In this article I would like to describe my first experience on the island of Crete, trying to give some tips to spend a unique and unforgettable holiday.
I left Europe on a charter flight to Heraklion airport.
Despite the restrictive measures dictated by the danger of COVID-19, all the bureaucratic procedures have been very rapid and the airport operators in their exemplary professionalism help tourists in handling all bureaucratic procedures.
As of today it is necessary to have one of the two options:
- valid vaccination certificate
- – PCR test valid in the 72 hours prior to the flight
Also needed:
Before departure, registration is required on the Greek government portal, where all the information regarding the holiday / stay in Greece must be indicated.
On the day of departure, you will receive an email with a QR-Code certifying the request made on the Greek government portal.
In any case, the whole procedure is really simple and efficient.
I did not know Crete and its wonders, so I relied on the numerous reviews on the web to choose a luxury resort that did not include the presence of children or under 18s …. simply because I really wanted to rest without incurring unpleasant screams and shouts ….
My choice fell on an absolutely wonderful resort: Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa -=> https://stellaisland.gr/
Before describing my experience at the resort I would like to give you some little information about Crete…
The beautiful island of Crete happens to also be the largest Greek island, located at the southernmost tip of Greece between the Cretan and Libyan seas.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations visited by thousands of travelers from around the world and the reasons why are obvious to visitors as soon as they reach the picturesque port of the island.
Crete landmarks & sites
The island of Crete stretches for more than 350 km from East to West and operates as the southernmost border of Greece and Europe between the Cretan and the Libyan Sea of Africa.
Due to its sheer size, it offers a huge variety of landscapes for the traveler to explore, from snowy mountain ranges, lavish alpine forests, to palm tree forested gorges and desert-like sceneries.
Crete consists of four Municipalities:
- Heraklion,
- Lassithi,
- Chania,
- Rethymnon,
while it is surrounded by dozens of small islands of which only four are habitable.
The capital of the island is Heraklion, surprisingly one of the largest cities in Greece, which is in no way, shape, or form inferior to the cities of mainland Greece at any front.
In addition to its undeniable natural beauty, however, Crete has a long-standing history that makes it fascinating and culturally rich.
Crete was first inhabited during the Neolithic Age and reached its peak in the Minoan years when the Minoan civilization flourished between 2800 BC. and 1400 BC, mainly during the dynasty of King Minos.
It was then that the island suffered severe damage from the eruption of the Santorini volcano, which later resulted in Crete being an island with countless changes of landscapes where the wild face of the mountain scenery is perfectly combined with the colorful paradise of flowers and the green plains.
In recent years, the combination of intense cosmopolitan life with the calm and serenity of the island’s atmosphere only add to Crete’s appeal, making it a sought-after destination for Greeks and foreigners alike.
Those who love the crowds will find many organized sandy beaches with crystal clear waters that attract many bathers, while lovers of tranquility can head to the various secluded beaches of the island and relax while marveling at the nature that surrounds them.
In Crete, there are many Venetian castles, secluded churches, monasteries, museums, ancient ruins which together with the beautiful enchanting scenery that dominates the landscape everywhere will make your vacation unforgettable.
I would now like to focus on my stay at the Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa.
Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa is an adults-only, 5* establishment designed to satisfy the most eclectic and discerning traveler, it should be your secret retreat of harmony, abundance and genuine Cretan hospitality.
Feel captivated from the very first moment by its blissful earthy ambience and free-spirited vibe, created by its three dominating elements; warm fragrant wood, bright pure white, azure blue waters. Dazzling lagoons surround all the hotel premises, emerging a luxurious selection of elegant offbeat overwater bungalows and rooms, secluded private pool villas for intimacy and airy top floor rooms for marvelous views.
Upon arrival at the resort I was seated in the resort’s lobby, and the customer service representatives offered me a refreshing drink, provided a receipt with my booking code and password to access the WIFI immediately.
The entire check-in procedure is carried out by downloading a dedicated app, which also manages all the activities inside the resort … restaurants, reservations, SPA … etc …
After filling in an electronic form with all my personal data, a customer reception manager came to scan my passport through a multifunctional mobile station …. truly futuristic … and ….. ready to enter the wonderful Grand Overwater Bungalow with Jacuzzi.
The resort is equipped with an internal shuttle service, via golf car, just call the reception and in two minutes a very nice driver arrives at the door of the room to take you wherever you want inside the resort.
The central body is the heart of the entire structure …. Bar, SPA, Restaurant, Reception, a small but spectacular church and a shopping center.
Gastronomical treasures
Explore the gastronomical treasures of the Island and awaken all your senses. Covering a wide gustatory spectrum, our restaurants and bars await you for an array of culinary experiences, to cater for the most demanding taste buds.
Authentic Cretan cuisine, Mediterranean tastes from the Greek sea, luscious meat-cuts, Asian fusion and Mexican fusion, every single one of them in its unique flair, are ready to deliver delight and nourish body and soul, while the pool bars will quench your thirst with the lushest cocktails and refreshing beverages, food and restoration
Guests who choose the all-inclusive formula can enjoy exclusive delicacies in all six themed restaurants in the resort at no additional cost.
- KIMATA
- LA PARELLIA DINNER
- OCEANIA ART CUSINE
- VEGERA
- UMAMI THE FIFTH TASTE
- PARAISO
During the day the waiters travel the whole resort in length and lard to offer all sorts of delicacies.
The smile and kindness reigns throughout the resort ….. every single member of the staff does everything to make the stay unique …. sincerely never happened in my entire life …. of travels around the world.
Superfluous but not to forget that it is possible to train during the day in a gym with the latest equipment in the sector.
Wellness
Anassa Spa, powered by Elemis®, entices you into rejuvenating face and body treatments while the indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam are at your disposal to ensure the deepest relaxation.
During the day it’s possible to visit the gym and keep-fit sessions created by resort experienced fitness instructors.
You can also activate mind and body in the most natural way, through the experience of My Equilibria® innovative fitness system.
The healthy climate of Crete allows you to carry out a myriad of activities:
- Water sports
The fans of water sports will not be disappointed in Hersonissos as there are many water sports centers in the area. Go-carts, parachute, jet ski, bungee jumping, football, scuba-diving and all kind of water-sports such as water skiing, parasailing, banana, ringos or a pedalo, can be practiced in the vast areas of these centers which attract every day thousands of water sports enthusiasts.
- Scuba diving
The extremely beautiful and interesting terrain of the Cretan land continues below the present level of the sea with canyons, cliffs, vertical walls, meadows, caves and shipwrecks waiting hidden beneath the surface.
Come, dive and explore with confidence with the help of trained personnel that all the diving centers in Crete have.
One thing is certain, that interested visitors, beginners, experienced or skilled divers will collect unique and unforgettable experiences and images, from the seabed of the coastal area of Heraklion.
- Mountain biking
Crete is the place to be if you are a mountain bike, road bike, E-bike or hybrid bicycle cyclist.
Discover the beautiful island of Crete by bicycle on every kind of bike you prefer in order to learn more about the landscape, culture and the people who inhabit this fantastic Island.
The plenty bike hire centers offer a wide variety of tours for everyone fulfilling every demand: from comfortable downhill bike trekking tours for the whole family, up to programs for top-performance athletes.
- Horse riding
If you like horses and admire their beauty, if you are fascinated by their power, if you enjoy the skill and balance in canter and if you want to escape and feel the freedom to enjoy the countryside, then the Ideal experience will be a memorable horse riding tour.
Discover luscious green hills, goat-trodden tracks, olive groves, herbs and wild flowers, lake waterfalls, small and friendly villages and beautiful beaches just by choosing to visit a horseback riding academy.
- Trekking
The best way to explore Crete is to walk off the beaten track, beyond the places reached by car, follow ancient paths, explore the magnificent scents of herbs in the canyons, climb on the tops of the highest mountains and enjoy the view to the deep blue Cretan and Libyan Sea on the horizon.
Thanks to an immense network of paths and trails in Crete, there is a large number of hiking routes on which you can get to know this beautiful island on foot.
- Sports
At Stella Island you can fill your day by just sitting near the pool hanging out with your favorite book. But for those who want to exercise their bodies and do fun activities there is a whole array of sports in our Sports Centre including tennis, beach-volley, table tennis, football, mini golf, petanque, basketball.
There are also plenty of group activities such as yoga, TRX, zumba, aerobic etc.
I was very happy to have a dream vacation at Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa and I am sure that I will be back soon for more fantastic vacations.
I would like to particularly thank:
– Ms. Marianna Papadaki: Guest relations – she helped me to spend an unforgettable holiday fulfilling every wish
– Ms. Vicky Maltabe: HR Director – always present for every need and organization of activities
– Ms. Nikoleta Gianadaki: Reservations Department – She helped me to book …. and supported me in my thousand changes …. in the choice of accommodation within the resort …. kindness and efficiency out of the ordinary.
For all those who want to book a dream vacation, I am attaching the contacts:
Analipsis Hersonissos
Crete Greece
TEL: +30 28975 01701
FAX: +30 28970 29228
email: [email protected]
