Villa Stella Donna

General Description

Villa Stella Donna is a luxurious, newly built villa in light stone, standing in a pretty village location with glorious views of the sea, mountains and surrounding countryside. This villa offers a  peaceful retreat only a few minutes walk from the centre of Douliana with a couple of tavernas including the well known Ta Douliana *** and a shop. The popular beach resorts of Kalives and Almyrida are only a few minutes drive away making this villa an ideal choice for those who want a beautiful place to stay within striking distance of amenities.

*** The taverna will deliver if you prefer to eat in the privacy of the villa.

Furnished to a very high standard this villa is immaculate providing an ideal choice for a couple, 2 couples holidaying together or a small family. Please note that the upper and lower floors are connected by a spiral staircase and for that reason we cannot accept bookings from families with children under aged 5 years.

First Floor

From the front door you enter the villa at first floor level, into the spacious open plan living area with its vaulted ceiling and magnificent chandeliers. The dining area and fully equipped kitchen are off to one side. French doors open up to two separate dining terraces, both with sea views, the smaller one catches the early morning sun making it a super spot for breakfast.

The kitchen will be a joy for keen cooks as it is comprehensively equipped and benefits from extensive preparation areas in an L shape. The large glass topped dining table with comfy dining chairs is adjacent. The living area comprises of a 2 piece leather suite, 3 and 2 seater sofas.  For your entertainment there is a TV (a full package is provided ie world, news and sport), DVD player and stereo music system.  A wood burner provides a focal point and means that the villa is ideal for early and late season bookings when some heating may be required on chilly evenings. French doors off the lounge lead to the dining terrace (as above) which is furnished with a table and chairs and which has 180 degree views of the sea, the mountains and the lush countryside surrounding the villa.

A shower room with a shower, wc and wash hand basin completes the ground floor accommodation

Ground Floor

Accessed via a wide, wooden, spiral staircase, the spacious, air-conditioned, bedrooms and a large shower room are on the ground floor. The master bedroom has a king size iron bedstead with a luxury mattress made of natural fibres (Harvest Moon Hampton Heritage). A wardrobe with integral drawers provides plenty of storage together with a dressing table and bed side tables. French doors lead out onto a lovely furnished, shady terrace and then to the pool area. The other bedroom has twin beds with iron bedsteads and comfortable mattresses, a wardrobe providing plenty of storage, a dressing table and bedside tables. This bedroom leads out onto its own private terrace area at the back of the property but with access to the pool area. Both bedrooms have lovely views of the surrounding countryside. It goes without saying that the bed linen and towels are of a high quality Egyptian cotton.

The central bathroom has a very large walk-in luxury shower, wash hand basin, wc and a pretty, lit, shelved storage area.

External Areas

The tiled pool with roman steps is set into an extensive, terraced area where you will find lots of sunbeds and umbrellas for sunbathing. Quality towels by Biba and Conran are supplied for use at the pool (please don't take these towels to the beach). Leading up from this terrace, steps bring you to a large shaded area covered by an extensive pergola where you will find the outdoor kitchen (with both stone and portable BBQ's), dining table and chairs. The views from here are far reaching down towards Almirida. In the evening the garden benefits from sympathetic lighting.

New in Sept 21 - a large, shady outdoor seating area adjacent to the pool furnished with a rattan sofa, 2 chairs and a glass topped coffee table.

Notes

The owners do not accept bookings from families with children aged under 5 years. 

Internet Access

Unlimited download via a fixed telephone line.

More Information

Use the different tabs to view the villa's features and amenities, actual location and distances to the nearest beach, shop and taverna. The prices tab contains details of the weekly rate together with discount information and additional charges where applicable. You can check "LIVE" up to date, availability using the availability tab which will also confirm the price for your selected dates ***. If you want to book you can then follow the online prompts. Also see https://www.crete-escapes.com/booking

*** In some cases relating to the low occupancy discount, the price may need adjusting by us. Please see the note on this page for more details https://www.crete-escapes.com/about-our-discounts

Holiday Rental Licence

Villa Stella Donna is licensed for holiday rentals with the Greek Tourist Authorities (EOT). Licence number 1042K92003198101

General

Chania airport -­ 40 mins drive.  Heraklion airport - 1 hour and 45 mins drive.

