Head inland from Rethymnon and Crete’s north coast, to the lush hills and serene countryside, and one stumbles across Kapsaliana; a once abandoned hamlet that, thanks to a careful renovation, today is home to a luxurious and distinctive hotel surrounded by the island’s largest olive grove.
There are many reasons to love the Kapsaliana. For us, it is the belief – felt by all who work there – that they are guardians of the hamlet’s heritage and culture. Their work is never-ending and they are always looking at ways to improve and enhance the story they tell.
In its heyday Kapsaliana was home to 13 families. The former homes, outbuildings and even the old olive mill, around which the hamlet was founded, have been sympathetically remodelled to offer guest accommodation of style, with much of their original features and character maintained. Each room is unique in size and shape, in keeping with the buildings that home them. The old olive press now houses a museum, and there is also a cosy lounge and library. The restaurant provides largely organic fare. At the lowest level is the 16m x 6m pool with furnished terrace surrounds and adjacent pool bar.
Take a stroll and you’ll feel the stresses of modern life ebb away and a calm envelope you. Wellness treatments and experiences are available for those who desire. Although the feeling here is remote - you are in the foothills of the White Mountains and surrounded by nature - it is only 7 kms down to the coastal road which has quick and easy access to miles of sandy beach, the wonderful Venetian town of Rethymnon in one direction and the pretty seaside village of Panormos in the other. All can be reached within a 20-25 minute drive. The historic monastery of Arkadi lies a little further inland (7 kms).
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
Single room
Single room with air-conditioning, double or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe deposit box.
Classic room
Classic room with air-conditioning, double or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe deposit box. Some rooms have a decorative fireplace.
Superior room
Superior room with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit box and terrace. Some rooms have a distant sea view.
Executive room
Executive room with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit box and terrace with views over the olive groves towards the sea.
Junior suite
Junior suite with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), designated seating area, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit box and terrace.
Superior junior suite
Superior junior suite with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), separate living room, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit box and terrace.
Executive suite
Executive suite with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), open-plan living room, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit box and terrace with views over the olive groves towards the sea. The terrace has a plunge pool.
Family suite
Family suite with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), separate living room with two single sofa beds, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit box, terrace and private garden.
Historic olive mill suite
The Olive Oil Mill Suite was originally an 18th century private olive mill. The suite has air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), two open-plan seating areas, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe deposit box.
Stone house suite
Stone house suite with air-conditioning, king-size or twin beds, bathroom (shower and hairdryer), two open-plan seating areas, kitchen and dining area, satellite TV, telephone, complimentary WiFi, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and safe deposit box. The stone house suite has a private swimming pool and distant sea view.