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Radisson opening a luxury resort in Santorini in 2021

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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.

Radisson Blu Zaffron Resort Santorini

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.

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How to earn Radisson Rewards points and status from UK credit cards

How to earn Radisson Rewards points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

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 cards earn Membership Rewards points:

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

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 Premium 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. You can apply here.

Got a small business?

You can get free top-tier Radisson Rewards VIP status with the new Capital on Tap Pro Visa credit card for small business. Clck here to apply.

Capital on Tap Pro Visa

10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review

Category

Radisson Rewards

Comments (26)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • Alex W says:
    22 Dec22 December 07:39

    Whoo IHG milestones… stay for a thousand years and get a free drinks voucher!

    • memesweeper says:
      22 Dec22 December 07:58

      I’ve earned thousands on the previous accelerators, and made good use of them… but with >100k in the bank, four bookings for next year already locked in, and no way to travel for leisure, it’s much less enticing than it used to be. Hardly IHG’s fault though…

  • Alastair says:
    22 Dec22 December 07:55

    “Stay 40 nights, earn 20k additional bonus points” Much as I like IHG, they’ll have to do A LOT better than that to get what’s left of my business.

  • The Savage Squirrel says:
    22 Dec22 December 08:19

    Worth noting that the Radission site shows renderings, not photos. As we all know with development renderings, they are only VERY distantly related to what the end result looks like. Still an interesting one to watch though; my Radisson points are getting “restless” :D.

  • Tony says:
    22 Dec22 December 08:23

    Has anyone been able to extend IHG free nights ending 31st Dec? They were extended automatically in July but still not been able to use them.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      22 Dec22 December 08:37

      You should have a new night ending Aug 31st. You can use both.

      • Benilyn says:
        22 Dec22 December 12:38

        Unless they are talking about ambassador ones? Which have not been extended yet?

        • TGLoyalty says:
          22 Dec22 December 12:51

          I’m not but I used my 2-4-1 voucher so no idea. Wish it wasn’t extended as I’d have a new one now.

  • Rtid says:
    22 Dec22 December 08:29

    OT. I am rethinking my Amex churn strategy. I’ve had Amex Gold and Platinum cards in the past, but i used a different logon on the Amex website for them. I don’t have the cards anymore either. I’m trying to find out if they were over 24 months ago so i can grab the bonus sign ups. I called Amex but they said they need a card number from me. Anyone come across this/tackled this before? I know i should have kept better track, but appreciate any views.

    • Keely says:
      22 Dec22 December 09:03

      Try again …they were able to search on my name , dob etc . I think you got a lazy person that day …!

    • Matthew says:
      22 Dec22 December 11:18

      Open a free credit karma account and it will tell you when the accounts were closed.

  • Tom says:
    22 Dec22 December 09:55

    The Radisson Blu sounds like they literally just went for the cheapest possible plot of land they could find on Santorini (unsurprising for Radisson). I’m not a fan of the beach side of Santorini as it is, but this i) is in Kamari rather than Perissa / Perivolas where all the action is if you’re happen to be looking for that kind of holiday and ii) also sounds like it isn’t even actually next to the beach so won’t have any views, it’s back in Kamari village. Hard pass.

  • Alan says:
    22 Dec22 December 11:00

    Speaking of hotel schemes, have you any contacts at ALL, Rob that you could ask about points expiry? They seem to be the main (only?) major scheme not offering to extend points expiry just now.

    • Mark Peterborough says:
      22 Dec22 December 11:09

      I do recall that there is a way to keep your IHG points from expiring that involves redeeming a few points on an e-book via the IHG website. I’m sure someone will be along soon to confirm this and give better details than I can

    • Rob says:
      22 Dec22 December 12:03

      No, they have no UK loyalty staff AFAIK.

    • Bagoly says:
      22 Dec22 December 17:21

      I had always wondered where foo and bar in computing came from – now I know!
      Thank you.

    • Alan says:
      23 Dec23 December 04:48

      Ah, looks like this extension might just be for Accor Plus (paid for) cardholders…

  • BrianW says:
    22 Dec22 December 12:07

    If IHG are introducing Hilton style milestone bonuses, stackable with accelerate targets, I may give them back some of my 2021 business that virtually all went to Hilton in 2020. Hilton have been ahead of the game as we all know.

    However, If IHG are introducing Hilton style milestone bonuses, stackable with accelerate targets on a targeted basis (I don’t have this in my offers section), IHG have just ensured that all of my 2021 business will go to Hilton!

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

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