In 2025, Metaxa Hospitality Group celebrates 50 years of successful operation.
Guided consistently by sustainability, throughout the years we have offered authentic hospitality experiences and created new value chains for people, the environment, and local communities.
1975 – Our journey begins. Nikolaos and Theano Metaxas establish Creta Maris in Hersonissos, the first 5-star hotel in Crete, providing hospitality services for the entire family.
1984 – Silva Maris opens in Hersonissos.
1992 – Our people always at the center. We create a Blood Bank at Venizeleio Hospital, a major social initiative of the Group that continues to this day.
1994 – Bella Maris opens in Anissaras.
1995 –We welcomed guests to Candia Maris in Ammoudara and introduce the Thalasso thalassotherapy center.
1998 – A priceless contribution to cultural heritage. Nikolaos Metaxas donates his – one-of-a-kind – personal Collection of 2,229 Ancient Minoan Seal Stones to the Greek State and is awarded the Gold Medal of the Academy of Athens.
1999 – We publish our 1st Sustainability Report, ecoming one of the first business groups in Greece to do so.
2000 – Meaningful support for the Arts and Culture. The Fine Arts Competition of the Athens School of Fine Arts, organized by the Group since 1997, evolves into the 1st Biennale and continues until 2008.
2000 – We establish the Maris Green Team, a volunteer group that remains active today through the sustainability initiatives of our hotels.
2001 – The Creta Maris Conference Center becomes part of the Group — the largest conference center in Crete and one of the largest in Greece.
2002 – The Terra Maris Hotel opens in Hersonissos.
2003 – Opening of the Crete Golf Club facilities, where the Group is a major shareholder.
2004 – We establish Minoan International College, a pioneering hospitality and tourism college based in Crete.
2005 – Candia Maris celebrates 10 successful years of operation. We renovate the Thalasso center.
2006 – “Mikis Theodorakis / The Theory of Cosmic Harmony”, a unique symposium hosted at Creta Maris.
2009 – Creta Maris and Terra Maris merge, forming the Creta Maris Convention & Golf Resort as we know it today.
2009 -We bid farewell to our beloved founder, Nikolaos Metaxas, who passed away on June 21, leaving a great legacy in Greek hospitality and culture.
2011 – Andreas N. Metaxas assumes leadership of the Group as CEO, inaugurating a new era of dynamic growth, with sustainability at its core.
2012 – Candia Maris, a modern resort for guests over 16 years old focusing on entertainment and wellness, is renamed TUI MAGIC LIFE Candia Maris.
2012 – Creta Maris redefines its service philosophy by launching the pioneering “Green Cretan All-Inclusive” concept.
2014 –Metaxa Hospitality Group initiates the innovative corporate scheme “Local Production and Hospitality” to connect local producers with the tourism industry. We Do Local.
2015 – The Group celebrates 40 years of successful operation.
2016 – We inaugurate Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa in Oia, Santorini — a dynamic entry into the world of luxury hospitality.
2019 – From Maris Hotels to Metaxa Hospitality Group. The Group adopts a new corporate identity, giving fresh momentum to its growth trajectory.
2019 – The Group continues to invest in Greek tourism with major projects. Cape Tholos in Kavousi, Northeastern Crete, is included among the country’s national strategic investments.
2021 – We launch the Sustainable Hotel Farming program, following our long-standing initiative “Hotel Gardening”, active since the Group's early years.
2021 – The Group designs and implements the Sustainable Procurement – Action for a Sustainable Future program, a pioneering initiative for the Greek market.
2021 –Named “Leading Hospitality Group in Greece” by the World Travel Awards — a title we proudly hold to this day.
2022 – The Creta Maris Conference Center is renamed “Mikis Theodorakis” — a humble tribute to the great Greek composer.
2023 – The Group continues to innovate in sustainability, launching the Regenerative Agriculture for the Lassithi Plateau and its People – Towards a Sustainable Food Destination program.
2023 – Creta Maris Resort renews its identity and successfully completes an ambitious renovation and service upgrade program.
2023 – Santo Maris Oia Luxury Suites & Spa is renamed Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas, and the Santo Collection Resorts & Villas is inaugurated — a refined collection of sustainable luxury hotels and private villas in Oia, Santorini.
2024 – The Group continues to grow with the launch of the new 5-star Santo Mine Oia Suites and The Villas in Oia, both members of the Santo Collection Resorts & Villas.
2025 – We celebrate 50 years!