Nearest Beaches -­ Almyrida­ - 14 mins drive.  Kalives - 13 mins drive.

Nearest Taverna & Shop - Douliana - 3 mins walk.

NB; all times are approximate and based on average driving and walking speeds. Some walking and/or driving may be on unlit and unmade track roads. Please refer to the map tab to view satellite images of the area.

Booking Information

Change-over days are totally flexible but are subject to existing bookings taken either side. If a booking means that the owner would be left with too many "void" days we might not be able to accept it. If this is the case we will contact you without delay to discuss alternatives.

Payment can be made by bank transfer to our sterling account or by debit or credit card (Mastercard or Visa) only.

Our travel information provides details of how to get to Crete including flights to both Chania and Heraklion airports.

If you want to book, please use the availability chart above to check your dates, you can then either book on-line, email enquiries@crete-escapes.com or call us on 0330 111 0061.

Please note: although the calendars show live availability and you can book on-line, please note that your booking is not confirmed until we have issued a confirmation of booking. You may prefer not to book your flights until we have confirmed the booking.

Low occupancy discounts - unfortunately the online booking system automatically calculates the single couples discount based on the number of people entered onto the booking form and the start day of your rental. There are 2 problems with this:-

a) If you are 2 people but not a single couple the system will have automatically calculated a discount when it is not due. Please make use of the "additional notes" box on the booking form to tell us and we will adjust the price accordingly before we confirm your booking.

b) If your rental overlaps from a discounted period to a non-discounted one (or vice versa), the discount calculated will be wrong. In these cases we have to make the adjustment manually. You can still book on-line but we will need to change the price on receipt of your booking request. If the price increases we will contact you to confirm the new price before we confirm your booking and take your deposit.

Please don't let either of these issues put you off making a booking. The discounts are genuine and our villa owners welcome couples out of high season. We just can't fine tune the booking system to account for these 2 circumstances - sorry.

 

 

Lovely quiet villa. Great outdoor spaces for supper and breakfast. Reading, relaxing and cooling off in the lovely pool. Great location for visiting the Chania region, couldn't have been better - July 2024. 

Where do we start? Villa Stella Donna is the most beautiful villa we have been to, the location is perfect nestled in the hills of Douliana. The house is very light and airy and it is spotlessly clean, thanks to Kim the manager. We loved the welcome hamper which had everything we needed including squeezing oranges which were a nice touch for a breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley and the white mountains. The pool was wonderful and we loved having an evening drink in the cabana before our evening meal, the outside kitchen was well used by us and the views once again added to the experience. There are two tavernas within a few minutes walk from the villa, turn left for the Ta Douliana or turn right for Heliostasi; both serving delicious food. Special mention for Vangellis the host at Heliostasi who made us feel very welcome. We do need to mention we are a couple with no car however we still managed to explore the neighbouring villages and we also managed to get to Chania by bus from Kalives which was only a few euros. Overall it’s been an absolute dream and a thank you to Donna and Gerard for sharing their piece of paradise - June 2024.

THERE IS A LAND CALLED CRETE IN THE MIDST OF THE WINE-DARK SEA - thus is the opening line of Heroditus (Histories). To this might be justly added: “ And there, between the mountains and the sea stands a gracious villa, offering ease and tranquility to the weary traveller. From its loggia can be heard the twittering of birds and the distant tinkle of sheep bells.” In four decades of exploring this fascinating isle - from Kallergi hut above the Samaria Gorge to the Dikti mountains and coastal resorts of the east, the Villa Stella Donna stands out supreme. Bless you, Gerard and Donna, for having created (and then shared) this very special place, may it and you continue to flourish! - June 2024.

We have had a wonderful stay in Douliana. The panoramic views of the mountains and mediterranean have been absolutely resplendent, especially in the morning. We have particularly enjoyed the presence of our company in the foem of sheep, birds and of course, cats. We absolutely recommend Kalives for the beach and supermarket, SYNKA. Almyrida also has many splendid beachfront restaurants and is only a 15 eur taxi ride with Almyrida Taxis if you want to enjoy a drink! Thank you so much for our much needed break in this sublime location. We wish we could stay for longer - September 2023. 

