Maldives in Europe: Near-perfect copy of the resort with overwater villas
Europe has its own Maldives (photo: stellaisland.reserve)
The Mirror tells about a wonderful alternative located in Europe.
A near copy of the Maldives resort
It turns out that to get a luxurious Maldivian-style experience with floating breakfasts and pools right next to your bed, you only need to travel to sunny Greece.
Today, travelers no longer need to spend huge amounts on flights to the other side of the world or suffer from severe jet lag.
Just a few hours’ flight from most European capitals, there is a unique hotel complex - Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa.
This large adults-only resort is located on the northern coast of the Greek island of Crete.
Its main highlight is a huge artificial lagoon that winds through the entire property. The scale of the complex is so impressive that the management uses a fleet of golf carts to transport guests comfortably around the area.
Life on the water
The concept of this Greek resort fully replicates the best traditions of exotic islands. The property features eight swimming pools, most of them outdoors.
Hotel Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa (photo: stellaisland.reserve)
Around the water surface, there are spacious wooden terraces with comfortable sun loungers where guests can enjoy the soft Mediterranean sun for hours. However, the true highlight of the complex is the “swim-up” room category.
If you choose this type of accommodation, your private terrace will be located directly at the edge of the vast lagoon. This means you can dive into the water straight from your bed or freely swim across the entire resort area.
There is no longer any need to wake up at dawn to secure the best sun lounger by the pool - your personal relaxation space is available from the very first moment you wake up until late at night.
The pricing policy of the complex is also pleasantly different from traditional Maldivian resorts. In the low season, the cost of a standard double room with a pool view starts at approximately €250–300 per night. Luxury overwater villas are more expensive, but still significantly cheaper than flights to the Indian Ocean islands.
Ideal location and alternative options
The Stella Island resort is ideally located in the picturesque area of Analipsi. This is a traditional Cretan seaside village where the luxury of modern hotels blends harmoniously with cozy, authentic tavernas, majestic mountain landscapes, and ancient archaeological sites.
For those seeking a more active nightlife and entertainment, the lively town of Hersonissos is located nearby, offering water parks, museums, and golden sandy beaches.
For travelers looking for a different type of vacation, the region offers equally interesting alternatives. For example, the modern designer hotel NEMA Design Hotel & Spa also operates on an adults-only concept and offers elegant rooms with private jacuzzis and high-end Cretan cuisine restaurants.
And if you are traveling with teenagers, you may want to consider the premium Lyttos Mare complex, which welcomes guests aged 12+ and also features luxurious villas with private pools.
