Radisson opening a luxury resort in Santorini in 2021

I missed this when it was originally announced in June, but Radisson Blu is opening a luxury resort in Santorini next year.

It is not yet bookable on the Radisson website, but the PR spiel says:

“With its characterized architecture and luxurious style, the Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort, Santorini will feature 102 spacious rooms, suites or exclusive villas. Guests will be thrilled to explore the hotel´s all-day dining restaurant, pool bar and a glorious outdoor swimming pool. The property will also offer a wellness center with a fully equipped gym to revitalize the body, mind and soul. A 134sqm meeting room will be perfect for any social gathering or business function.

Located in Kamari village, the property is only 150 meters away from the beach and seafront promenade. The seaside village is also an ideal starting point for exploring the Mésa Vounó mountain and it´s archaeological site of Ancient Thera, a landmark of Santorini with historical temples and public institutions.”

This could be an excellent Radisson Rewards redemption option in peak season.

Radisson Rewards is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable American Express Membership Rewards transfer partners. The rate is 1:3 and I value a Radisson Rewards point at 0.33p, so it is equivalent to 1p per Amex point.

The Zaffron Resort is not yet bookable but it has a development website here. It looks, frankly, totally unlike any other Radisson I have ever seen – in a very good way.

How to earn Radisson Rewards points and status from UK credit cards (December 2021)

Radisson Rewards does not have a dedicated UK credit card. However, you can earn Radisson Rewards points by converting Membership Rewards points earned from selected UK American Express cards.  These include:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 60,000 Radisson Rewards points. This card is FREE for your first year and also comes with two free airport lounge passes.

• The Platinum Card from American Express (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 30,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 90,000 Radisson Rewards points

• American Express Rewards credit card (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 5,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 15,000 Radisson Rewards points. This card is FREE for life.

Membership Rewards points convert at 1:3 into Radisson Rewards points which is a very attractive rate.  The cards above all earn 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on your card, which converts to 3 Radisson Rewards points.

Even better, holders of The Platinum Card receive free Radisson Rewards Gold status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here.

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)