„A Honeymoon is an opportunity to connect with one another and lose yourself in blissful romance.“ – Stella Island, Honeymoon
Finally the time has come. We’re going on our honeymoon. After a short search I came across our dream location and I have to say I and we were extremely satisfied and couldn’t have imagined a better honeymoon. In order not to keep you in suspense any longer, I would like to introduce you to THE IT location on Crete: Stella Island Resort & Spa.
From the first minute we left the airport, I immediately felt special. We were picked up by a taxi and taken directly to the resort, which was 20 minutes away from Heraklion airport. We were welcomed directly and personally. We received our welcome drinks and everything was explained to us very calmly. For the entire check-in you need an app, where you have an overview of everything in the resort at all times. We were then taken to our house in a golf cart. Oh, I’ve always wanted to do that. But let’s get into all the important details about our honeymoon…
the hotel
A 5 star hotel, adults only and all inclusive. I mean what more could you want? And the best is yet to come. The entire complex is designed to make you feel like you are in the Maldives. That means there are only water bungalows here. With the one big difference that these are not directly on the sea but above a huge pool. And to be precise, there are 3 such large pools here. The area is really big and looks like a U.
There are basically 4 different options for what kind of “room” you can book. There is the “Premium Swim Up”, the “Grand Overwater Bungalow with jacuzzi”, the “Island Villa private Pool” and finally a standard room without pool access called “Premium Pool View”. As you can see, there are different offers which of course cost different amounts. The unique thing about Stella Island is that there are no rooms/houses smaller than 34 m².
our little house
We chose the Premium Swim Up. Our own house with a private terrace that leads directly to the infinity pool. It was very romantic and cozy. It had the luxury standard we expected. And a big plus was a dressing room for me. Of course we also had benefits like the minibar, which was refilled every day and there was even room service 24 hours a day. For the couples who don’t want to leave the room at all. We loved always eating out, so we never used room service.
I think we both agree that we chose the right room. We were at the end of the infinity pool and therefore had more peace and privacy. Not everyone could see directly into the our room and that was also very pleasant. Furthermore, the pool was not as deep as in other places. You can see this positively or negatively. It suited us just that way.
the spa
What would a relaxing honeymoon be without a visit to the SPA? I love SPAs and especially massages. After all the stress of the wedding and our move, I desperately need a good massage. The SPA area in the Hotel Stella Island is called ANASSA and is a true oasis of peace. It is divided into 2 areas. Firstly, the relaxation area, where there is a large pool in the middle of the room and convenient delivery options all around. Secondly there are the treatment rooms and the associated waiting area with a whirlpool.
Everything was very professionally. Booking was easy and uncomplicated. When you enter the SPA, you are greeted warmly and shown to the cabin to change. You get a bathrobe and slippers. If you have valuables with you, you can lock them in a separate locker.
That day I decided on the muscle release massage. Where all tensions and knots were released with the help of warm herbal stamps. I more than enjoyed the entire treatment. I was finally so relaxed again that I had goosebumps the whole time. So for anyone who visits Stella Island, the SPA is a must have. Because the relaxing massage allowed me to enjoy my honeymoon even better.
the different restaurants
In total there were 6 different restaurants throughout the Stella Island Resort. One that was open at any time or where you could always go. This main restaurant was open at all times for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here it was more of a buffet where you could take whatever you wanted. The drinks were served to the table. I have to say I was extremely surprised by the quality and presentation. As befits a luxury hotel like Stella Island. There were 2-3 show kitchens where the food was served right in front of you. A large selection of healthy side dishes and of course everything was fresh. Only small portions were always provided so that they could be refilled again and again. Truffles, mussels, steak and much more.
In addition to the main restaurant, there were 5 other restaurants that specialized in a specific cuisine. There was the Greek, the fish, the Asian, the steakhouse and the Mexican restaurant. We went to 4 of them because my husband unfortunately has a fish intolerance. At all restaurants you have to reserve a table in advance.
greek:
The Greek restaurant was the first one we visited. It was at the very beginning of Stella Island, in the middle of the olive trees. The scenery is beautiful, but you shouldn’t forget the cypress trees here. You can’t see the insects, but you can hear them very loudly. The positive thing is that the animals all go to sleep at some point and you can enjoy your dinner in peace. There is no buffet here, but a small selection of dishes. For starters we shared a Greek starter plate, for the main course I had a rabbit ragout and for dessert a tempting honey cake.
asian:
The Asia Restaurant is located on the 1st floor of the steakhouse. From there you can see the beautiful view over the entire Stella Island Resort. As is usual for Asian cuisine, the food is very delicate and light. I felt the occasional Pornstar Martini. As a starter I had the Tuna Tartar and as my main course I had various sushi rolls. My husband had gyoza as a starter and an Asian steak as his main course.
