Mr & MRS Smith Kapsaliana Village Hotel

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

This is a perfect hotel for couples to relax and have a romantic experience, located in the heart of Crete. The hotel and surrounding grounds are beautiful with meticulous attention to detail throughout. The restaurant here is really first class and serves food of a Michelin star quality with an emphasis on Cretan cuisine. A particular highlight was the wine tasting led by Stelios. A fantastic selection of Cretan wines that were interesting and delicious. We learned a lot from Stelios, who guided us expertly through the history of wine making in Crete and the flavour profiles of the wines. Fantastic experience and excellent value for money. We will be coming again.

The hotel’s concept with various rooms in a beautifully restored old village is beautiful. The grounds and various buildings are quaint and very well done. Very high end. Service is excellent. The setting is quiet and serene. However during our 6-night stay there were at least one family every day with small children who are just being children, but their constant tantrums disrupt the peace and quiet for all the other guests, who are without exception adult couples, undoubtedly here for the same reason we were - to relax in the magical peaceful setting. Forget the pool if the kiddies are there - constant noise, crying, and commotion. Why is this hotel not an adults only hotel????? We would gladly pay a bit more for that. My other comment is about the dinners here. They are trying too hard to be a foodie destination but IMHO they missed the mark. The food is just ok and it is very expensive - about twice the price as just about any other of the many restaurants we visited over several weeks on Crete. Not worth it. They should stick with some more traditional food, or at least offer options, and lower their prices. We ended up going out somewhere else every night for dinner for great food at half the price. However I must add that the included breakfast spread was over the top great. Just fix the dinner menu.