We've had the most wonderful relaxing stay at Villa Stella Donna. What a beautiful place, we are going to miss it so much. We've loved the views, the birds, the hens and goats, our resident swallows and regular feline visitors. Stepping out of our bedroom and into the pool every morning has been such a luxury. Thank you for the most restful and lovely stay - September 2023. 

This is our fifth holiday in Crete - we love the mountains, countryside and delicious food, as well as the relaxed friendly vibe. The views from this villa surpass all others and it has been wonderful to relax with a good book, sitting at the balcony table and watching the light on the mountains forever changing. We have also loved the depth of green, surprised to see so many trees and a peak of the sea on the right. The outside spaces are wonderful  and we have loved our dips in the pool to cool down. Thank you for our stay in this beautiful villa - September 2023.   

We got back at the weekend after two idyllic weeks in Crete, the last 10 days of which we spent at Villa Stella Donna. What a wonderful secluded spot, yet still with proximity to Douliana with its two tavernas. Absolutely wonderful. The villa is amazing! Unfortunately some bad weather meant we weren’t able to take advantage of all it had to offer, but we still had the most relaxing and restful time. Many thanks again to you and the owners and management team at Villa Stella Donna - September 2023. 

We have stayed in quite a few villas but this one has been by far the best. The peaceful location with amazing views, the beautiful spacious interior and the fantastic pool area have all made it the perfect place to stay. We've enjoyed wandering down to the local tavernas for an evening meal as well as heading into Kalives and Vamos on a couple of occasions. We're really sad to be going home - August 2023. 

We had a fantastic holiday! Like everyone we found the views of the mountains and the sea incredible. We have enjoyed the local tavernas. Almyrida was a great place for restaurants and family dinners. Everyone was so friendly and our meals there were incredible. Thank you so much for our wonderful stay in this beautiful villa, we have has the most amazing time and are devastated to leave - August 2023. 

We have had a fantastic holiday at Villa Stella Donna - our first proper villa holiday since 2019! It has more than surpassed our expectations. The location is fantastic - very convenient for eating out - both within walking distance and within a short drive. We've been impressed with the quality of the food and variety of food and loved eating 'al fresco'. The views are amazing and the villa has so many different seating areas for shade and relaxation - day and evening. The pool has been a real 'WOW' and great for cooling off and relaxing in several times a day. We've been really happy here. We're sorry to leave, thank you - July 2023. 

I just wanted to say thank you for the recommendation of Stella Donna for our recent Crete holiday.  The whole holiday was absolutely lovely and definitely enhanced by the peace and quiet of Douliana and Stella Donna which was just ideal for us.  A truly lovely villa with excellent outside space and shaded areas for a hot, sunny fortnight!  And the pool is probably one of the best we’ve ever had (and we’ve had a lot!). So, thank you again - July 2023.

Lovely quiet villa, great location, both tavernas good - July 2023. 

WOW!! What a wonderful holiday we have had at the amazing Villa Stella Donna. A beautiful villa in a stunning location and so well equipped, everything has been thought of including a fridge by the pool. The numerous shaded balconies and the beautiful cabana and fab pool have been godsends during this hot and sunny fortnight and we have made good use of them, simply relaxing and drinking in the peace and quiet of this most special location and its amazing views. The 2 tavernas in village square are recommended; it’s been lovely to have them within a few minutes walking distance. Stunning villa, stunning location - June 2023.  

Another wonderful visit, our second time here, Kim the manager was very helpful and swift to answer any queries we had. We just love the ever changing views. Food great in the village square - June 2023.

The peace stillness birdsong, privacy and beauty Villa Stella Donna provides is like a balm to our wounds as we arrived somewhat worn out and tired, we now feel so much better. Hardly did any planned trips we all just lingered here at the villa enjoying the pool and of course the numerous verandahs and most importantly the peace, looking forward to seeing all the photos we have taken here at Villa Stella Donna - May 2023. 

Would like to say a massive thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful villa, everything about it is amazing - the pool, the views and the villa itself are absolutely stunning. We've had a relaxing time and waking up having tea on the veranda is absolutely WOW with those views. The whole place was spotless, couldn't have wished for a better place to stay - October 2022. 

Thank you for a lovely stay at Villa Stella Donna. We leave in the morning having had a fabulous holiday. The villa is wonderful and makes for a truly relaxing and enjoyable holiday. We loved it! - September 2022.