steakhouse:
Something I may have forgotten to mention is that each restaurant also has its own name. That’s why the steakhouse here is called: La Parrilla. Here I had a beef tartare with truffles as a starter and we both had the pepper steak as a main course. I have to say the steak was huge. The grade wasn’t that good, but it was still good. I’m surprised that we ordered dessert afterwards. But I find it hard to say no to tiramisu.
mexican:
We were most looking forward to the Mexican restaurant. Since it’s right next to the show stage and you can just stay seated for the evening show. And the other reason was because we were able to grill our meat and vegetables together right at our table and then assemble our fajitas ourselves. As a starter I had an incredibly delicious guacamole. Which was prepared by the waitress in front of our table. So by far the Stella Island Mexican restaurant was the highlight for us.
the bars
Another advantage of the all inclusive package was that the cocktails were also included. Almost every cocktail on the menu was included. A positive surprise. So it goes without saying that we didn’t have to hold back on the cocktails. I mean it was our honeymoon, so we could totally let ourselves go and have a cocktail whenever we wanted.
In total there were 5 different bars throughout the area. To be honest we only visited 3 of them. At our infinity pool there was our pool bar, where we always swam. After dinner we treated ourselves to something at the main pool and at the end of the evening we drank most of the cocktails at the daily shows. I discovered my love for Cosmopolitan on this vacation. I had already drunk one in Vienna and I didn’t like it at all. Nevertheless, I wanted to try it again in Crete and it was heavenly. No comparison to Vienna. But who knows, maybe I’ll find the perfect Cosmopolitan cocktail in Vienna. I’ll keep you updated.
the evening show
A big surprise for me were the different shows every day. You certainly know these typical shows, which are rather boring and a bit strange. There was nothing like that here at all. I was so amazed by the wonderful show on the first evening that my husband laughed at me the whole time because of how focused I was. In my defense, we were sitting at the back and I can hardly see anything in the distance. The other days we sat in the front rows so I could see the shows better.
But what was so unique about it? Every day there was a different interesting topic. The whole show was consistent from the first second. The music was right, the choreography and all the costumes. There were almost the same dancers every day and there were 3 different singers who performed live. The entire show lasted over an hour and was just very fascinating. The outfits of the women and men were sexy, they could move incredibly well, the music matched it and there was simply an incredible atmosphere. Definitely an evening program for couples.
my summary
We spent a total of 9 days in Stella Island and they flew by to quick. It’s not for nothing that they say that everything beautiful goes by faster. Overall, I was very satisfied with the whole stay. I only have one thing that bothered me and that was the beach. This was shared with the children’s hotel and was unfortunately not as luxurious as the rest of the complex. Unfortunately I found that a bit disappointing. So we were only there once.
Otherwise we loved it there. We had the perfect time for the two of us. Everything is designed for couples and togetherness. We’ve definitely become even closer than we already were. And apparently we weren’t the only ones who used Stella Island for togetherness, because there were many couples who spent their honeymoon or their first vacation together after having a child there. You could say there was love and peace in the air. Therefore, I give this honeymoon 9.9/10 stars.
Conclusion:
Stella Island resort & SPA was a dream honeymoon / holiday place
Adress:
stella island, Analipsi 700 14,
Crete, Greece
Tip:
stay at least 1 week to enjoy every show and to relax
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What is important to mention at the beginning, is that you can only visit the Silent Spa with a lounger reservation. This means there is one reservated daybad and one locker whaiting for you. But the spa is not the biggest – so be quick when making your reservation if you want to visit this thermal spa. After you are warmly welcomed at reception and given the locker chip and brochure about the Silent Spa, you go into the cloakroom. What I found quite cute were the little details in the wardrobe. A gray bathrobe and matching slippers were prepared in the locker. As well as a bathing bag with a large gray bath towel and 2 white sauna towels. So at the beginning there was nothing wrong.
“ … into the heart of the thermal baths „
From the cloakrooms you are led into the heart of the thermal baths. Great importance was also placed on aesthetics. Tall column, indirect lighting and an anticipating feeling. The thermal baths are structured almost like a flower. There is a round core and of which there are 4-petal shaped areas. One of them was the reception. There are berths in the other 3 areas. But I’ll tell you more about that in a separate paragraph.
The food
The day package includes the breakfast buffet and a small cake buffet in the afternoon. That’s why we were there as soon as the Silent Spa opened in the morning, around 9:00 a.m. The restaurant is located right next to the large tower in the middle of the thermal baths. I have to say I was quite surprised that it was completely full at this time. However, after a few minutes of waiting, I managed to get us a table. The breakfast buffet was simple and it was easy to find something you like. There was also a free pot of filter coffee with milk and sugar per table.
