
Ella Resorts' stunning new Greek properties In The Spotlight
Video transcript
Jennifer: Welcome to our In The Spotlight video with Ella Resorts. Panos, could you start by telling us a little bit about Ella Resorts for anyone unfamiliar with the brand?
Panos: Absolutely Jen. Thank you. In Greek, the word 'ella' means 'come', and that one word expresses everything we stand for. It is practically an open invitation to explore, to relax, and to truly connect with yourself, nature and the rich culture of Greece. Our philosophy is built on three core pillars: authentic experiences, conscious living and effortless elegance. Each resort is designed not only with style, but with soul, integrating sustainability, local culture, and thoughtful design to create a sense of harmony and belonging.
Our current portfolio includes stunning resorts across the islands of Rhodes and Corfu, each offering a unique blend of sophistication and relaxed comfort, and we're growing. In 2025, we're excited to welcome two new properties: Alkyna Lifestyle Beach Resort in Corfu, which opened just yesterday [1 May], a refined adults-only beachfront retreat; and Rocrita in Crete – a vibrant destination for families seeking connection, nature, and memorable moments together [*Rocrita is due to open early next year].
Jennifer: I hear you have an adults-only offering as well as an 'Ellavated bliss' proposition at some of your resorts. Please tell us more about that.
Panos: At Ella Resorts our adults-only experiences are defined by what we call 'Ellavated Bliss from Ella Resorts', a sophisticated escape designed for guests who appreciate refinement, serenity and exceptional taste. At both Elissa in Rhodes and the new Alkyna in Corfu, dining is more than a pleasure… it's an art. So restaurants are curated in collaboration with Michelin-awarded chefs such as the acclaimed Greek chef, Mr Alexandros Tsiotinis, who curates menus the Fourni and Kavos a la carte restaurants at Elissa Lifestyle Beach Resort in Rhodes. To compliment this, our wine lists are curated with internationally acclaimed labels, as well as rare Greek varietals chosen to elevate every meal. And of course, cocktails are crafted by expert mixologists, bringing a creative twist to the evenings of our guests.
Jennifer: And you do also have properties catering for families and those looking for a slightly more traditional, all-inclusive offering.
Panos: Indeed, at Ella Resorts we understand that families today are looking for meaningful moments, shared experiences and quality time together. That's why our family friendly resorts are designed with care, comfort and connection in mind. Our upcoming resort, Rocrita in Crete, along with selected properties across Rhodes and Corfu, offer an elevated approach to the all-inclusive experience, where families enjoy freedom, variety and exceptional quality all in one place.
We practically cater to every taste, from locally inspired dishes for adventurous palates to familiar favourites crafted with the highest quality of ingredients. Children have their own dedicated menus – fun and healthy options – and relaxing settings designed for enjoyment. Whether it's a family brunch by the sea, sharing stories over dinner or enjoying an ice cream by the pool, we create the space and flavour for families to slow down, laugh together and make memories that truly matter.
Jennifer: I'd love to hear more about the local experiences on offer or what you call 'Ellascapes', and what's special about the in-resort experiences.
Panos: We truly believe that travel should be deeply enriching both within the resort and beyond it. That's why we've created 'Ellascapes', a collection of curated local experiences that invite our guests to truly connect with the soul of each destination. So whether it's a vineyard visit in the Cretan Hills, a traditional cooking class in Rhodes or sailing along Corfu's hidden coves, 'Ellascapes' are designed to immerse you in inviting culture, nature and community. But the experience doesn't stop just there. When you return to the resort, our in-resort programming is thoughtfully curated, from sunset yoga sessions and immersive spirit rituals to live music, wine tastings, and art-inspired workshops.
Whether you're exploring the island or simply enjoying this ambience of our resorts, you'll feel a sense of place, connection and discovery, and that's what makes the Ella experience truly special.
Jennifer: Finally, am I right in thinking that Ella Resorts has got a particular focus on the UK market at the moment?
British travellers have a longstanding appreciation for Greek culture, hospitality, and natural beauty. But more than that, they value quality, authenticity, and meaningful experiences – values that sit at the heart of the Ella philosophy. That's why we're placing a strong focus on the UK market right now.
