
The Greek hotel that looks more like the Maldives with overwater rooms named one of Europe's best resorts
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.
4
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.
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."
4
4
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.
4
Hashtags

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


The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Bikini-clad Alex Scott and Jess Glynne cosy up together on sun-soaked holiday in Rhodes
ALEX SCOTT and Jess Glynne cosied up together on their sun-soaked holiday. The former England footballer and her popstar girlfriend jetted off to Rhodes. 14 14 14 14 Scott, 40, worked for BBC Sport throughout the successful Lionesses' Women's Euros campaign and was on stage at the parade. And Glynne, 35, had a few weeks off between gigs in Cardiff at the end of July and her appearance at Smukfest in Denmark on Saturday night. So they whisked themselves off to the gorgeous Greek island to enjoy some downtime and R&R together. Scott took to Instagram on Saturday afternoon with a series of photo and video highlights. The pics included the ex-Arsenal star rocking various bikinis in various settings - including on a boat, swimming in the crystal-clear blue water and drinking beside the sea. There were also selfies of both her and cuddled up with Glynne, scenic views, meals, sunset walks and even a place called Alex's Restaurant. Scott even shared a few videos on her Instagram feed, with one of the couple lying in the sun on the back of a boat and another of the 140-cap England hero singing and performing. She captioned the post: "Lil postcard from Rhodes." And plenty of her 2.2million followers flooded the comments with messages. One said: "So wholesome." Alex Scott forced to apologise on stage at Lionesses parade as England hero Chloe Kelly swears live on BBC Another wrote: "Ah true love, looks amazing where you are." A third added: "More great memories!" A fourth typed: "Looks a stunning place, hope you both had a lovely time, you make a lovely couple, chuffed for ya both." A fifth replied: "Gorgeous couple." And a final user quipped: "Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday," in reference to Glynne's Hold My Hand song used for the viral advert. 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Could YOU have the virus prompting Covid-era restrictions in China? What you need to know about chikungunya virus
China is currently facing what is believed to be the country's largest outbreak of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus. More than 10,000 cases have been reported in China, and an increasing number of countries across Asia and Europe are reporting near record-high cases or cases for the first time. The CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for China, urging Americans to take extra precautions when visiting the region. However, experts fear the outbreak may have already reached the US. Dr Louisa Messenger, a mosquito researcher in Nevada, told Daily Mail: 'This outbreak in China is very concerning. It [the virus] could already be here in the US; and really it's just one plane flight away.' Chikungunya is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, the same species that carry dengue and Zika viruses. It is rarely fatal but can cause debilitating symptoms, including fever, joint pain and, in severe cases, life-threatening brain and heart damage. Below, Daily Mail reveals everything you need to know about chikungunya virus: What is the situation in China? China has recorded approximately 10,000 chikungunya viruses this year, and about 3,000 of those have cropped up in the last week. Roger Hewson, virus surveillance lead at the UK's Wellcome Sanger Institute, said the current outbreak in China is the largest ever, Al Jazeera reported. To combat the spread of the virus, Chinese officials had ordered travelers from Foshan, the epicenter of the outbreak, to undergo a 14-day home quarantine, similar to Covid restrictions, but that has since been withdrawn. Infected patients are being isolated in hospital wards and covered with mosquito nets. They are required to remain there for a week or until they test negative, if sooner. Images show Chinese state workers spraying clouds of disinfectant around city streets, residential areas and construction sites where people may come into contact with virus-bearing mosquitoes in or near standing water. Drones are also reportedly being used to hunt down insect breeding grounds and spray insecticide, and residents are being asked to empty bottles, flower pots or other outdoor receptacles that may collect water. Failure to comply with any restriction may lead to fines of up to $1,400 (10,000 Yuan) and locals can have their electricity cut off, according to state media. Is the virus in the US? A small number of cases of chikungunya virus are recorded in the US every year. As of August 5, the CDC reported 46 cases of chikungunya in the US this year, all contracted by travelers returning from high-risk areas. No deaths have been reported. It is unclear how many of these could be linked to China's outbreak. Estimates suggest 1.6million people travel between the US and China every year, with experts saying it only takes one bite from a mosquito on one infected traveler to then pass the virus throughout America. The US has experienced limited local transmission of the virus previously. In 2014 and 2015 cases were detected in Florida and Texas. Locally acquired cases in US states and territories have not been reported since 2019, however, according to the CDC. What is the CDC saying? The CDC is warning Americans to take extra precautions when traveling to high-risk areas. In addition to the travel advisory for China, the agency also issued a warning for eight other countries: Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Réunion, Somalia and Sri Lanka. It is advising travelers to wear insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to stay in places with air conditioning. Travelers are also been advised to get vaccinated against chikungunya, with two vaccines available that have been approved in the US. Dr Messenger told this website: 'People should be concerned about these diseases, wear topical repellents, wear long sleeves, and get vaccinated against them if they can.' The CDC says that pregnant women should avoid traveling to high risk areas because they are at higher risk of complications from the virus. What are symptoms? About 15 to 35 percent of people infected with the virus are asymptomatic, the CDC reports. The incubation period is typically three to seven days and the most common symptom is a sudden onset of a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 degrees Celsius). Other symptoms of chikungunya virus include headache, nausea, rash, muscle aches, swelling and redness of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye and inner eyelids) and joint pain that is sometimes severe and debilitating in the hands or feet. In severe cases, life-threatening complications involving the heart and brain can occur such as inflammation, irregular heartbeats and organ failure. Symptoms usually last seven to 10 days, but patients may experience lifelong complications such as persistent joint pain. Those experiencing symptoms or who think they are infected with the virus should contact their primary care provider or visit a hospital. Infections can be diagnosed through a patient history, symptoms, blood tests and serum tests. How is the disease treated? There is no specific treatment for chikungunya virus, though there are several options being investigated, according to the CDC. Doctors instead focus on trying to ease symptoms through rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relief medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol). For people who continue to experience pain, over-the-counter pain relievers, steroids and physical therapy are typically the course of treatment. There are two vaccines available for chikungunya virus and they are recommended for people visiting areas with an outbreak or that may pose a higher risk of infection.


Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Wildfires loom over Naples and Athens
Homes have been destroyed and residents evacuated after wildfires tore through Greece and Italy. An elderly man died in fires around Keratea, a town 27 miles south-east of Athens, with 260 firefighters deployed to tackle the blaze. Dozens of people were forced to abandon their homes along with residents and staff at a care home in the nearby coastal resort of Palea Fokea. Nearly 80 fire engines, 11 water bombers, and seven helicopters were used to subdue the fire that tore its way through 10,000 acres of brush and forest. Dimitris Loukas, the mayor of the nearest city of Lavrio, said: 'Many homes were destroyed, in addition to other properties, agricultural and forest land.' The National Observatory in Athens said the high winds will persist until at least Monday. On Friday, gale-force winds caused the deaths of two Vietnamese tourists – a 61-year-old woman and 65-year-old man, – who fell into the sea at Sarakiniko beach on the Cycladic island of Milos, while tens of thousands of holidaymakers had their travel plans disrupted because of the turbulent sea conditions. Wildfires also broke out on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius near Naples, where firefighters had to abandon their efforts to combat the blaze because of safety reasons, the president of the Vesuvius National Park said. Raffaele De Luca said: 'We are following every update in constant contact with the relevant authorities. Our gratitude goes to those who are working tirelessly to protect our natural heritage and ensure the safety of those who live nearby.' The towns nestled along the base of the active volcano, Ercolano and Torre del Greco, were shrouded in thick smoke, prompting evacuations and health warnings. In Turkey, meteorologists recorded its hottest July in 55 years and wildfires forced the temporary closure of the Dardanelles Strait. The highest-ever recorded temperature of 50.5 C was set in Silopi, a city in the Simak province around 10 kilometres from the Iraq and Syrian borders. It shattered the previous national high of 49.5 C recorded in August 2023 in the western province of Eskisehir. Temperatures recorded in 66 of the country's 220 weather stations showed an average rise of 1.9 degrees over the preceding years. Fourteen people died in July in the western part of the country. Hundreds of others were evacuated on Friday in the north-west province of Canakkale, where the Dardanelles Strait was closed to maritime traffic due to two raging fires. The heatwave has also prompted fears of water shortages in some areas. The resort town of Cesme on the Aegean Sea has restricted tap water for residents and tourists between 11:00 pm to 6:00 am since July 25. In France, firefighters finally managed to contain the country's biggest wildfire in at least half a century. The fire near the Mediterranean coast ravaged a vast area of the southern Aude department at the peak of the summer tourist season, killing one person and injuring several others. 'The fire is contained but ... until Sunday evening the fire will not be under control,' said Christophe Magny, chief of the region's firefighter unit. Authorities warned that Sunday's forecasted hot, dry winds – similar to those when the fire began – and a heatwave alert, with temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius, would keep the some 1,400 firefighters mobilised on high alert. 'The firefighters will do their utmost before the return of the tramontane' this weekend, the president of the Aude departmental council, Hélène Sandragné, said referring to a northerly wind that regularly blows through the area. The blaze – the largest in at least 50 years – tore through 16,000 hectares of vegetation, disaster officials said, revising an earlier estimate of 17,000 hectares.