DESTINATIONS NEW RESORTS | GREECE & CYPRUS Hellenic havens
ravel Weekly tests out two rebranded resorts to sell this summer, with reviews of Ella Rocrita in Crete and Imperial Island Resort by Louis Hotels in Cyprus
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ELLA ROCRITA CRETE
Crete is not short of resorts, so when a newcomer claims to redraw the blueprint, you might raise an eyebrow before telling clients to reach for their suitcase. But five-star Ella Rocrita, which debuted in March after a two-year expansion and reconstruction of the former Aldiana Club Kreta, is starting with a setting that feels like a statement of intent. The 358-room all-inclusive property sits on the Greek island’s rugged northeast coast, closer to quiet Cretan fishing villages than to the large-scale resorts seen elsewhere. The 90-minute journey from Heraklion International
Airport is a long but scenic series of stunning cliff edges, sun-scorched hills and dramatic flashes of the Aegean, so by the time guests arrive, they’ve already had a glimpse of the island. It’s worth noting the current international airport at Heraklion will soon close to make way for a new base at Kastelli in a couple of years, which will reduce the journey time.
ANCIENT TO MODERN The vast Ella Rocrita spreads across the hillside, with earthy tones and stone textures that blend into the landscape and echo Crete’s Minoan roots. Rooms, however, are much more modern, with smart TVs, great
lighting, robes, slippers and branded beach bags. Many also have a shared swim-up pool. However, the resort’s open layout means some rooms look out at car parks or busy tennis courts, and guests will be aware of sightlines to other people’s terraces – and vice versa.
Activities for kids include padel,
tennis and a pool with an obstacle course, while couples and solo travellers can find quieter corners
For kids, of which there were many during my visit,
there are activities at Ella Land Kids’ Club, including watersports, padel and tennis, plus a pool with an obstacle course. But couples and solo travellers can still find quieter corners, particularly in swim-up areas and higher room categories. In fact, Ella Rocrita has swimming pools in abundance. The main sea-facing pool is stunning, especially in the early evening when the whole area settles into a spellbinding sunset. That’s also when the rooftop and beach bars come into their own.
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travelweekly.co.uk 30 JULY 2026 45
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