Other drinks would have all cost extra. But luckily the orange juice was included. I don’t know about you, but I think orange juice belongs any breakfast if you eat not at home. Whether on vacation, in a restaurant or in a café. Funnily enough, I drink this less at home. Do you feel that way? Please let me know!
In the afternoon, various cakes were offered in the silent spa in the same restaurant. Although I like to eat something sweet every now and then, I’m more of a salty person at heart. So I just grabbed a butter streusel apple pie. The small criticism I have to say here is that no coffee was offered with the cake. Maybe that wouldn’t be a bad idea for the future. There were also drinking fountains scattered throughout the Silent Spa where you could drink water or have a glass of water.
Pools & loungers
The silent spa has pools of different sizes and temperatures. These are also distributed throughout the area. Personally, I find this practical so that not everyone has to swim in just one pool. As already briefly mentioned before about the heart of the thermal baths. There is a large circle of column in the middle that rises far above the roof of the thermal baths. And in that middle there is a multi-tiered fountain. It felt like a little private spot in the spa. This pool in the middle was also the largest and, in my opinion, warmest. You could also swim outside from there into a midium sized outdoorpool.
Our lounger was in one of the pedal-shaped areas with another outdoor pool in the middle. The coloure of this pool was green. I’m not entirely sure whether it was the minerals or the tiles, but it looked nice. There was also an indoor pool in a different pedal-shaped area.
In the Silent Spa you have the choice between a single lounger or a double lounger. We decided on a double lounger. This was effectively a four-poster bed. From the outside it was pretty. I liked these light curtains because they looked so light and you still had a bit of privacy, even though the loungers were quite close to each other. Maybe they weren’t the coziest, but it was practical to be able to retreat to your own bunk.
Sauna area
Taking a sauna is the be-all and end-all of a healthy self-care routine. Taking a sauna is healthy because it promotes blood circulation, strengthens the immune system, relaxes muscles, cleanses the skin and purifies the body, thereby improving well-being and relaxation. And what do we want in a thermal bath? Exactly these things. So off to the sauna.
The Silent Spa’s sauna area consists of 2 saunas, a steam bath and a salt chamber. The saunas can be accessed via a staircase leading up to a separate area. You can undress there in peace, as the sauna area is a clothing-free zone. In this small temple you can choose between a 60 degree and a 90 degree sauna. There are also 2 showers and a cold plunge pool. There are plenty of seats to relax and what I found particularly nice was the atrium. The best way to switch off is in the open air surrounded by fresh herbs (those that survived the winter). Sauna infusions are also offered throughout the day. We didn’t use it that day. We were always in the 90 degree sauna between infusions and made our own infusion with ice. Like a private sauna for two.
I’m not a big fan of „colder“ saunas. Therefore we didn’t try the steam bath (45 degrees) or the salt chamber (30 degrees). But I once went into the salt chamber to take a photo because it looks very beautiful. Funy enough, this one had the best view of all. So I would be all for them converting this into a normal sauna.
Massages
Anyone who knows me better knows that I love massages. It is the ultimate highlight for a relaxing day at the thermal spa. And since I love massages, especially body massages, I’ve already had a few of them. I don’t want to disparage any other massage I’ve had, but this one at Silent Spa was definitely the best massage of my life. The ultimate relaxation in just 90 minutes.
“It was the best massage of my life.”
But let’s start at the beginning. The massage area is located directly at reception. There you have to fill out a form in advance, I would say standard routine. As already briefly mentioned before, the area is really nicely decorated. There is also some seating, but enough for the number of people wanting a massage. I had booked the “Silentium” massage which lasts a total of 90 minutes, starting with a total 40-minute back massage.
And I can tell you my back and my fascia have never been so relaxed. Maybe I should force myself to stretch more after exercise. Let’s see. Afterwards I was given a face mask and while it was absorbed into my skin I was given a foot/leg massage. I really sunk into the lounger. Finally, I got a face/head and neck massage. I hope when you read this that at least the words relax you.
Regarding the Silent Spa’s general offering, it can be said that there is not much choice, but it is perfect for that. There is another treatment called “Levitas” and that´s it. An exclusive relaxation treatment from head to toe, including peeling.
My Summary
So one thing you can’t say is that I can’t make photos. I think the thermal baths look a little different in the pictures than when you are there in person. It’s not particularly big, but it’s well attended. In terms of appearance, I think it’s really beautifully designed and stylishly furnished. But you should be prepared for the fact that you are in a slightly smaller thermal spa. There is a small selection in each area, but I think it is completely sufficient for the number of people it´s designed for and the typical clientele witch is the middle class of austria.
I would recommend this thermal spa to those who don’t want to travel far from Vienna and would like to visit a more fancy basic thermal spa but with excellent massages.