With origins in one of the first hotel chains in Greece, Capsis Hotels, Out of the Blue, Capsis Elite Resort, first opened in 1978, named to highlight its intimate connection with the Aegean Sea. Marika and Thanos Capsis were the chain’s founders, and it was Marika Capsis’ pioneering spirit that led the family to build Out of the Blue. The resort now focuses on VIP guests and their families, destination weddings, honeymoons and wellness lovers.

The National Herald: Who created Capsis? Tell us about the people involved and their family background?

Representative of Capsis Hotels: The Capsis family has a longstanding position in Greece’s hospitality industry.  Starting from Cairo with their first hotel Capsis House Egypt, the family’s legacy progressed with the work of Marika and her husband Thanos Capsis. Dia Capsis now holds the reigns of the Out of the Blue, Capsis Elite Resort, leading it decisively into the 21st century. Taking after her mother, Mrs. Capsis keeps innovation close to her heart, boldly conceiving and developing ideas that constantly raise the bar for quality hospitality.

TNH: Tell us about the people who are part of Capsis and what they can do for the clients and their guests.

CH: Our main goal is to help guests feel like they are home away from home. The services we provide are complemented by our staff’s care of small details. Luxury brings uniqueness: one of a kind locations, exclusive experiences, rare flavors, and exemplary service, all brought together using the highest standards.

An expert team is in charge of planning the perfect wedding or event according to our client’s needs and wishes. Being a 5-star resort, we offer a wide range of services, on top of the usual services expected from a luxury resort. Our two water sports centers are equipped with the latest exciting activities, such as flying board, parascending, inflatables, etc. The Minoan Amusement Club is perfect for kids aged 4-11, providing fun activities and animations and allowing parents to take some time off and focus on themselves. We also were the first resort to offer three escape rooms as an activity, available both for adults and children.

Our Everlasting Euphoria concept is a holistic spa and medical wellness concept aiming to help guests relax, feel refreshed, and tone up their spirit. A skilled team offers safe, non-intrusive and innovative programs and treatments using state-of-the-art medical equipment. Our in-house clinical nutritionist provides diet and nutrition consultations, while the medical wellness centre provides non-invasive anti-aging treatments under the supervision of a plastic surgeon.

TNH: What can the guests expect when they first arrive at Capsis?

CH: Guests can expect to be lavishly pampered from the moment they arrive till the time to say goodbye. They will be welcomed in a beautiful place right by the sea, set on a private peninsula that also includes a private beach. Our people work around the clock to provide and take care of every detail, offering delicious gourmet cuisine, 5-Star accommodation, luxury services and treatments, and impeccable quality of service. The relaxing environment combined with the luxury facilities and services are the perfect getaway, creating an amazing backdrop for a superb destination wedding.

TNH: What months of the year is Capsis open and what months do you most recommend for a wedding?

CH: The resort is open from early April to late October, when Crete’s amazing climate supplies us with an abundance of warm weather and sunshine. The best time for a wedding would be from the beginning of May to the end of September, while experience tells us that October ceremonies are frequently stunning, as the weather is still very mild and the temperatures are comfortable.

TNH: There are many beautiful places in Greece for weddings, why is Capsis a special wedding site?  If a couple decides to get married there, what should they expect?

CH: We are committed to provide an amazing wedding experience for our guests, hence the location we chose and the services we provide. Legacy, innovation and creativity are the tools that our wedding team relies on to arrange beautiful weddings, creating a mesmerizing event and making each moment a precious memory that will have wedding guests gushing about it for years. Everything will be taken care of: Our chefs will plan a tailor-made menu according to the couple’s wishes, experienced decorators will tend to the flower arrangements, while our staff will be at the ready to provide their services wherever needed.

The Resort is an exceptional destination for weddings, providing a spectacular location on a private peninsula with lush botanical gardens and a private beach, easily accessible from the international airport of Heraklion. A large range of guest rooms, suites, maisonettes and luxury villas with pools are available to accommodate the whole wedding party, and ceremonies can be hosted at various gorgeous locations, such as the on-site chapel, the private beach or one of the lawn venues, all equipped with a beautiful blue Aegean Sea backdrop.

Wedding receptions can be held in one of the ten restaurants that are placed in distinctive locations throughout the resort, as well as the beach and lawn venues. The resort can organize an amazing bachelor party, as well as provide the most romantic surroundings for the perfect honeymoon.

TNH: What would you like prospective guests to know about Crete?

CH: Crete is a fantastic mosaic of marvelous beaches, ancient ruins, cosmopolitan cities and breathtaking nature. Its lively cities and picturesque villages are inhabited by wonderful people generously sharing their traditions and proud way of life. The landscape changes tremendously depending on the location, with a distinct contrast between the north side of the island with its long, sandy beaches, large cities and booming nightlife, and the south coast where the terrain is rougher with a fascinating relief, large cliffs, mountainous roads and small communities. Crete can be cosmopolitan, traditional, isolated, bustling, offering diverse experiences depending on the visitor’s needs.

TNH: How does Capsis help guests get the most out of their trip to Crete?

CH: The luxurious destination is placed on the midpoint of Crete’s north coast, making it the ideal location for holidays, as the whole island is accessible for day visits, giving guests the opportunity to explore and discover all the experiences that Crete has to offer. There is an infinite amount of places to visit in Crete, matching every interest, and the resort offers a large selection of day trips, while our staff can also provide advice and information to prospective sightseers.