The villa is great, loved it and we have had a wonderful holiday - September 2022. 

What a wonderful villa Stella Donna is. I have been coming to Crete many years and it ranks as one of the best - August 2022. 

We have had a fantastic stay at this beautiful villa. Pool is amazing. Hope to see you soon - August 2022. 

We have had an amazing week here. So peaceful and relaxing at the villa and the village is lovely. Recommend Chania old town for a buzzy evening, Sapphire Sea Tours in Kalives for boat rental, Jon the English butcher in Vamos for BBQ meat, the two tavernas in the village but we preferred Heliotasi for the view. Further afield we went to the Palace at Knossos which was worth the journey but it got very busy so go early and Falasarna beach over in the west which was stunning - light blue sea and good for snorkelling but again, was very busy. Kalives was our favourite local beach and great for dipping into the sea. The villa has been wonderful and we've loved the pool and the view over the bay. Thank you for a wonderful week - July 2022. 

We had another perfect stay, two weeks of total relaxation. The problem is we have to go home. Thank you again - July 2022. 

We have had a great 2 weeks at Villa Stella Donna. The views from the balconies are superb as is the pool. The two tavernas in the village are very good. A taxi took us to the beach for 14 euros. Kim has been very helpful with any questions we had. We would highly recommend this villa - June 2022. 

What a fabulous villa Stella Donna is. Beautifully clean and so well presented it will be difficult to leave. We've had an amazingly peaceful holiday here and look forward to being back again. Thank you so much - May 2022. 

What a heavenly house. Everything was perfect - beautiful decor, well-equipped, gorgeous pool and plenty of places to lie down and relax. A fabulous find, everything it said on the tin, thank you - October 2021. 

Stella Donna is just such a haven of peace. The decor and care that's been taken to make the vills feel so special is very much appreciated. Thank you for the finishing touches. We will be re-booking before we land back home - September 2021. 

Such a delight to be at Villa Stella Donna again. It's every bit as fabulous as we remember it and the addition of the 'cabanne' at the at the far end of the pool - fabulous! Local eateries are great, especially Heliostasis. We hope to be here again soon - September 2021. 

Had another beautiful break in Stella Donna - September 2020

We had a wonderful time at Villa Stella Donna, the villa was better than expected, very clean and welcoming. You always think there will be something that’s not what’s expected but no, it was wonderful and surpassed all our expectations. From the start of the enquiry, our questions and being kept in the loop about COVID was second to none. The two tavernas in the village provided beautiful food and such friendly service.  Couldn’t speak more highly of it to our friends and family - August 2020

Our first time in Crete and it's been wonderful! We were looking for peace and tranquility and couldn't have found a more perfect spot than at Villa Stella Donna ! The tinkling of the goat bells will stay with us forever. Our son who is 10 years old loved the pool and his older bother who is 19 appreciated the outstanding views and the opportunity to re-charge given the troubling times we currently face back in the UK. As fellow villa owners who can't spend time in their own villa this year we would just like to say your villa is immaculate ! Exquisitely furnished,  most comfortable beds and so private! Spotlessly clean with everything you could require - August 2020.

We've been in Crete for 3 weeks and we returned to Douliana, 8 years after we last visited. Stella Donna is a new villa for us, it is delightful with all comforts and many views with an ever changing light during the day. It took us several days to discover all these viewpoints! The village has grown since we were last here but is still peaceful with no noises other than from the local animal life, just as it was all those years ago. We had a great, relaxing and peaceful time here, not ready to return to the noise and bustle of London life ! - September 2019.

We have had a wonderful 2 weeks in Crete. The villa has been the perfect base to explore this beautiful island, a great location and great to be within walking distance of 2 tavernas, both of which we can recommend. We really enjoyed visiting Chania with its beautiful Venetian harbour - we went in the early evening and then enjoyed a meal looking out to sea at sunset - absolutely stunning. We also really enjoyed Almyrida, a lovely little place to visit with a sandy beach and lots of cafes and restaurants and only 5 to 10 minutes drive away. We will miss the wonderful views, the gorgeous weather and the friendly locals  - August 2019

We have had a fantastic time in Villa Stella Donna. The villa is wonderful and a real treat. We have had so much fun here and would love to visit again - August 2019.