With direct flights, warm hospitality, and a shared love of discovery, Greece continues to be a natural choice for UK travellers. For us, the UK is not just a key market, it's a valued partner in our journey forward.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Daily Mail
GK Barry flaunts her jaw-dropping figure in a TINY thong bikini as she soaks up the sun with gorgeous girlfriend Ella Rutherford amid their romantic Greek getaway
GK Barry flaunted her jaw-dropping figure amid her romantic Crete getaway with gorgeous girlfriend Ella Rutherford on Monday. The Loose Women star, 25, who has been dating the professional footballer, also 25, since early 2024, slipped into a skimpy bikini to climb the famous Kourtaliotiko Gorge and swim in its stunning lagoon. GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, looked sensational while frolicking in the water in the tiny white two piece which boasted a triangular top and racy thong. Meanwhile Ella also showed off her own svelte physique in a busty bikini top and swimming shorts as the pair put on a romantic display. GK captioned the snaps: 'No one tells you it's around 6,000 steps to get to the waterfall and the water is -50 degrees x' to which Ella replied: 'Was worth every step'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The couple were no doubt celebrating GK's new career move after she landed a spot on BBC Radio 1's schedule this summer. The star will present her very own show for the entire month of July after BBC bosses announced a schedule shakeup. GK will host Radio 1's afternoon show from July 4 and will be on air from 1pm to 4pm every Saturday and Sunday. Speaking about her new gig, GK told MailOnline: 'I'm really excited to be presenting my own show with BBC Radio 1 this summer. It's totally different to podcasting and I'm ready to get stuck in! 'As someone who travels a lot for work I'm always listening to the radio, so I can't wait to interact with the listeners and get them involved in all the fun.' Teasing her new show, the BBC said the TiKToker will be joined by 'special guests' who will co-host the programme alongside her. In April Ella shared a rare insight into her relationship with the TV star, admitting 'she's changed my life for the better'. Speaking on talkSPORT's The Kickback, Ella said: 'She [GK Barry] really just became, straight away, as soon as I met her, that rock - that I obviously had with family and stuff but I think it's different when you've got a partner and you're going home to them every night. GK captioned the snaps: 'No one tells you it's around 6,000 steps to get to the waterfall and the water is -50 degrees x' to which Ella replied: 'Was worth every step' 'She's been a massive part of why I'm so happy on the outside if people do see that. Since I met her, she's changed my life for the better.' Ella added: 'She's flourished into her wag era. She's cooking dinners and enjoying just coming to the game with her prosecco. 'She hasn't got a clue what's going on. I asked "babe what do you do when I'm playing?" and she's just like "I just watch you". 'Sometimes she'll say like "that was a free kick" and she'll know a corner but I do need to sit her down. 'At the start I was banging my head because she didn't know what goal we were scoring in or what team we were - I said "we're wearing all blue babe you need to just look at our team". 'But she's come on, bless her. That's nice for me as well because she really does try to understand it as well as me understanding what she does and supporting her. 'She's been a massive support for me this year so that's been nice.' GK previously admitted she was 'terrified' of first meeting Ella as she hadn't yet dated a woman after coming out. She said: 'I knew I was bi, but I was really scared to date a woman. It was territory I'd never been in. I was really terrified to meet Ella. We had a mutual friend. 'I looked at her Instagram and I thought, "look at the calves on that! There's no way I'm letting her go." So I plucked up the courage and went on a date.' The couple are now happier than ever, with Grace adding: 'It was the best decision ever. We have been inseparable since. We live together now. Sometimes she does drive me up the wall, but with love, of course.'


Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The little-known Greek island that's just as beautiful as Santorini - but much more peaceful over the summer
A hotspot for tourists, Santorini has long been regarded as the perfect destination to soak up the sun and Greek culture. But there's a little-known island that's just as peaceful, located in the southern Aegean Sea. Hydra, which is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, is just as beautiful as Santorini - and is less crowded. The secret idyllic island is just 75-minutes from Athens, with donkeys on hand to transport the luggage of visitors. This is due to the breathtaking location being protected by a preservation order, which bans the use of vehicles and motorbikes, with the exception of ambulances and fire brigades. It means traffic noise is unheard, allowing your ears to tune into the sound of the tranquil waves as they crash against the shore and the unbeatable ambience of nature. With neoclassical mansions standing as a backdrop to the island, it's filled with alleyways that lead into gorgeous courtyards. The island has a healthy and diverse range of animals and is even home to the largest herd of working equines in the world. Near Hydra's port, you'll find the Historical Archives Museum, showcasing the island's proud naval history. From attention-grabbing naval paintings, to handwritten notes dating back to Hydra's participation in the Greek War of Independence, the museum is a step back in time. Aside from history and Hydra's stunning port, there's also the chance to explore its olive groves on horseback, visiting ancient chapels on route. As many as 300 chapels are dotted across the charming island, which is a stone's throw away from Dokos Island, should you wish to set sail and explore. Underwater, the island is home to fascinating ancient sea wrecks and underwater cliffs. Meanwhile, while some residents of Santorini have warned the picture-perfect island is being swamped, other locals have claimed that the Greek holiday hotspot is struggling to bring in enough tourists. Last year a tourist operator branded the season their 'worst ever' in the 18 years that they had lived on the island. 'The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever,' said Gianluca Chimenti. Put off by videos of queues of cruise ship passengers and visitors shuffling through the streets in the hot sun, would-be tourists were opting to avoid staying on the island for long periods, he claimed. He told CNN travel: 'The problem is that the social media is showing something completely different from what is the reality.' Many of those flocking to the island's main attractions were cruise ship passengers, with Santorini a key stop on Greek cruises' itineraries. But, when the crowds were gone, Chimenti said, 'the hotels right now are more or less under 30 per cent of a normal season.'


BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Hampshire 29-year-old to take on groundbreaking Europe walk
A former addict who shares her struggles through poems on TikTok hopes to document a groundbreaking challenge for suicide Birks, 29, from Andover, Hampshire, wants to be the first person to travel on foot from Europe's northernmost point in Norway, to its southernmost point on the Greek island of solo challenge is a 8,500km (5,280 mile) journey that will take her through 10 countries and last about a Birks said: "I'm doing this trek to make lots of noise around suicide prevention." She said she started taking antidepressants aged 13 to treat persistent insomnia, anxiety and her teens she struggled with anorexia and bulimia, before becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol at aged said: "It wasn't apparent at first: when you're young, people your age are drinking lots as well."Ms Birks said her "party girl" persona became increasingly destructive in her early 20s, and eventually "spiralled into everyday using".Then, in March 2021, she ran away from home and became homeless."My family didn't really know where I was. I put them through hell," she said. "I tried to take my life three times. Luckily, I was really bad at it."In May 2022, she found herself with "nowhere else to go" and was accepted back by her family "without hesitation".A friend posted about a recovery programme and she decided to attend an online meeting, which she said was "amazing".During her recovery, she was diagnosed with ADHD and bipolar disorder. She said: "I found poetry in recovery, I wasn't even 30 days clean, and I just picked up a pen and a piece of paper and started writing."By the time you get to rock bottom, you've got this rucksack on your back filled with so much stuff, and you think you're going to take it to your grave."Poetry became my way of expressing that, when saying things really bluntly felt too scary."Her poems struck a chord on TikTok, where she has more than 37,000 said: "I made a vow to myself that I didn't want anyone else to go through years of feeling lost and misunderstood."I just want people to know that it's OK to talk about it more, and there's no shame in anything that you're struggling with." She has been training to carry everything she needs in her 20kg backpack, including a tent and a large flag bearing the names of people who have taken their own lives. Some of them are friends, others were sent in by bereaved well-wishers online."I'm going to hit so many points where I think 'I don't know how I'm going to do this," she said."That's why I've got the flag, and that's why I've got people's names on my tent, because it's all these little reminders of the bigger picture."I'm determined to do this, so I know I will."She hopes to "honour the lives of those lost to suicide" and show people "it does get good again"."If you take it one step at a time, eventually you will find yourself back in the light again," she added. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.