The Greek island of Rhodes is the country’s fourth largest and the biggest of the Dodecanese Islands. The Island of the Sun is the cradle of many ancient Greek myths and legends, and has its very own legend, of course.
The story goes that when Zeus, the king of the gods, shares the places of earth among the gods after victory over the Titans, Helios, the god of the sun, is missing and therefore gets nothing. This turns out to be something of a lucky absence as Zeus promises he can have the next piece of land that appears, and beautiful Rhodes rises from the shimmering sea. Helios claims it immediately and is so overwhelmed with happiness that he uses his powers to cover it in sunshine. The Island of the Sun was born and has been attracting visitors from all over the world ever since.
Arriving at Rhodes airport is one of those landings that immediately lifts your spirits. Rugged lands and sparkling turquoise seas beckon, and the warmth embraces you as you emerge into that legendary Rhodian sunshine. Our first stop is the stunning Lindos Grand Resort & Spa, less than an hour from the airport. This adults-only destination overlooks the Cove of Vlycha, and the views from the lobby take our breath away as we look out across the crystal clear infinity pool towards the Aegean Sea. We’ve arrived in seaside heaven.
A thought that’s only amplified when we’re shown our deluxe double room. It comes complete with a large L-shaped private pool, a large veranda with sun loungers, and more ocean views. A space you’ll never want to leave. Of course, we do (eventually) as there are places to be explored…but more importantly, food to be eaten.
Lindos Grand is a real treat for the tastebuds, from the breakfast buffet to fine dining at Thalatta on the hotel’s roof terrace. The highlight being the Pan-Asian banquet prepared in front of us at Yume Mou, I’m still dreaming about the Peking duck and Wagyu sushi.
It’s a short hop from Lindos Grand to the charming Lindos Village, with its whitewashed buildings spilling down the slopes to the sea, winding alleyways, and collection of shops crammed with irresistible mementos. It’s also home to the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia (Lindos Acropolis), which you can climb to take in the ancient history and incredible, far-ranging views.
After all that activity, we head back to the hotel for a rejuvenating massage and some chill time at the Evridiki Spa, calm and tranquil with its water features and beautiful relaxation area. The beach is also near for a different type of therapy, just a short stroll down to the balmy waters for a quick dip and some sea air. A stay at Lindos Grand is food for the soul.
But all good things must end, and it’s time to move on. The second hotel for our two-centre stay is the just-as-spectacular Gennadi Grand Resort, another hour away. Gennadi has a totally different feel, with rooms spread out like a village through beautiful gardens leading down to the huge beach. We’re shown our new home from home, where we discover chic, contemporary style and another private pool for peaceful splashing and sunning. There are also several communal pools and that glorious beach and its tempting ocean of blue.
Epicurean pleasures punctuate Gennadi days. From breakfast at Level 2 with its menu of indulgence and spectacular views, to snacks and drinks at the pool and beach bars, Mezedakia treats (small plates) at Ouzo, or innovative fine dining served with passion at Edesma, there’s something for everyone – and more. Gennadi is undoubtedly a food lover’s paradise.
We even tried to gather some of that gourmet magic with a hands-on cookery course and produced a surprisingly tasty lunch. Clearly, we’ve managed to capture some of that magic ourselves – magic we want to box up and take home.
Because Rhodes, in all its splendour, does feel like a magical isle where the sun seems to dip the land in liquid gold and the cerulean sky mirrors the sapphire sea. Helios knew what he was doing when he blessed his island in the sun, the perfect place for the ultimate, luxury escape.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith