Why We Like It:
Stella Island Resort in Crete is a 5-star luxury, adults-only resort with a tremendously good reputation and one which is home to one of only two overwater bungalow accommodations in Europe (the other being at Palafitte Resort on Lake Neuchâtel, Switzerland).
It occupies a private stretch of Crete’s north coast and offers, amongst other things, spa facilities, some of the very best food on the island, and the opportunity to enjoy many sports including tennis and water sports.
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, we feel the breakfast and dinner included option seems the best, but only if you’re not a big drinker – drinks are relatively expensive here, so if so you might be better off with the all-inclusive.
Stella Island is far more a romantic getaway than a party resort though we feel. Though there are many lovely bars, lounges, and restaurants to choose from but they close relatively early.
Overwater Bungalows & Other 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. We find all very elegant and stylish, and exhibiting 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, cozy, and romantic, and come with a terrace allowing direct access to the lagoon pool, and overwater hammocks.
The second option though, listed as ‘Grand Overwater Bungalow with Outdoor Jacuzzi’ on the booking page, is 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.’
Overwater Bungalow Prices:
Enter dates and check prices at Booking.com here or at Expedia 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.
Resort Facilities & Things to Do:
We find the food at Stella Island 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.
We think 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 we must point 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, we find an elevated pool with glass sides that allow views 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 volleyball, football, water sports, and more.
Resort 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.
Some Guest 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….”
See all the reviews right here
