A Chain of Historic Hotels in Greece
Yades Heritage & Hospitality Hotels is the first chain of unique, luxurious, privately-owned properties of historical interest located throughout Greece.
Established in 2004 by Barbara Avdis, an entrepreneur with a background in international and Greek hospitality, Yades currently has 16 member properties. Ms Avdis has carefully selected each property “to reflect the noble spirit of past societies – from the middle ages to the neoclassical era – through splendid architecture, magical settings, private boutique spas, secluded meeting areas and exquisite regional cuisine.”
The collection includes “elegant manor houses, majestic estates and gracious villas.” For example, the Imaret in Kavala, combines nineteenth century architecture with Greek and Byzantine stylistic influences.
The Kyrimai in Mani, an old trade center dating to 1870, reflects the traditional stone architecture of the region. The Argentikon Luxury Suites was originally the sixteen-century Argenti family estate featuring multi-colored stone work, arcaded walking paths, fountains, gardens, and orange groves.
Yades is a member of the Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE) and is affiliated with the Historic Hotels of America. The original concept for HHE, an association representing historic hotels, castles, manors and restaurants within Europe, was the brainchild of the Chateaux & Hotels de France and the Schlosshotels of Austria. The idea was to promote national cultural traditions, historic heritage and architecture under one umbrella. The HHE was established in November 1997 regrouping at its beginning eight associations in different countries promoting a more “cultural and historic” style of holiday.
At present there are 16 member associations in 16 countries. The network encompasses over 1,000 properties, with over 24,000 rooms, making it one of the largest marketing groups of its kind within Europe.