The Greek hotel that looks more like the Maldives with overwater rooms named one of Europe's best resorts

Scottish Sun

9 hours ago

Plus, the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons'
TOP SPOT The Greek hotel that looks more like the Maldives with overwater rooms named one of Europe's best resorts
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AN ADULTS-ONLY all-inclusive resort nestled in Greece with Maldives-style overwater villas and swim-up hotel rooms has been named the best in Europe.
Awarded by Conde Nast as the top spot, Stella Island Resort and Spa offers the ultimate luxury, with plenty of different villas to choose from, on the island of Crete.
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Stella Island Resort and Spa was named the top adults-only all-inclusive in Europe
Credit: Stella Island Resort
Having opened in 2017, the resort has quickly become known for its 'floating breakfasts' and spa and wellness centre, with a sauna and hammam.
Sitting at its centre is also one of Europe's largest lagoon pools.
Whilst the overwater huts don't sit above the ocean, and instead sit above a pool - with narrow bridges crisscrossing the water.
Each features a day bed that looks out across the pool (and some, the sea too) and a hammock that hovers above the calm crystal waters.
In total, there are eight pools at the resort in total and guests can also head to the beach and a waterpark which neighbour the resort.
In the middle of some of the pools are sunken seating areas, where guests can retreat to with a book or glass of wine.
Each room and suite features blonde wood and bamboo, with a sleek and stylish minimalist interior.
At night, the villas are then illuminated with glowing yellow lights, as are the pools.
The entire resort is located close to Analipsi, but guests also don't need to really venture out of the resort itself as it has five restaurants serving a range of cuisines.
For example, there is a buffet serving authentic Greek food and a Mexican restaurant as well.
This holiday park has Maldives-like overwater bungalows
As for wellness, there is both and indoor and outdoor gym, tennis and paddle courts, stand up paddle-boarding and complimentary bike hire.
The resort even has its own app which guests can use to book restaurants and activities and request things such as room service or a towel change.
One recent visitor said: "This is our third time staying here — and it won't be our last.
"The moment you walk through the doors, you can feel the stress of life just melt away.
"It's like the whole place is designed to make you breathe easier, relax deeper, and feel completely taken care of."
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There are a range of different rooms and suites to choose from
Credit: instagram
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Across the resort, there are eight pools and five restaurants
Credit: Stella Island Resort
Another added: "Special memories made in a very special place."
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the resort from Heraklion airport - and if you book via the hotel's website, you'll even get a free transfer from the airport.
Rooms cost from £180 per night and anyone over the age of 15-years-old is allowed to stay.
If visitors do want to venture out of the resort, there is plenty to do across Crete - including several serene beaches, quad safaris across the rugged landscape and historic village hopping.
The Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons'
The Sun's Brittany Vonow headed to Rhodes and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world - here's her take.
Running the TUI Rhodes half-marathon, I'm 16 kilometers in and almost sorry I have only five more to go.
It's easily one of the most beautiful races I've done, winding along the sparkling sea and past ancient fortifications.
With the supportive locals and 700 volunteers, it's a joyful experience in the birthplace of the marathon.
I push through the final stretch, crossing the finish line in 1 hour and 55 minutes.
Afterwards, I relax at the adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, recovering my muscles in the sauna.
The shoulder season offers a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere.
Beyond the hotel, we explore the Old Town, enjoying delicious Greek food like dolmades, tzatziki, and baklava.
My medal serves as a lasting souvenir of a truly unforgettable trip.
A Greek expert has also revealed four better value islands where locals go on holiday with Santorini-like houses and secluded beaches.
Plus, the smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.