Different fortunes. United by the same desire to attract luxury hotels into the fold of their respective groups, one got off to a fast start and the other took longer to take shape. Launched three years ago by the IHG group, the Vignette Collection is following the trajectory it set itself, namely to reach a hundred hotels within a decade. With, even, a little ahead of schedule Today, the brand has just under twenty hotels in its portfolio, with a total of 50 establishments opened or signed, including ten in Europe.
For its part, the Emblems Collection, also presented by Accor in 2021, has taken a few detours. Initially expected in China, it is expected to make its European debut this year, " in an exceptional location" had recently clarified Maud Bailly, General Manager in charge of this brand, as well as Sofitel and MGallery. Now on track, the brand aims to have 60 addresses worldwide by 2032. In this context, Accor announced at the beginning of the year that it had signed nine contracts under final negotiation, but above all that it would soon be signing seven hotels. These include Italy and the United Kingdom in Europe, as well as North America, China and Vietnam.
While these projects have remained confidential, one of them is less so today. The Emblems Collection will be making its debut in Greece next year, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, at the Elatos Resort. Closed since 2022, the resort is due to reopen in the second quarter of 2026, completely transformed, with a new design by MKV Design that blends the latest in luxury and modernity. alpine charm to a contemporary aesthetic. " True to the spirit of Emblems, which combines luxury and intimacy, elegance and exclusivity, this refuge will offer our guests a rare experience: reconnecting with nature while savouring discreet refinement." said Maud Bailly, Managing Director of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems.
Comprising around forty chalets when it closed, the Elatos Resort will see this offering redesigned around noble natural materials and exceptional facilities such as a private sauna and cinema room. An offer designed to attract families and leisure groups and to ". boosting winter tourism in Greece" according to Chloe Laskaridis, Chairman of the Board of Lampsa Hellenic Hotels, Accor's partner in this project.
But this refuge can also be used for exclusive corporate events in the heart of nature, with its chalets and Club House occasionally converted into meeting rooms. Without wishing to pre-empt current developments, the Elatos Resort was previously positioned as a stopover for inspiring seminarsThese are punctuated by forest walks, mushroom picking and meals with your nose in the stars, among other outdoor activities.
A first in France for the Vignette Collection
In the same vein, the first Vignette Collection in France is not primarily aimed at business travellers. Set on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Théoule sur Mer, with the Estérel massif at its back, the future hotel has everything to appeal to holidaymakers on the Côte d'Azur. A future hotel that will in fact be the conjunction of two existing five starsTiara Miramar and Tiara Yaktsa, offering 59 rooms and 21 suites respectively to date.
In collaboration with Global Hotels & Resorts, these hotels will see their offer enhanced to carry the Vignette Collection banner while retaining their charm and distinctive character, with a planned opening in 2026. " The arrival of the first Vignette Collection property in France is perfectly in line with our growth plans in the luxury and lifestyle segment in Europe." said Willemijn Geels, Vice President Development Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts.
With a host of activities including water sports and hiking trails, a nearby beach and several swimming pools, and Michelin-starred restaurants, the future hotel is sure to appeal to meeting organisers. Especially as the hotels havespaces dedicated to MICEThese include a 100 m² plenary room at the Tiara Miramar and other rooms for smaller meetings. What's more, thanks to its configuration, the hotel will no doubt continue to lend itself to privatisations in an enchanting setting.
