Rhodes to relaxation

Discover a peaceful gem on this magical Greek Island

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaking up the azure waters of the Aegean sea, then Rhodes is the perfect spot. The largest of the Greek islands, it boasts beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and plenty of history and culture. A four-hour flight from the UK, you’ll want to start your holiday the minute you touch down, so the exclusive The Ixian Grand & All Suites, just a 12-minute drive from the airport, is the perfect spot. Right on the beach with the sea lapping onto the private Ixia Bay, this stylish adults-only hotel provides a haven from which to explore this Grecian holiday spot.

Hidden luxury

The hotel has been thoughtfully designed so that it still feels intimate and private despite boasting around 350 rooms. There are two freshwater pools and a smaller, quiet pool for when you want to get lost in your book. Many of the rooms have recently been refurbished and there are a selection of suites to suit your needs and budget, which offer a choice of privacy or unrivalled views of the stunning coastline. We stayed in their Beach Front Grand Suite with swim up pool which provides the best holiday photo opportunities. The suite has a king size bed, large dressing area, lounge and spacious bathroom with a spa bath in which you can soak with a cheeky glass of fizz while you gaze at the stunning view of the bay. Beautiful planting around the grounds and pockets of spaces where you can enjoy a drink or escape from the sunshine offera sanctuary, otherwise the hotel lobby provides a hub for those wanting to hang out at Truman’s bar or take a wander around the shop. In the evenings there is a programme of entertainment from exceptional operatic performances to lively funk bands. All around the hotel, the staff are so friendly and welcoming, giving a really warm feel which lures many guests back each year.

Food and drink

All-inclusive packages are a big draw for travellers, and there is plenty to be excited about at The Ixian Grand & All Suites. As well as an extensive buffet restaurant, serving a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are also a couple of a la carte dining opportunities included in your stay. Muza Htista has contemporary fusion cuisine combining Japanese and Peruvian dishes. But our favourite was the more traditional Milonges restaurant where we enjoyed classic Greek dishes such as moussaka oozing with cheese, rich beef stifado and a lamb kleftiko which melted in the mouth. If you’re staying in the suites, the stylish Alazonia Restaurant offers a la carte breakfast and dinner with exceptional service and stunning views. The hotel prides itself on it’s cocktails and each restaurant has a bespoke selection of drinks designed to accompany the menu, each with its own special twist.

Historic sights

Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just a ten-minute drive away, where you can explore the harbour and warren of streets packed with restaurants, gelaterias and gift shops within its 4km walls. The old quarter is a treasure trove of historic ruins and archways which you can discover amongst the cobbled streets – a great way to uncover the island’s tempestuous past. It can get busy in the summer so if you prefer to avoid the tourist bustle, slip into one of the side streets where you can easily find a tucked away spot to enjoy plates loaded with Greek salad and an ice-cold Mythos beer. A walk outside of the walls at Mandraki Harbour allows for a nose at the super yachts and will also take you past stalls heaving with natural sponges and local, handmade souvenirs.

Sublime spa

After a day of sightseeing (or sunbathing!) make sure to check into the hotel’s on-site spa to guarantee you’re fully relaxed before your flight home. There’s a range of treatments on offer from bespoke facials, beauty treatments and massages which are suitable for men, women or couples. Low lighting and comfortable loungers are positioned around a peaceful Turkish Bath style pool which is a calm sanctuary for you to chill out after your treatment.

Need to know

Words: Louise Bennett. Photos: The Ixian Grand & All Suites