Stella Island Resort & Spa

Liquid stage

Located in the area of Analipsi, just 25 km east of Heraklion, the Stella Island Resort & Spa is a luxurious five-star resort. Its concept is unique by European standards, with water serving as the central theme and design focus.

Design Philosophy

The site’s relatively long distance from the shore and its nearly flat terrain inspired the creation of a bold master plan centered around water. As a result, the buildings -including the guest room wings and communal spaces- are arranged around an expansive, free‑form pool of approximately 5,000 m². Every structure has direct access to the water, creating the illusion of a floating hotel. At the heart of this “Lagoon” are the main common areas, designed as islands connected by wooden walkways and bridges. Together with the wooden platforms outside each room, serving as private terraces, this design gives the resort its distinctive character: a series of wooden, stilted structures suspended over the water. The scene is completed by timber superstructures -decorative sunshades attached to the facades and supported by tall, cylindrical columns that rise from the water. The landscaping, featuring primarily palm trees, adds an exotic and tropical atmosphere.

Materials & Furnishings

Natural building materials play a central role throughout the resort. The facades feature wood, complemented by local dark grey stone in the exterior spaces, creating an inviting sense of tranquility for guests. This approach is reflected in the design of the hotel’s 90 rooms, where wood predominates -including in the decking that seamlessly connects the interiors with the outdoor terrace. The furnishings and equipment have been custom‑designed for this concept, making use of natural oak, polished concrete, stone, and marble. Special attention has been paid to the design of the open bathrooms, combining functional precision with an extraordinary guest experience.

Outdoor Spaces & Amenities

The resort’s communal areas have been designed with the same focus on providing memorable guest moments. The thematic spa, located on the upper floor of the main building, embraces a sleek, modern design inspired by Eastern influences, with a central glass‑walled indoor pool offering sweeping views of the resort. The main restaurant is divided into distinct spaces -some open‑air platforms set directly over the water, some semi‑outdoor spaces with sea views, and a central area distinguished by a striking suspended wooden ceiling with a unique parabolic design, unlike any other in Greece. The open reception area, dominated by crisp white marble, welcomes guests via a diagonal pathway that allows a full, captivating view of the resort- a spectacular scene where water becomes an integral part of the architecture and experience.