A major milestone has been reached in Grivalia Hospitality’s ambitious investment in the Petalioi island complex in south-eat Evia—dubbed the “Maldives of Greece”—as the Regional Council of Central Greece recently expressed its strong support for the project.
The council gave a majority approval to the strategic environmental study and development plan for a high-end eco-resort and luxury vacation residences on Megalonisos, the largest island in the Petalioi cluster.
The project is being spearheaded by GH Hotel S.A., a subsidiary of Grivalia Hospitality, and will carry the prestigious Six Senses brand—marking its debut in the Greek market under the name Six Senses Megalonisos. The investment will cover a 561-acre site on the southern tip of Megalonisos, within the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Karystos, Evia.
Designed to harmonize with the island’s natural landscape, the resort aims to offer world-class services while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. The plan includes the creation of an eco-conscious hospitality complex alongside luxury residences, positioning the development as a model of low-impact tourism.
The project is expected to give a significant boost to the local economy through job creation and the enhancement of the region’s tourism offering. In addition, the resort will feature a model farm focusing on local agriculture, gastronomy, and wellness experiences, integrating primary production with the tourism experience.
According to the Regional Council, the development aligns with both national and EU sustainability criteria and is projected to serve as a benchmark for environmentally responsible tourism growth in Greece.
However, the investment is still in the early stages of the approval process. The company estimates that it will take approximately two years to secure all the necessary permits. The project must be reviewed by the Council of State and will also require the issuance of a Presidential Decree before construction can commence.