Thank you fora wonderful stay at your beautiful villa! The villa is so well designed with terraces and balconies for different parts of the day. Fabulous pool ! We ate locally in Douliana and in Kalyves and also had our favourits spots around the villa for breakfast and lunch. Sad to leave  - August 2019.

This is our first visit to Crete and this lovely villa. You could not have wished for any more with the views of the mountains and the sea, this was just paradise - July 2019.    

We have been coming to Crete for a number of years and this is definitely our favourite villa. The pool (and its temperature) is a fantastic asset. We've eaten well at both local tavernas. It's great having a good choice within such a short distance.  We;ve had our favourite spots for breakfast and lunch enjoying the vistas. We really hope to be back next year - June 2019.

We have just spent 11 wonderful nights in this peaceful, luxurious villa. What a delightful holiday we have spent here. Not only have we enjoyed the villa but the amazing views and natural beauty of this place has been such, that we are truly rested and have enjoyed our stay so much. Thank you so much Gerard and Donna and Crete Escapes for this memorable time. We also had a wonderful time horse riding in the countryside near Kournas - May 2019.

A wonderful restful time in this beautiful part of the world in a villa that provides everything you need for the perfect holiday - delightful. Thank you so much for sharing your Cretan house with us - May 2019.

We have been so delighted and blessed to have stayed here again. It is such a beautiful location here with stunning views and a feel of being close to nature and god's wonderful creation. There is lots to do in this and further locations - a perfect holiday. So peaceful and relaxing - May 2019.

We really enjoyed our stay once again in this beautiful villa. We would recommend your villa to anyone - September 2018.

A wonderful stay in a beautiful villa which is equipped with everything you could wish for to make our stay as comfortable as possible. An extremely comfortable bed, which is unusual from our experience in Greece. Our weather was variable and we were very grateful to have such a comfortable lounge to relax in. We would happily recommend Villa Stella Donna to all our friends - September 2018.

Thank you for letting us stay in your lovely villa. We've had a relaxing time in beautiful surroundings - September 2018.

Overall, it's a very good villa. Spotless, generously sized,  lovely pool and great views. Douliana was so peaceful. The main bedroom is lovely - light and bright. The lounge was good, as is the kitchen, which is very well appointed - September 2018.

This has to be the most beautiful villa we have ever had the joy to stay in, thank you. The luxurious furnishings inside and the gorgeous pool and terrace areas outside are so tastefully designed and throughout is truly stunning. We have had such a wonderful 2 weeks and very much hope to return very soon. The setting is perfect with memorable views each way you turn. Breakfast on the upstairs terrace was always a treat looking at the ever changing colours of the White Mountains or the sun glistening on the sea over Kalives. The morning sound of the cockerels and relaxing twinkle of the goat's bells just added to the charm of this perfect location. Thankyou for allowing us to stay, to Crete Escapes for once again fulfilling our expectations and organising a perfect family holiday and to Richard for maintaining such a beautiful clear pool and for always being so helpful. We will miss Villa Stella Donna so much - August 2018.

We've had an amazing holiday and don't much fancy going home. The villa has been a lovely place to relax and we have adored the large pool. The views are stunning day or night. We spent a couple of nights gazing at the stars. The locals have been super friendly and we found the minimarket at Vamos village useful for a quick shop, they sell incredible home made feta. The very traditional English butcher in Vamos is also worth a try if you like cooking - August 2018.  

We had a fantastic time at Stella Donna in Douliana. The villa surpassed all our expectations. The views were amazing & we could have spent hours just looking at the mountains and the view towards Souda Bay. The property managers were superb, the house was immaculately clean when we arrived and cleaned a couple of times during our stay which was lovely. We couldn’t have been happier. The photos don’t really give an impression of the size of the villa or the plot which was far bigger than we expected. The only problem we had was leaving to return to real life. We could have stayed forever! Thank you to Crete Escapes, to the owners for sharing their villa and to the mangers to looking after it and us so well - August 2018

Such a fantasic villa, home from home, could not ask for anymore and we have stayed in many villas. Such a peaceful area and local restaurants fantastic and friendly. Really sad to leave, would definitely recommend for a relaxing holiday but also ideally situated to explore this part of Crete - July 2018.

