Stella Island Resort & Spa, Crete All-Inclusive Reviewed in 2025

What to Do

We’ve singled this resort out for its awesome swimming pools, so be sure to build time into your itinerary to make the most of them. However, Crete has so much to offer on its hundreds of miles of coastline, among its hills and mountains, and in its typical Greek villages.

Several water sports centers are in the area and offer fun like water skiing, pedal boats, parasailing, banana boating, and more. If you’re comfortable, renting a small boat is even better. Divers will enjoy the underwater canyons, cliffs, caves, and shipwrecks on scuba excursions around Crete.

On land, you can explore the rugged interior of the island on a mountain bike or horseback to add an element of fun, passing thousand-year-old ruins and small villages that have survived through centuries. Trekkers will enjoy a huge number of trails through the mountains of Crete.

What to Eat & Drink

There are not one, but two options for buffet breakfasts at Stella Island: Kimata and La Parilla, both serving extensive American favorites. At lunchtime, Kimata continues with a buffet of international selections, while La Parilla switches to casual à-la-carte dining specializing in meats.

The Cabana Pool Bar and the Makuti infinity bar are two other casual lunch spots, as well as where to get your poolside drinks. But those aren’t the only two bar options – Utopia, Umbra, and Paraiso serve drinks by the pools and beach, too.

There’s a huge variety of dinner options at this resort. Kimata continues with its international buffet. Oceana serves seafood à-la-carte and fresh from the Aegean and beyond. You can try traditional Cretan food at Vegera, sushi and Japanese barbecue at Umami, or meat specialties at La Parilla. Best of all – they’re all free with your all-inclusive stay.

Room Guide

With seven different room categories, you have plenty to choose from at Stella Island: room size, view, pool access, and private jacuzzi or pool, to name a few. We’re going to simplify them here – don’t hesitate to take a look at the ones you like on Stella’s website, as they do an excellent job of providing layouts and photos.

Luxury Pool View & Premium Pool View: These entry-level room types are the most budget-friendly options, both featuring upper-floor views of the resort and its swimming pools from floor-to-ceiling windows. The main difference between the two is their size, at 290 square feet (27 square meters) and 366 square feet (34 square meters), respectively, making for a more spacious layout in the latter.

Luxury Swim-Up & Premium Swim-Up: These categories provide one of the best ways to enjoy the resort’s magnificent swimming pools: by having direct access to them from your balcony. Their sizes are the same as the luxury and premium options above, but your terrace is a wooden deck over the pool furnished with sun loungers.

Overwater Bungalow, with or without Jacuzzi: These two room types are the Greek take on those picturesque overwater bungalows found on tropical island resorts. The standard version is a private, individual room sitting almost totally over the pool and with direct access to it, while the jacuzzi option adds just that plus extra space and a hammock over the pool.

Island Villa Private Pool: The top of the top at Stella Island does better than direct pool access – it gives you your own. This is a very large space at over 860 square feet (80 square meters) with a pool tucked in its courtyard between sliding glass doors and your outdoor furniture set. It’s the perfect place for an intimate day under the Greek sun away from the world.

Special Experiences

Stella Island is an adults-only experience, making it an excellent place to plan a special event or romantic trip. The resort is ready to help you plan, and make a unique and memorable vacation.

For starters, take a look at their several romance packages, great for honeymoons, anniversaries, or similar celebrations. Some of the special touches they include are rose petals on your bed, chilled wine, treats from Crete and keepsake gifts to remember the trip, and much more.

Other bigger options include a private photography session around the (incredibly picturesque) resort and spa treatments for couples. You can go all-out with private dining in a special spot and with a custom menu, plus arrange for private live music and more.