DLA Piper has advised leading international developer and operator of ultra-luxury resorts and residences, Kerzner International Holdings Limited ("Kerzner") on its joint venture with private equity firm, Dolphin Capital Partners and Dolphin Capital Investors for the development and management of the One&Only Kéa Island, Greece, a luxury tourism project on the Cycladic island of Kea.

Situated across 65 hectares, the resort will include 75 resort villas, a spa, beach club, leisure and dining facilities, as well as a number of branded private homes for purchase. One&Only Kéa Island, Greece will be the first One&Only resort in Greece and second in Europe, with the resort expected to be developed in time for the 2020 season.

Kerzner, through its subsidiaries, develops and operates destination resorts, luxury hotels and residences. This includes management of eight of the top-rated luxury resort properties in the world under the One&Only brand, located in the Bahamas, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa, Dubai and Australia.

The DLA Piper team was led by Ben Gillespie, Regional Head of Corporate, Middle East, with assistance from legal director, Helen Hangari and legal consultant, Natalia Tombs. Local input was provided by AP Legal in Greece and L Papaphilippou & Co LLC in Cyprus.
Ben Gillespie commented "We are pleased to have advised Kerzner on this exciting transaction. It is great example of our ability to support Middle East based companies with their growth ambitions globally and we look forward to working with Kerzner in the future as it continues to develop the One&Only brand."