Stella Island, Crete

Stella Island Resort in Crete is a 5 Star luxury, adults-only resort with a tremendously good reputation and one which is also home to one of only two overwater bungalow accommodations in Europe. (The other being at Palafitte Resort on the rather more chilly Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland.)

It occupies a private stretch of Crete’s north coast and offers, amongst other things, excellent spa facilities, some of the very best food on the island and the opportunity to enjoy many sports including tennis and water sports. Guests also consistently praise the staff at Stella Island.

The resort has various deals for you to choose from: You can go B&B/ breakfast only, have breakfast and dinner included in the room rate or go all-inclusive. In terms of value the breakfast and dinner included option seems the best, but only if you’re not a big drinker – if you’ll be getting stuck into the cocktails every evening then go for the all-inclusive.

Stella Island, though large, is far more romantic getaway than party place. There are many lovely bars, lounges and restaurants to choose from but they close relatively early.

THE ACCOMMODATION:

There are 89 rooms, bungalows and villas at Stella Island, and all are top of the range. It is luxury accommodation but not in any kind of garish way. All are elegant and stylish and exhibit more than a touch of boho chic.

Some rooms, on the first floor, have balconies that overlook the huge central lagoon pool while the ground floor rooms allow direct access to it. Their 12 ‘Island Villas’ come with their own private pools, and are relatively good value compared to the rooms.

The overwater bungalows come in two forms the first, referred to as ‘Bungalow with Shared Pool’ on the booking page, are relatively small but beautifully designed, furnished and fitted. They feel private, cosy and romantic, and come with a terrace allowing direct access to the lagoon pool, and overwater hammocks.

The second though – listed as ‘Grand Overwater Bungalow with Outdoor Jacuzzi’ on the booking page, are far superior. They are spacious and airy with high ceilings and large terraces that also allow direct access to the water and come with deck furniture, overwater hammocks and, as their title suggests, jacuzzis.

They come with a premium of course but in our view they are worth it over the ‘Bungalows with Shared Pool.’

PRICES:

Check out all the details – prices, reviews and more photos, on their Booking.com page here and on their Expedia.com page here.

Note – The overwater bungalows at Stella Island are their most popular accommodation choice. Prepare to book as early as possible. Our affiliate partnerships with Booking.com & Expedia allow you free cancellation on most bookings. 

FACILITIES & THINGS TO DO:

The food at Stella Island is consistently highly praised. You can choose between local Cretan and a range of international food, including sushi for example. Their breakfast is a veritable feast – a large buffet style spread with a choice of freshly prepared plates, both hot and cold, that include some interesting local options.

It is as good a breakfast buffet as you will find in Crete and the service in the restaurants and bars, and throughout the resort is top notch. The staff are super helpful but also cheerful and friendly – they all seem extremely happy to work there and that creates a very nice atmosphere.

The resort though is a sophisticated place it must be pointed out and as such they have certain little rules like not allowing shorts or bare feet in the restaurants.

The spa at Stella Island is as stylish and nice as you’d be inclined to imagine after breezing through the rest of the resort. There, amongst other things, you will find an elevated pool with has glass sides that allow you to look out onto the sea, a hammam, whirlpool baths and treatment rooms offering a range of massage and other therapies using Elemis products.

There is also a well equipped fitness center/gym at your disposal and you can enjoy sports such as tennis, beach volley ball, football, water sports and more.

LOCATION:

Stella Island is tucked away on the north coast of Crete, Greece, near the well known Hersonissos Beach and just 15 miles from the Island’s charming capital Heraklion.

REVIEWS:

“Our stay at Stella Island was just amazing and extraordinary beautiful and great. We arrived late in the evening and the resort captured us from the moment we saw the entrance area and the lobby. The main topic of the resort is “water” and you feel like you are in paradise from the moment you make a step into the resort. But not only the resort itself and it’s just not comparable in beauty look, makes it so special, but its kind and super schooled staff. From the driver to the waiters and waitresses and the room-keeping everybody is so super friendly, nice and helpful , which you can’t imagine. The style of the hotel makes you feel at home at once. It’s totally stylish and built with luxurious materials. Just go and find out yourself! Oh and on top the food is so good – especially the pastries. Definitely coming back again….”

“Amazing experience. It was an amazing holiday, the hotel is so luxurious, clean, beautiful, the food is so delicious and the stuff are so professional and friendly I spent one week this month and I will be back by the end of the month because I’m in love with this place….”

>> CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS & TO BOOK YOUR STAY AT STELLA ISLAND, CRETE

Location Category:

Greece

Crete