A new island address for MGallery
MGallery Collection, Accor’s brand of hotels with character, has announced the opening of Nírema Hotel & Spa Samos – MGallery Collection. The property sits in a coastal enclave at the entrance to the village of Vathy, on the island of Samos, bordered by the Aegean Sea and backed by the Ampelos mountains.
Its name comes from the Samian dialect and means “dream”. The hotel presents itself as a contemporary Mediterranean retreat, with a concept drawing on the island’s landscapes, its winemaking traditions and its cultural heritage, notably that of Pythagoras, a native of Samos.
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems, described MGallery as a collection of hotels shaped by stories, adding that Nírema tells the story of Samos beautifully through its sea-swept landscapes, its timeless wellness rituals and its deep connection to the island’s winemaking heritage. She said she was delighted to welcome Nírema Hotel & Spa Samos into the MGallery Collection.
A Greek operator at the helm
The hotel will be operated by SWOT Hospitality Management. The Athens-based company is active in hotel management and asset management, and also works in development, investment management, sales and marketing, as well as consultancy.
Its president, Stelios Koutsivitis, sees the affiliation as an important milestone which, in his view, lays the foundations for a strong and lasting presence on the international luxury hotel scene. He added that the launch reflects the company’s commitment to creating distinctive, experience-led hotels while remaining true to the character and heritage of each destination.
The hotel’s owner, Stelios Zarbanis, describes Nírema as a deeply personal project and a tribute to Samos, its people and its quiet power to restore the soul. The partnership with MGallery, he says, makes it possible to share this story with the world while respecting both local heritage and contemporary luxury.
Analysis – The deal pairs the Accor brand with an independent Greek owner and operator. MGallery has already followed this local-partner approach in the Greek market, for example in Mykonos with the Daktylides family, as La Tribune de l’Hôtellerie reported in its article on Naguib Sawiris’s Silversands Mykonos project. The model allows the brand to establish itself on secondary islands without carrying the asset.
72 rooms facing Vathy Bay
All 72 rooms offer panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Vathy Bay and the Ampelos hills. Eight suites feature a private pool and generous terraces. A private beach reserved for guests, equipped with sun loungers and a beach bar, completes the offer.
Dining includes an à la carte restaurant with sea views, showcasing the island’s agricultural heritage, alongside a mixology-focused pool bar designed as a meeting place for locals and travellers alike.
The spa takes a holistic approach inspired by the natural elements of Samos. It is complemented by a gym and an outdoor pool overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Samos Muscat at the heart of the concept
Wine is central to the identity of the property, which lies a short walk from the Samos Wine Museum. The hotel’s cellar, named Curvus, showcases the island’s Muscat through tastings and food and wine pairings.
It is also the setting for the hotel’s M Moment, MGallery’s signature experiences designed to connect guests with the culture of each destination. Here it is called The Cup of Pythagoras – A Samian Wine Ritual. Guided by the sommelier, guests taste local wines from Pythagorean cups, the so-called “cups of justice” known for their hidden siphon mechanism. The tasting is accompanied by local honey, olives, herbs, dried fruit and seasonal fruit.
Four more Greek projects in the pipeline
MGallery claims more than 125 boutique hotels worldwide. In Greece, Nírema joins three properties mentioned in the press release: the Athens Capital Hotel, which marked the brand’s arrival in the country in 2020, NIKO Seaside Resort Crete, and the recently opened Athens Capital Suites.
The expansion is set to continue with four new hotels already in the works, notably in Chania, Crete, and in the wider Athens area. In February 2026, Accor signed a 170-room MGallery within the VORIA project, north of Athens, scheduled to open in May 2028.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
MGallery opens Nírema Hotel & Spa Samos, Greece
Opening announced September 2026 at the entrance of Vathy, Samos island
72 keys, all with Aegean Sea views; 8 suites with private pools; private beach
Managed by Athens-based SWOT Hospitality Management; owner: Stelios Zarbanis
Wine-led concept centred on Samos Muscat, with the Curvus cellar and the Cup of Pythagoras ritual
Four more MGallery hotels in the Greek pipeline, including Chania and the wider Athens area
