Mr & MRS Smith Kapsaliana Village Hotel

Our family of four stayed at Kapsaliana Village Hotel in July 2024, and we couldn’t have asked for a more magical holiday! From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and cared for. The beautifully restored village, with its charming stone houses and lush gardens, made us feel like we had stepped into a peaceful oasis. Our room was spacious, beautifully designed, and perfect for a family. The kids loved exploring the grounds, while we enjoyed the tranquility and breathtaking views. The pool was a highlight—crystal-clear and surrounded by olive trees, offering a perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Crete. The Elaia Kapsaliana Restaurant was an unforgettable experience. Every dish was a masterpiece, blending traditional Cretan flavors with a modern touch. Even our picky eaters found favorites! The breakfast, with fresh local ingredients, was the perfect way to start each day. The hospitality at Kapsaliana is truly special. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, always greeting us with warm smiles. The little touches, like the welcome raki and spoon sweet, made our stay even more memorable. We also loved the small but thoughtful details—walking through the village at sunset, enjoying a drink at Lemonies Bar, and even receiving a bottle of their exceptional olive oil as a parting gift. If you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic, and luxurious getaway in Crete, Kapsaliana Village Hotel is the place to be. We left with our hearts full and can’t wait to return!

We enjoyed the setting of the hotel but were disappointed with the staff and service. They were not friendly to us. It could be that we came with young kids and the hotel was mostly adults or that we looked different from most other guests. For example, upon check out, we were not asked if we enjoyed our stay. This is customary to ask guests who are checking out of the hotel. We heard the staff ask this question to other guests who were leaving. Also, we were having an in person conversation with Reception when they cut our conversation (we had been conversing not even 5 min) so that she could attend to another couple who had just walked in. They seemed to like and cater to middle aged tourists. Maybe we were not their favored demographic.

An absolute highlight of our October 2024 trip to Greece. We only wish we had spent more time at Kapsaliana - before the next time. The property is beautiful. The grounds are beautiful without being manicured. The rooms and design feel historic and timeless. The vistas are terrific, but it was also rewarding to just spend time at the pool. We did a fantastic 8km hike - the resort gave us a map and a ride to the starting point. The trail wound back to the property. The breakfast is spectacular. We enjoyed all of the local and terroir touches. The dinner menu and service are memorable. Equally, the casual and local dining options in the nearest village were also terrific. Kapsilana is a great base to explore all of the western half of Crete, or just decompress in the mountains with views of the Aegean.

Kapsaliana is a slice of paradise for sure. Hidden away in the hills, this village has been brought lovingly back to life; it is exquisite. Everything has been done with such a clear sense of the setting, history and for the comfort of guests, with impeccable taste. We had the Libra appartment with its private hot tub, and evenings in the tub with a glass of wine, under the pomegranate tree looking at the stars were just amazing. Some lovely trips around - wineries, the monastery at Arkadi and Margarites for the stunning pottery were lovely too. We can’t wait to return to this stunning spot.

I recently stayed at this incredible hotel, and it was truly a unique experience. The history of the place is palpable, making every corner feel special and steeped in stories from the past. Despite its rich heritage, the hotel perfectly balances modern comforts with its historic charm. The rooms were exceptionally comfortable, especially the beds – I’ve never had such a restful sleep! It felt like the hotel was designed to ensure relaxation, with every detail contributing to a serene atmosphere. The tranquility of the surrounding area adds to this sense of peace, making it the perfect retreat. The pool was a highlight, offering an amazing space to unwind while appreciating the beauty of the location. There’s something special about swimming in such a beautiful, historic setting. It’s rare to find a place that marries such luxury with a sense of heritage, but this hotel does it effortlessly. If you’re looking for a unique, relaxing getaway in a place rich with history, this hotel is a must-visit. And do not forget to try the amazing dishes from the restaurant!

Enough has been written about the Kapsaliana hotel itself. This was our third stay and most definitely not our last, but this time we did discover something new. If you enjoy a glass of wine and would like to learn more about both local and Greek wines, then the Wine Tasting with Stelios is perfect for you. I must admit , when my husband ( impulsively) booked this Wine Tasting for us on 24/9/2024, I raised my eyes to heaven and said,”not another Wine Tasting!” We have had a few on Crete over the years and I was sceptical about learning anything new about this one. I was so wrong. It’s not only about the wines-which are varied, delightful and sometimes surprising and show just how far Greece has come from the days of Retsina and Demestica. It’s also about the setting- beneath the lemon and mandarin trees;-the canapés - cleverly chosen to bring out different elements of the wines;-but perhaps most of all……the knowledge and charm of the sommelier, Stelios. We learnt all about” legs” and “tears”, what PGI and PDO mean and just how important they are. Stelios is a fountain of knowledge whose passion for wines shines through. That, together with his unique warmth and gentle humour will make you wish that the session was at least twice as long. Another magical memory to take home with you from this most magical of places