Sadly we must leave this place today! An excellent stay here untroubled by anything at all and in a beautiful village. Both tavernas were great too. Thanks for the use of your villa - June 2018.

What can I say about Villa Stella Donna - it is amazing and we had one of our best holidays there. The villa is amazing - spotlessly clean with everything you could want - fully equipped kitchen, fantastic views, a pool area that is so peaceful and comfortable. I especially loved the swing seat! Douliana is a quiet village with a couple of places to eat and was exactly what we were looking for. Almyrida, Kalives and Vamos are just a short distance away. All in all we had a perfect holiday at Villa Stella Donna and hope to be back in the future - June 2018.

Well we dont want to leave but we must! Although the weather was varied, Villa Stella Donna catered for every need and situation so enjoyed cooking and dining on the terrace 'restaurant' area. Also the spotless pool, adjustable beds, cosy and elegant lounge - even Formula One! A truly memorable stay for us all and a wonderful way to celebrate 23 years married - May 2018.

We had a wonderful time, the villa was exceptionally beautiful and well designed, and the pool area so relaxing and private, perfect location too -  May 2018

Thankyou for letting us stay in your wonderful villa, it is a magical place and we wish we could stay longer.  It has been a fantastic base for us, having a comfortable bed and such lovely surroundings as been brilliant. The mountains are an ongoing show - every minute something different - October 2017.

Please thank Gerard and family for allowing us the use of their beautiful villa - October 2017

A wonderful villa, it is a magical place and we wish we could stay longer. It has been a fantastic base for us and having a comfortable bed and such lovely surroundings has been brilliant. The mountains are an ongoing show - every minute something different - October 2017

A beautiful, comfortable villa - so quiet. We enjoyed everything about this villa but especially the pool. Both tavernas in the village offer very good food at reasonable prices - September 2017

An incredible place to stay. A beautiful, clear, sparkling, pool. All mod cons, everything you need and more! Lovely views. Peace and tranquility. Lovely, just lovely! Thank you so much - September 2017

Wow! Fantastic villa with wonderful views across to the sea. Away from the hustle and bustle, situated rurally which was perfect for us. The village is pretty and the locals friendly. The pool was the centre of our stay. Villa Stella Donna is a wonderful place and just the tonic for a relaxing stay - July 2017

This is such a beautiful villa. The pictures don't do it justice. Beautiful position. Tastefully done. Everything you need is here. The kids loved the pool. The dining area on the balcony overlooking the pool was great in the evening - July 2017

Amazing villa. Beautifully decorated. We had a fantastic family holiday even with the heatwave! Pool and outside areas a favourite for all of us. Thanks - June 2017

Stunning villa location with everything you need for a fabulous week or two. You'll struggle to match Stella Donna for value - June 2017.

Wow - fantastic villa. We have had a great holiday with everything you could wish for - April 2017

A great place to stay. Lovely views, beautiful villa with everything you need - April 2017

We had a lovely holiday at the Villa Stella Donna and we loved the villa and the surrounding area, we hope to return for another stay - October 2016. 

Thank you so much for allowing us to stay an extra couple of days - what a lovely villa - October 2016.

Great villa, great holiday and soon we will return - October 2016.

We celebrated our honeymoon here.  It was perfect and more than we could have hoped for. Crete will always have a special place in our hearts, also Villa Stella Donna.  So much so we are already planning our next trip back.  Thank you so much to Donna and Gerard for the lovely welcome in your beautiful villa - September 2016. 

Firstly we'd both like to say that the pictures do not do this place justice! It's amazing and thank you so much for arranging our stay here. We are looking forward to the next week with great excitement. Thank you once again, place is out of this world...PS. Please send our gratitude and thanks to Gerard and Donna for the lovely card and bottle of champagne (for our honeymoon). It's only our first night but we know we'll be back soon - September 2016.

We've had such a wonderful holiday at Villa Stella Donna.  The village is beautiful and the locals very friendly and helpful. The villa is immaculate and perfectly thought out.  We wouldn't change a thing! - August 2016.

Just a quick note to thank you for all your help with our lovely holiday at Villa Stella Donna. The villa was just beautiful and we had a wonderful time. We look forward to coming back in the future - August 2016

Thankyou for a lovely stay at your beautiful villa - July 2016.