Rooms, some of which have Sea Views, Junior Suites (all of which boast Sea Views) and there are a couple of Deluxe Suites too. All feature Sampar amenities. Katerina Santikou, Business Development Manager for Santikos Collection comments, “The concept for the rooms was to use natural materials in order for the hotel to be in harmony with the surroundings. In the bathroom for example the walls of the showers are covered in river pebbles and the flooring in the rooms is condensed white grey stone. I would describe the new look rooms as having a ‘simple, Mediterranean luxury style’ and the colour scheme reflects the stunning surroundings with blues from the Aegean Sea and orange from the stunning sun rises and sunsets we are so lucky to benefit from on a daily basis.” Dining Marpunta’s main buffet restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and also offers show cooking (high chairs available for little ones). There is also a Mediterranean restaurant on the beach (open for lunch, reservations required), a pool and lobby bar. The all-inclusive offering comprises of three meals at the main restaurant, an extension of breakfast until 11:00 at the pool bar; the possibility of having lunch at the seaside restaurant, drinks (soft drinks, water and alcoholic drinks) to accompany main meals, as well as throughout the day at the bars pool and lobby bar. Tea and coffee (including espresso and cappuccino) also included as well as sweet and savory snacks at the bars throughout the day. Activities/Facilities Complimentary wifi is available throughout the resort as well as a complimentary shuttle service to Patitiri Port/Village and the island’s stunning Old Town. Marpunta features a stunning main pool along with 2 tennis courts, volleyball and basketball court and five aside football pitch. Archery is also available. Car and motorbike rental along with extra services such as babysitting and boat trips/island tours can all be booked through Marpunta’s concierge. There is a miniclub for kids aged 4-13 and junior club for kids aged 13-17 along with an outdoor playground, pool table, table football and table tennis. Numerous watersports facilities are available including canoe’s and scuba diving. Rates Nightly rates at Marpunta Village in a Junior Suite (www.marpunta.com) will start from £140 on an all-inclusive basis (based on 2 sharing). -ENDS- For further information or images, please contact Kathryn Peel or Jonathan Williams at Peel+Williams [email protected]; [email protected]. .