I can’t believe I’m saying this, but on my recent trip to Crete I was offered the opportunity to stay at the stunning Stella Island Resort, and it did not disappoint! Lots of people know about this resort as it’s often called the ‘Maldives of the Med’ for its signature over water bungalows and as I approached the entrance I wondered if it would live up to the hype… and it absolutely surpassed my expectations!
Read on for all the essential information you need, but lets start with the key highlights!
🏡 Overwater villas 💦 Swim up rooms 🍝 5 a la carte restaurants 😎 Adults only 🚌 Short transfer
OVERVIEW:
Stella Island Resort & Spa is a 5 star adults only resorts (15+) located in the Creten village of Analipsi, just a 20 minute taxi ride from Heraklion airport. The resort is part of a larger area that houses the other hotels in the Stella Collection (including Stella Blue Seaside Resort and the family focused Stella Palace and Stella Village) however only guests staying in ‘The Island’ can use the facilities.
If you do have the desire to venture out (we didn’t!) then there is a beach across the road and shops, bars and restaurants in the local village a short stroll away, but honestly the resort is so stunning, you would be forgiven for not wanting to leave!
ROOMS:
There are a variety of different room types from the entry level Luxury Pool View, right up to the Grand Overwater Bungalow and the Island Private Pool Villas. There are also swim up rooms, rooms with hot tubs on the balcony, and some rooms are able to accommodate 3 guests with a sofa bed.
I stayed with a friend in a Premium Swim up room and it was absolute perfection. Huge king size bed, fully stocked coffee machine, dressing gowns, pool towels, toiletries kit, in room safe, ironing board, iron and massive walk in shower. The highlight was the patio with 2 padded sun loungers leading onto the swim up room pool. The swim up felt very private as it was in a section away from the main central pool, so perfect if you are really looking to relax and get away.
FOOD AND DRINKS:
We stayed on an all inclusive basis (which I would highly recommend) but you can also opt for half board. Across the resort there are several a la carte restaurants alsongside the buffet. Oceania is for fine dining, Vegara is a Greek taverna which is open foe lunch and dinner, Umami is the rooftop Asian fusion restaurant (the best gyoza I’ve ever tasted), La Parrilla is the overwater steak restaurant and Paraiso serves Mexican food. Makuti Infinity Bar is also open for a la carte lunch. Bookings for the a la carte restaurants for evening tables can be made via the hotels app, or the onsite concierge team.
We ate at Vegara for lunch and its the perfect mix of luxury meets traditional Greek aesthetics, overlooking an olive garden, and the seafood was absolutely top notch. For dinner we enjoyed a 3 course meal at Umami, perched above the resort, lit up in all is glory – get your reservations in early for this restaurant as it is one of the most popular!
Kimata, the hotel buffet is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a wide variety of options including live cooking stations, and has a waiting staff taking drinks orders and a love musician playing chilled holiday vibes. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, and I would definitely recommend an al fresco breakfast overlooking the pool.
ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES:
The whole resort has a very chilled vibe, so not an animation team in site! There are however plenty of activities available such as yoga, pilates and cross fit if you fancy a little extra workout over and above the gym. There is also an onsite spa with an indoor pool and a huge menu of treatments available as payable extras.
If you do want to venture out of the resort there is a beach across the road, along with shops, bars and restaurants, and a short stroll away is the village of Analipsi with traditional taverns and boutiques.
AGENT TIPS:
Head to the onsite concierge upon check in to get your dining reservations in as soon as you arrive and for the evening shows, get down early to bag a good seat so you get to see all the action up close!
I would highly recommend Stella island for couples or friends for that special getaway and wouldn’t hesitate to suggest it as a honeymoon destination!
Fancy some more information on this epic resort? Then check out my vlog!
If you need some help finding resorts that match your client enquiries then check out the Find Your Resort Membership! Watch the 5 minute introduction below and take your client enquiries to the next level!
