‘I’m an agent, and this is why Ella Elissa is my ultimate all-inclusive secret for high-end couples’

Chester-based Jill Bentley knows high-end travel inside out. She spent two decades at Worldwide Escape in Alderley Edge before launching her own business, Jill Bentley Bespoke Travel. And while her background is steeped in tailor-made luxury itineraries, she has noticed a distinct shift in client demands in recent years.

“More people are asking for high-end, ultra-luxury all-inclusive options, but they want choice,” Jill explains (pictured left). “Clients don’t want a standard buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they want something far more refined. There are plenty of adult travellers who love the complete peace of mind that comes with an all-inclusive set-up, provided the quality and choice match their expectations.”

Discovering Ella Resorts

When she first met the team from Ella Resorts in 2024, she said she “instantly loved the concept”, and knew it would meet her clients’ needs. She explains: “It delivers on ultra-luxury while remaining in an accessible price range. It became one of my key go-to recommendations to put forward for adults and families.”

The brand offers lifestyle beach resorts in Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, with further expansion planned across Greece and the wider Mediterranean. Each resort is designed to immerse guests in the spirit of their destination, showcasing the distinctive character, culture, and natural beauty of each location, while celebrating the surrounding landscape, supporting the local community, and embracing eco-conscious design.

Poolside elegance and personalised service

Among the portfolio is Ella Elissa, an adults-only, five-star, beachfront resort in Rhodes, which Jill experienced firsthand while attending a wedding on the island. She stayed in one of the resort’s Junior Suites, and says: “The accommodation was lovely, really bright and airy, with neutral colours and a modern, cool feel. Out on the terrace, we had two sun loungers sitting directly in front of one of the shared pools. What’s great is that instead of everyone crowding around one main pool, there are multiple smaller pools adjoining these suites.”

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For Jill, the atmosphere struck an ideal balance between privacy and high-touch service. “It is very understated, very luxurious, and adult-focused,” she says. “There are no noisy pool aerobics for example, just great music, a chilled vibe, and brilliant waiter service right to your lounger. Nothing was too much trouble. The waiter remembered my wine preference every day, they brought around frozen grapes in the morning, and served healthy granola bowls alongside standard pool snacks. The attention to detail was excellent, with lots of thoughtful touches that were a nice surprise.”

During her trip, Jill also conducted a site inspection of Ella Helea, Ella Resorts' family-friendly property. “The properties sit side-by-side, but Ella Elissa maintains total privacy," she notes. “Even on the beach, the section for Ella Elissa guests is cornered off to preserve that peaceful, adult-only atmosphere.”

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Dining that redefines all-inclusive expectations

A key selling point for agents is Ella Elissa’s Ellavated Bliss offering, which is a luxury upgraded all-inclusive package spanning gourmet dining, drinks, poolside refreshments, exclusive breakfast experiences and a host of in-room perks.

As a self-confessed foodie, Jill was eager to test Ella Elissa's culinary credentials, especially as she was staying with her partner, who is a professional chef.

“Dining is hugely important to me, and their main buffet is one of the best I’ve ever eaten in,” Jill reveals. “It didn't feel like a buffet at all. You have beautiful al fresco dining areas, and the tables were set up with flowers and really nice cutlery. The staff were attentive, dressed very stylishly, and constantly topping up wine or clearing plates. You could easily eat there every night and enjoy a really nice experience.”

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The resort’s specialty restaurants proved equally impressive, and Jill enjoyed a meal at the open-air Fourni restaurant overlooking the beach, with menus created by Michelin starred chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. “It had a really romantic atmosphere, and once again the staff were so attentive. The food was amazing and beautifully presented. Every dish was done to a really high standard, and my partner was really impressed.”

Jill also sampled Masari, the resort’s elegant Asian restaurant. “The food and sushi were fantastic, and not what you’d expect from an all-inclusive restaurant,” she says. “They also have the 'Shori' table experience for small groups, where guests cook using sunken pots of boiling water, which looked like so much fun. Every restaurant kept cover numbers intimate so you never felt packed in or rushed.”

The hotel boasts four bars and a wine cellar, and Jill enjoyed the Siana Lobby Bar. She explains: “It has a vibrant, sociable energy where guests gather to chat or play cards, while the downstairs Listening Bar offers relaxed live acoustic music.”

Guests can also enjoy the restaurants at neighbouring Ella Helea, expanding the choice of dining experiences available throughout their stay.

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Plus, this year Ella Elissa launched immersive culinary and lifestyle experiences, including Culinary Voyages, a series of exclusive dining events featuring Michelin-starred chefs, acclaimed sommeliers and bespoke tasting menus. Bar Mastery sees internationally recognised bartenders host guest takeovers, signature cocktail evenings and interactive masterclasses.

An All-In-One Experience

At the heart of a stay at Ella Elissa is Ella Resorts’ promise of an ‘All-In-One Experience’, where exceptional hospitality, curated dining, wellness, entertainment, and destination-led activities come together.

The resort also offers its Ellascapes programme of curated experience and activities, which are designed to immerse guests in the local culture, heritage, and landscapes of Rhodes. Throughout the year this includes farm-to-table dining experiences, trying local crafts and guided tours to Rhodes’ landmarks. There are also a range of outdoor adventures, including sailing, water sports, hiking and biking.

“Every day there were lots of different things happening you can get involved in, so there’s plenty to do,” Jill explains. 

“The Roée Wellness spa was also very impressive, and really nicely done, with a very minimalist, natural style. There are lots of different options for guests, and when I visited some people were making a body scrub.”

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Location is another key selling point for clients who want the option to explore beyond the resort. “It is a 10-minute taxi ride to Rhodes Old Town, so it’s brilliant for people who want to go and explore,” Jill adds.

Why advisors should put Elissa on their radar

For luxury travel advisors looking to expand their portfolio with a high-quality all-inclusive option, Jill believes Ella Elissa is a stand-out choice.

“I always put it forward if I’m in touch with other agents and they ask if I have any ideas, as it is such a good concept, and it really does offer that attention to detail.”