Thousands of Britons jet off each year and head to the Maldives. With white sands, tropical weather and overwater villas, it is the ultimate luxury holiday destination.
However, flying across the Indian Ocean can cost a fortune. That’s before even considering the price of a bungalow on the ocean and the sea planes or boats you would need to catch from Mali Airport to your resort.
In all, Maldives hotels can cost thousands of pounds each night putting it out of reach for most UK tourists. Luckily, overwater bungalows are becoming more popular around the world, reports the Daily Star.
One hotel in nearby Crete has been described as "a Maldives experience in the Mediterranean sea”. So, those looking to sink into blue waters, relax in the sunshine and swim up to their room can finally afford to do so.
The bungalows are decorated in wood and glass with tropical scenery and a private deck. The Stella Island Luxury Resort & Spa in Greece, looks just as amazing as the real deal.
The 225-room adults-only hotel boasts overwater bungalows, which looks like the ones you’d see in the Maldives. Guests can sunbathe beside a giant pool, on the stylish decks or at a private beach on Crete’s northern coast.
Alternatively, holidaymakers can enjoy dinner at one of the resort’s five restaurants. These include a party garden, a venue offering traditional Cretan food, an Asian restaurant, cocktail cabana and an all day lounge.
There’s also a spa that offers manicures, massages, facials and couples treatments. Plus, holidaymakers can throw themselves into scuba diving, mountain biking, horse riding, trekking and sports if they’re after an adventure.
Anyone who wants to leave the resort can head on an excursion to the archaeological site of Knossos where the dynasty of Minos rules. You’ll be able to spot the Royal Villa, Great Palace, Tomb Sanctuary and learn more about the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur.
There are also plenty of museums, beaches and nightlife nearby. Guests who want to sleep on one of the Maldive’s style overwater bungalows can do so from as little as £299 per night in winter.
The special villas will set you back from £648 in the school holidays or £341 a night in mid-October. The Grand Over Water Bungalow comes with a private outdoor jacuzzi, but will cost more cash.
Stella Island has a rating of 4.5 on TripAdvisor with rave reviews. One person said: “My girlfriend and I stayed at Stella Island for eight nights, and we cannot fault it.
“We had a swim up room, which was ideal because we didn't have to wake up early to get the sun beds and a waitress would take the order for your drinks and bring them over. The beds were comfy and the shower was really powerful.
“Definitely a must to go all inclusive as this covers all your food and drink all night for room service the Kimata buffet in the evening outstanding. Overall the hotel is absolutely beautiful and the architecture was unbelievable, would definitely come back here.”
Check out Stella Island’s availability and pricing on their website here.
